Buick Flamingo Show Car, 1961. One of Buick's entries in the final GM Motorama was a heavily accessorised Electra 225 Convertible. Non-standard items included pearlescent pink finish, a custom interior featuring two-tone upholstery in pink leather contrasted with cranberry brocade and a pivoting passenger seat, which could turn through 180º to face the rear passengers. 

The 1954 Cadillac La Espada concept was a driveable show car first shown at the 1954 GM Motorama

The General Motors' auto show, the "Midcentury Motorama," at the Waldorf-Astoria, January 18, 1950.

Photo: Associated Press via Viewing NYC

This Day In History, April 23, 1996 Zora Arkus-Duntov, Belgian-American automotive engineer, known as "the Father of the Corvette", dies at 86

Zora Arkus-Duntov (December 25, 1909 – April 21, 1996) was a Belgian-born American engineer whose work on the Chevrolet Corvette earned him the nickname "Father of the Corvette." He is sometimes erroneously referred to as the inventor of the Corvette; that title belongs to Harley Earl. He was also a professional racing driver, appearing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times and taking class wins in 1954 and 1955.

Arkus-Duntov joined General Motors in 1953 after seeing the Motorama Corvette on display in New York City. He found the car visually superb, but was disappointed with what was underneath. He wrote Chevrolet chief engineer Ed Cole that it would be a pleasure to work on such a beautiful car; he also included a technical paper which proposed an analytical method of determining a car's top speed. Chevrolet was so impressed, engineer Maurice Olley invited him to come to Detroit. On May 1, 1953, Arkus-Duntov started at Chevrolet as an assistant staff engineer.

Shortly after going to work for Chevrolet, Arkus-Duntov set the tone for what he was about to accomplish in a memo to his bosses. The document, "Thoughts Pertaining to Youth, Hot Rodders and Chevrolet", laid out Duntov's views on overcoming Ford's lead in use by customizers and racers, and how to increase both the acceptance and the likelihood of success of the Chevrolet V8 in this market. In 1957 Arkus-Duntov became Director of High Performance Vehicles at Chevrolet. After helping to introduce the small-block V8 engine to the Corvette in 1955, providing the car with much-needed power, he set about showcasing the engine by ascending Pike's Peak in 1956 in a pre-production car (a 1956 Bel Air 4-door hardtop), setting a stock car record. He took a Corvette to Daytona Beach the same year and hit a record-setting 150 mph (240 km/h) over the flying mile.[citation needed] He also developed the famous Duntov high-lift camshaft and helped bring fuel injection to the Corvette in 1957. He is credited with introducing the first mass-produced American car with four-wheel disc brakes.

A conflict arose between Duntov and Chevrolet chief designer Bill Mitchell over the design of the new C2 Corvette "Sting Ray" model. Mitchell designed the car with a long hood and a raised windsplit that ran the length of the roof and continued down the back on a pillar that bisected the rear window into right and left halves. Duntov felt that the elongated hood interfered with the driver's view of the road ahead, and the rear pillar obscured the driver's view rearwards. The split rear window was widely criticized, and a one-piece backlite was put in its place the next year.

Brochure General Motors Motorama 1949-1961. - Source Automobiles and Dealerships of the Past and the Modern Era.

1953 Buick Wildcat

Built for the 1953 General Motors Motorama, one of the first fiberglass Buicks.

The first Chevrolet Corvette rolls off the assembly line in Flint on June 30, 1953.

National Corvette Day

An American icon in the world of automobiles, the Corvette represents  freedom, speed and victory. Learn more about the history of this  classic car and celebrate it on National Corvette Day!

History of National Corvette Day

Emerging as the unique sports car design in an otherwise rather  boring line of vehicles for General Motor’s Chevrolet brand, the  Corvette brought a new vibe in 1953. Premiering at New York City’s GM  Motorama Show, the Corvette was a sports car that came off the Flint,  Michigan assembly line a few months later–on June 30.

The original model of this car got off to a slow start – selling only  183 out of the original production of 300. But when the 1957 Corvette  Super Sport was born, it quickly became legendary with its V-8 engine  and up to 225 horsepower. Since that time, the Corvette has been a  symbol of speed and sport for several generations.

