This is my pick for the best sign EVER. Some signs have developed more interesting details over time, but only because of aging.

Our Founding Fathers promised "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" in their 1776 Mission Statement. And this sign delivers on that promise--in metal, paint and neon.

It's all right here, Bunky, in American-made steel: Freedom to Travel, Freedom to Choose, Freedom to Enjoy Another Night, Another Day, and Another and Another.

This sign was perfect from Day One in 1958. It was conceived in a glorious burst of American creativity, exuberance, and perhaps beer. No other country on earth could (or would) put up a sign that collides several wacky geometric forms and then goes completely over-the-top with stylized faux-Italian lettering. And a star.

The selling here is in-your-face...but entertaining and tasteful. The sign offers the name and a stylized arrow pointing to the low irregularly-shaped building. And no mention of price! Typically that was negotiable depending on how full they were...and how tired YOU were. How very American!

Too bad the Capri is not on Rt 66, although it's only a short distance away. Also too bad that only "part" of the neon still works, as a motel employee tactfully put it. My shot was made just before sunset. The solarization is in keeping, I think, with the spirit of the sign designers...if not the Founding Fathers.