Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Harley Earl, Father of the "Dream" Car

Mr. Harley J. Earl / Father of the "Dream" Car / 1893 - 1969 
Harley Earl was an automotive stylist, engineer and industrial engineer. His most famous time was with General Motors from 1927 until 1959, where he became Vice President of Design. He is remembered as the first styling chief in the United States automobile industry, the originator of clay modeling of automotive designs, the wraparound windshield, the hardtop sedan, factory two-tone paint and tail fins. Which he introduced on the 1948 Cadillac.

This was top-drawer concept styling for it's day! Check out those hidden headlights, grill, wraparound bumper, flush door handles  and hood ornament!  Buick took it's cue from this car in following years. Pretty boss looking stuff!
There's big Harley behind the wheel of the Buick Y-Job




2 comments:

Ken Mitchroney said...

Harley is the MAN! one of the reasons i love Chevrolet.

Jeff DeGrandis said...

HEY BIG DADDY K!!!
I'M WITH YOU ON THAT, BUDDY!!!
TAKE CARE KEN AND GO TO POWEL'S BOOKS THIS WEEKEND.
YOUR PAL...COUSIN JEFF