The Corvette logo is two flags on crossed poles. One of the flags is  checkered to symbolize the race, while the other is the American stars  and stripes flag to symbolize the place of its production.

National Corvette Day is celebrated on June 30, giving a nod to the  day the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line back in 1953. It was  in June 2008, in honor of the 55th anniversary of this classic car,  that the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution that  the day would be known as National Corvette Day.

How to Celebrate National Corvette Day

For car lovers, National Corvette Day is a simple one to enjoy, complete with delightful activities such as:

Visit a Car Museum or Exhibit  

Enjoy the fun of National Corvette Day by taking a look at some  classic cars. Of course, the ideal place to visit on this day would be  the National Corvette Museum located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Established by a non-profit foundation in 1994, this museum exists to  celebrate, preserve and educate about the past, present and future of  the Corvette.

It’s also possible to become a member of the museum, joining almost  40,000 other Corvette enthusiasts from all over the world. Individuals,  families, businesses and clubs can all join on different levels, whether  annually or even for a lifetime. Members have access to free admission,  magazine subscriptions and discounts as well as other fun benefits.

Enjoy a Local Celebration  

Many Chevrolet and GM dealers in different locations will host open  houses and events for community members to visit and look at different  models of Corvettes that might be on sales floors. Or perhaps they will  use the day to bring in some models that are normally in private  collections.

Drive Your Corvette  

Of course, the most obvious answer to celebrating the day for  Corvette owners is to take a little spin. Convertible owners can even  roll down that top and make the neighbors jealous. Or, even better,  offer to take them for a short ride around the block and make it a time  for everyone to get in on the celebration of National Corvette Day!

Source

GM Design Unearths Stunning 1955 GMC L’Universelle Concept. These days, the minivan is considered a soulless transportation brick to ferry the brood to and fro. However, back in the ‘50s, GMC had something much more stylish and desirable in mind, as evidenced by the following concept photos recently unearthed by GM Design. What we have here is the 1955 GMC L’Universelle, a vehicle considered an early precursor to the minivan. However, unlike the current crop of minivans, the 1955 GMC L’Universelle concept was simply dripping with style and sex appeal. Pulled from the GM Design Archives & Special Collections, these photos were recently posted to the official GM Design Instagram feed. Making its debut at the 1955 Motorama show, the GMC L’Universelle included a front-mounted 287 V8 engine driving the front wheels. As such, the vehicle provided oodles of space in the rear for, well, whatever you could imagine. The design was penned under the direction of Harley Earl and Charles Jordan, and featured gullwing doors for easy access to the cabin space, as well as a rear door section that would lift up for easy access to the cargo area. The name is French for “the universal,” an appropriate title given the concept’s myriad applications. At the time, General Motors envisaged the vehicle’s use as a delivery truck, taxi, bus, or station wagon, as well as transportation for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to a wide variety of possible uses, the 1955 GMC L’Universelle was simply gorgeous to look at as well, with large bumpers, tail fins, and a two-tone color scheme with pink on silver. Unfortunately, the 1955 GMC L’Universelle never made it beyond the concept stage. However, the design did provide a inspiration for production vehicles to follow, such as the Chevrolet Corvair Greenbriar. 📷 Source: gmauthority.com www.CDLhunter.com #gmc #gmctruck #gmctrucks #gmcsemi #gmcdaily #truckin #trucklife #logistics #truckerhat #liftedtrucks #trucknation #truckporn #trucker #truckdaily #truckerslife #transport #truckshow #truckerlife #cdljob #cdljobs #cdlhunter 🚛 Follow @cdlhunter 📲 Call or text us at (347) 878-2591 for a driving job — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/ZTQ54Ly

Today in History

January 17, 1953

A prototype Chevrolet Corvette was introduced at General Motors’ Motorama auto show in New York.

Week 7 – Design For Dreaming 

"Why shouldn't the home be an efficient factory?"

