What was a popular machine that everyone wanted to own but could not buy during World War II?

Automobiles could not be purchased during World War II because the plants in which they were manufactured began to be used for the production equipment such as jeeps, trucks, tanks, airplanes, bombs, torpedoes, ammunition, and steel helmets in accordance with government contracts.

On February 22, 1942, automobile manufacturing was ended, and the Automotive Council for War Production began two months later. Since production from January to February 22 had stockpiled 520,000 vehicles, these vehicles were distributed in what was termed rationed sales. Auto dealers sold them during the war to purchasers who were considered "essential drivers." In fact, during the war all drivers were restricted because there was rationing of gasoline and tires. In addition, the government set a national speed limit of 35 mph.

Then, in the Spring of 1942, the Automotive Council for War Production was formed. This involved the sharing of manpower, and expertise in contracts in defense production. Since only 30,000 new cars remained out the stockpile by April, 1944, the major automobile manufacturers were given the authorization by the War Production Board to begin preliminary work on experimental models of passenger cars by the fall of this year. This was all done with the strict provision that the work would not interfere with production of war products; furthermore, this work was to be done by the technicians and the engineers only because limits were drawn on labor and materials.