The ‘59 Chevrolet and the Ford Quicksilver
“On seeing the ‘59 Chevrolet clay model, Ford designers soon convinced themselves that GM had somehow caught on to what Ford was doing and was purposely trying to mislead them.”
Ford Mustang Mach 2
The Ford Mach 2 and the short careers of Knudsen and Shinoda at Ford.
Ford Designer McKinley W. (Mac) Thompson, Jr.
Highlights of the career of Mac Thompson—Ford Designer from 1956–1985.
Herbert Hoover’s Dog House
Gil Spear (designer at Ford and the subject of the last post), while working for Norman Bel Geddes, was commissioned to create a dog house for Herbert Hoover. Here’s the story.
Ford Designer Gil Spear’s Idea Sketchbook
Fascinating images from Ford designer Gil Spear’s idea and innovation sketchbook.
Roger Hughet Tribute at GM Design
GM designer Roger Hughet’s wok on display at GM Design.
Bob Marcks Ford Renderings
A collection of renderings by Bob Marcks
The First Stingray
An interesting account from 1977 of Mitchell’s Stingray racing effort with quotes by Mitchell and Kenny Eschenbach.
Herb Adams: FBCG Entries and His Vivant
Herb’s six FBCG entries included one made from a block of Plexiglas, and another from cast in aluminum!
Maestro: Bill Mitchell, Second Edition
Dean’s Garage reviews Maestro: Bill Mitchell, Second Edition by Roy Lonberger.
Mitchell’s 1977 Pontiac Phantom
I remember the seeing the Pontiac Phantom many times at Design Staff. Let’s just say it had mixed internal reviews.
Mitchell’s Bikes, 1977
“Mitchell’s Latest” motorcycles, published in Car Styling, January 1977
The Designs of Henry Rom
For Henry Rom, his 1953 award-winning Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild entry was just the beginning.
Proud To Be An American
Dick Ruzzin, on a GM trip to Germany in 2001, recounts a heart-felt encounter with an Italian bus driver.
Bill Mitchell’s Red Baron
Bill Mitchell’s Red Baron Custom BMW Motorcycle Mystery.
Bill Mitchell’s Fast Living on Two Wheels
Mitchell’s custom motorcycles, published in Car Styling, August 1974
City Sanitation Vehicle
Harry Bradley illustrations published in Car Styling, July 1976
Stretch Pickup Truck
Exciting behind-the-scenes events in designing “The Longwood.” by Stan Mott
Design Insight Behind the Opel Bitter CD
Dick Ruzzin tells the story of the creation of the Opel Bitter.
Jim Musser 2013 Interview
Jim Musser speaks about many of the special projects he worked on during his time with Frank Winchell’s Chevy R&D team, including the development of the Corvair Monza GT, GM’s relationship with Jim Hall and Chaparral, and the underappreciated Corvette XP-819 concept.
Studio Paddle Pool and Vertical Jump Contests
Jerry Hirschberg-inspired studio competitions. By Bruce Brooks.
1971 Boat-Tail Riviera A-body
The design started on an A-body platform. By Bruce Brooks.
Airborne Hot Coffee and the Clay Bowling Ball Pranks
Priceless studio pranks recalled by Bruce Brooks.
Bill Mitchell’s Three Wheeler Time Trials
Graham Bell got the best time. By Bruce Brooks.