Design for Dreaming, a 1956 industrial short produced to feature alongside the General Motors Motorama show that same year reminds us of the forgotten inconveniences from the lack of modern household appliances. Being the homemaker was an underappreciated title. Things used to take time before the bahus mentality came in. Homes were NOT run like a factory. They were manual, the complete opposite of automated. The late 50s were literally approaching the space age. It was the start of the future. Popular electronic magazines began to circulate. Characateur-like speculations of the future began with the young minds in the 50s. Kids had colours to draw. The wars were over (the "world" wars), the industrial revolution had time to marinate, and capitalism was in full swing further down the line. Household appliances allowed for more time, the homemaker housewives could start to work, more luxuries could be applied, and more wealth for the West would be had. 10 years after the feminist movements to push for work was the sweet spot for Westernized households. Both income earners could pay off their mortgages and use their additional revenue to better their children with luxuries. The children had more avenues for creative outputs and could stay in school longer. People became smarter. It all started back in the 50s. Cars also being one of the household's most underlooked "appliances", the men could afford to live out in the suburbs for cheaper and drive to places where there was work. The spirit of the 50s was promising. Unfortunately, the utopian projections from brands owned by these big corporations didn't last long. How it started vs how it is in its current state is a far different image from what the brands advertised.

All I want for Christmas: Part 5 - GMC L'Universelle, 1955. A concept that was about 30 years ahead of the market. With front wheel drive, forward control and the engine place behind the front wheels, L'Universelle was designed to maximise load space. The side doors opened in "folding gullwing" style to make them usable in tight spaces. Presented the GM's Motorama it was powered by a Pontiac V8

1954 GM Motorama Pontiac Strato Streak concept.

The 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 is one of the most famous concept cars to ever emerge from General Motors. Unveiled at the 1954 Motorama auto show, the radical F-88 featured futuristic styling and performance that wowed crowds. Although the F-88 never made it to production, it influenced later GM designs and remains a highly coveted collector car today. This article takes an in-depth look at the history, design, legacy and value of the legendary 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 concept car. Overview of the F-88 Concept The Oldsmobile F-88 was a dream car showcasedby GM at the 1954 Motorama auto show. Designed by Harley Earl's styling division, the F-88exemplified 1950sera automotive futurism. It had a fiberglass body,a 324 CID Oldsmobile Rocket V8 engine, and could reportedly hit 140 mph. Only four F-88 cars were built as Motorama showpieces. While some concept cars preceded production models, the F-88 was never mass produced. But its radical design previewed styling cues adopted on later Oldsmobiles. Today, the F-88 remains one of themost famous dream cars of all time. The History Behind the Oldsmobile F-88 Origins at General Motors The F-88 traces back to GM's Motorama auto shows from 1949-1961. Motorama showcased futuristic concept cars to generate excitement about automation. Harley Earl's styling division spearheaded these flashy prototypes. The F-88 was designed for the 1954 Motorama. It wasone of several dream cars spotlighted that year, alongside the Oldsmobile Cutlass, Pontiac Bonneville Special, andBuick Wildcat II. The F-88 on Display Four F-88 cars toured across the country's major citiesas part of the 1954 Motorama. Two were convertibles, one a hardtop, and one afastback. They awed crowds with their radical styling and alleged 140 mph top speed. F-88design cuesappeared on later Oldsmobiles,like the 1955-56 Super 88. But GM never approved the F-88 for production. Most show cars met this fate, since theywere designedmore for publicity than feasibility. Mystery of the Remaining Cars After Motorama ended, the fate of the four F-88 cars was unknown. Rumor long held that GM had them destroyed. But in reality, at least two survived. One was purchased by the president of an Ohio Oldsmobile dealership. Anotherended up with Gordon Apker, an engineer involved with the XP-20 project that spawned the F-88. Apker's family retained the car for decades. In 2005, the Apker F-88 resurfaced when it was purchased by a noted collector. Itmade headlinesbeing showcased at high profile classic car auctions. The identity of the current owner remains undisclosed. Design Details of the 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 The F-88 exemplified 1950s automotive fantasy with its spaceship-inspired design. It looked unlike any production car of its era. Exterior Styling The F-88 had afiberglass bodywith a prominent grille, tailfins, and a cockpit-style interior. Its front end styling was low and wide compared to production 1954 Oldsmobiles. The car measured over 17 feet long and 6 feet wide. Some key exterior design features included: Sweeping front fenders with integrated headlights Large chromed grille and bumper extending below it Curved windshield and fastback rear window Prominent tailfins on the rear fenders Rocket-style trim details on sides Flashy two-tone paint schemes Overall, the F-88 conveyed motion and aerodynamics. Itlooked like it was gliding down the highway. Interior Design Inside, the F-88 embodied a futuristic 50s aesthetic. The two-seat cockpit had aircraft-influenced gauges and detailing. Distinctive features included: Bucket seats with linen upholstery aircraft-style dashboard and console full instrumentation including tachometer Y-shaped transmission shifter integrated air conditioning system The interior was designed for both comfort and performance. It exemplified space age styling of the era. Engineering Specs The F-88 was powered by a 324 CID high compression Rocket V8 taken from a production Oldsmobile 88.

