Classiq Designer Series—Featuring Wayne Kady
Clasiq sits down with retired General Motors Chief Designer for Cadillac, Wayne Kady. Kady is the man responsible for leading the redesign of the 1971 Cadillac Eldorado which replaced the previous model designed in ‘67. This was the first time since 1966 Cadillac produced a convertible model for the Eldorado. Hear his amazing fist hand insights into some of the design choices made that helped make the ninth generation Eldorado so prolific.
Future videos in the series will feature Bill Michalak, and Bill Porter.
Video Credits: Julie Hyde-Edwards and Robert Edwards for making the videos possible, Clasiq for producing the series. Sponsored by Farmers Insurance.
Published on Dean’s Garage by permission by Charlie Rubin, Clasiq COO and Founder.
GM Designer Wayne Kady
Proportions
Former Cadillac Chief Designer Wayne Kady talks about how important proportions are to the overall design of a car.
Bustleback Seville
Love it or hate it, the Bustleback Seville happened. Some would say Wayne Kady is one of the men responsible for that particular design decision. Listen in on what he has to say about the Bustleback.
Wayne,
Thanks for sharing insights about your career at GM Design. You created and lead the design teams for several significant GM cars
for which you can feel proud of. It was fun working with you on several League of Retired Automotive Designers Projects as a fellow founding member. You look well in retirement and I hope you’re still having fun with cars… Your friend, John M. Mellberg
Wayne,
What’s that red coupe model on the shelf to the left of you, in the Bustleback Seville video first view?
John P
Wayne was one of the most courteous yet strongest willed chief designers at GM. I worked with him on loan to Cadillac studio occasionally. I was able to observe how he dealt with those In authority on design disagreements. For instance, if Bill Mitchell came in and wanted something changed on the model, Wayne would not argue in the face of bluster, but neither would he necessarily make the requested changes. He stood up for what he believed in.
Wayne, great reflection of your outstanding career as Chief Designer for Cadillac. Working for you in Cadillac Studio was the most fun I had designing and a highlight of my career. I developed a great respect for your talent and ability to lead the team to many great designs and stand up to management for your convictions.
Thank you for making great cars Wayne, we enjoy our 82 Bustleback everytime we see it standing , from every angle , and everywhere we show up people are amazed, yes, still today.
The digital dashboard, moon roof, memory seats, on board computer, catalizator…this car was very advanced, and still a pleasure to use today in 2020.
The French call it “le petit Rolls Royce,” indeed, still looks more expensive then it is.
I installed trunks of written of bustlebacks as a roof above exterior doors, hang a light in it …. my “Wayne Kady” building in progress
Maybe we meet again @ Hickory corners during a Cadillac La Salle club fall meet.
Your friend from France, Dirk Van Dorst, Director of European affiliates CLC
One of my proudest moments at Design was taking part in Cadillac Studio’s answer to Cadillac Division’s announcement that they had commissioned an Italian Design House to create a 2 seater design for them. The word spread through Design Staff like wildfire. I’m not sure who made the call, but our reaction was “Baloney, we’re answering that challenge!” Wayne’s team led the charge and there was a priority given to support this project that didn’t need to be said. All the resources of Design Staff couldn’t get there fast enough if a call came out from Cadillac Studio for support or service. Hourly, salary, modeling, engineering, fabrication, trucking, sanitation….we were all pulling together. It was a great time……
Great to hear part of the story of one beautiful car from its creator!