Horsepower was rated at 250 HP, with a 4-barrel carburetor and 10:1 compression ratio. The engine linked to a GM Hydra-Matic transmission. With its fiberglass body, the F-88 weighed under 3,000 pounds. Road tests estimated its top speed at 140 mph, very fast for the mid 1950s. So while the F-88 was not drivable long-term, it had real performance credentials. This engine power awed Motorama audiences. The F-88's Influence on Oldsmobile Although the F-88 did not reach production, it influenced Oldsmobile styling throughout the 1950s. Elements of its radical design gradually made their way onto road cars. Inspiring the 1955-56 Oldsmobile 88 Possibly the most direct descendent of the F-88 was the 1955-56 Oldsmobile Super 88. The production 88 borrowed several styling cues from the F-88, like the low and wide front end, C-shaped bumper, and prominent tailfins. The 88 evoked the futuristic aesthetic of the F-88 in a production-ready form. Mainstreaming Space Age Styling Beyond inspiring the Super 88, the F-88 spearheaded the aviation and space age styling direction GM design chief Harley Earl envisioned for the future. Its prominent tailfins, cockpit interior, and aerodynamic shape previewed the styling of late 50s cars. Elements like tailfins and bucket seats became mainstream. While toned down from the F-88, its innovations started influencing production cars. The F-88 showcased styling that Earl wanted to make commonplace. Concept Car Influence The F-88 was also influential in cementing the importance of concept cars for GM. It showed the value of dream cars for previewing revolutionary designs, even if they didn't reach production. GM expanded its use of futuristic prototypes after the F-88's success. In many ways, the F-88 was a pioneer that shifted concept cars from being pure fantasies to influencing production vehicles. It demonstrated their potential impact on future styling. The F-88 on the Collector Car Market Today, the legendary F-88 resides among the most valuable concept cars ever built. The few surviving examples have sold for huge sums at auction when they rarely trade hands. Rarity Adds Value With only four examples built, intact original F-88s are incredibly rare. Of these, only two are known to still exist. The scarcity makes any example coming to market a major event that attracts heavyweight collectors. Rarity alone makes the F-88 a blue-chip collectible. But its status as an automotive icon also drives desirability. It remains one of the most famous dream cars ever created. Notable Auction Sales The Apker family F-88 went to noted collector Lon Krueger's shop in Arizona in the early 2000s. After restoring it, Krueger's shop sold it to another prominent collector. This car made headlines when it sold for $3.24 million at Barrett-Jackson's 2005 Scottsdale auction. That shattered the record price for a concept car. In 2007, it traded hands again at RM Auction's Monterey sale. This time its price climbed to $4.82 million. The F-88 has continued to appreciate as a crown jewel among collectors. Who Owns Surviving Examples? The current owners of the two known surviving F-88 cars remain undisclosed. After its multimillion dollar auction sales, the ex-Apker car disappeared into another prominent collection. The identity and history of the other extant F-88 is less documented. But it likely resides with a major collector of 50s dream cars. The elite status and value of the F-88 restricts ownership to top enthusiasts. 5 Key Facts About the Oldsmobile F-88 Four F-88s were constructed as Motorama concept cars. Two were convertibles, one a hardtop, the other a fastback. The F-88featured radical aviation-inspired styling that previewed late 1950s production cars. It was powered by a 324 CID Oldsmobile Rocket V8 engine paired to a Hydra-Matic transmission. The F-88 heavily influenced the 1955-56 Oldsmobile Super 88 production models.

Surviving examples have sold for multi-million dollars at auction, establishing the F-88 as one of the most valuable concept cars ever. Why The F-88 Remains an Automotive Icon The 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 occupies rarefied air as one of the auto world's most famous concept cars. It endures as a quintessential example of General Motors' 1950s heyday. Several key factors contribute to its iconic status: Show-Stopping Design - The F-88 exemplified the jet age aesthetic GM design chief Harley Earl championed in the 1950s. Its fiberglass body had aircraft-inspired styling that looked lightyears beyond production cars of its era. Between the prominent tailfins, grille, and cockpit interior, the F-88 encapsulated 1950s automotive fantasy. Its custom coachwork dazzled audiences. Ambitious Performance - Underneath its radical skin, the F-88 had serious performance hardware. Its 324 CID Oldsmobile Rocket V8 could push the car to 140 mph - racecar territory in the mid-1950s. The F-88 had the goods to back up its theatrics. Few concept cars combined its looks with such potent real-world specs. Influential Prototype - Unlike many dream cars, the F-88 directly shaped production models. Its styling cues migrated to the iconic 1955-56 Oldsmobile Super 88. More broadly, the F-88 spearheaded the aircraft-inspired look GM pursued. It previewed styling trends that became common by the late 1950s. The F-88 proved concepts could inspire, not just fantasize. Rarity - With just four built, the F-88 has incredible exclusivity. Only two survivors are known, making any example that surfaces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Collectors clamor for the few F-88s in existence. Their rarity adds enormously to their value and prestige. Dream Car Legend - Above all, the F-88 remains ensconced in dream car lore. It represented the pinnacle of GM's Motorama era when anything seemed possible. For collectors and automotive enthusiasts, the Oldsmobile F-88 stands out as one of the most famous and coveted symbols of 1950s optimism and imagination. FAQs How many 1954 F-88 concept cars were built? Four total F-88s were constructed: two convertibles, one hardtop, and one fastback. They toured to showcase GM's design prowess. Did the F-88 go into production? No - the F-88 remained a Motorama concept car. Its stylingwas too radical for 1950s manufacturing realities. But it did influence the 1955-56 Oldsmobile Super 88. What engine powered the F-88? It useda 324 CID high compression Rocket V8 from a production Oldsmobile 88. Horsepower was approximately 250 with a 4-barrel carb. What is a surviving F-88 worth? They are incredibly rare. The last to sell at public auction commanded $4.82 million in 2007. Their value reflects their rarity andcollector demand. Why was the F-88 significant? It pioneered aircraft styling in cars, later adopted on production models. The F-88 also cemented the value of dream cars forpreviewing future designs. Closing Thoughts on an Enduring Automotive Icon In the world of dream cars, the 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 stands at the absolute pinnacle. Its futuristic styling looked like nothing else in the 1950s and captured the imagination of the era. While the F-88 never made it to production, it proved the influence concepts could wield. Its designimpacted later Oldsmobiles and presaged styling trends that followed. Above all, the splendor and spirit of the F-88 represent a magical chapter of General Motors and 1950s optimism. For these reasons, this legendary dream car remains one of the most celebrated automotive icons over half a century after its unveiling. Its place in history is assured as a masterpiece reflecting the American automobile industry at its imaginative best. #Wiack #Car #CarInsurance #CarRental #CarPrice #AutoLoans

1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket

Bullet on Wheels: The 1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket

Easily one of the wildest General Motors dream cars of the Motorama era, the Olds Golden Rocket was the epitome of Jet Age design. Let’s take a closer look. 

Throughout the 1950s, Harley Earl and his forward-looking crew at the GM styling studios frequently turned to aircraft and space travel for their inspiration. There might be no better example of the automaker’s guided-missile design theme than the far-out Golden Rocket, Oldsmobile’s Motorama dream car for 1956. “The Supersonic Age comes to automobile styling!” the company proclaimed.

1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket

Constructed in fiberglass on a shortened Oldsmobile passenger car perimeter frame with a 105-inch wheelbase, the Golden Rocket was essentially a bullet on wheels in side view (above.) But under the skin, the show car was fairly conventional with a 324 CID, 275-horsepower Olds Rocket V8 up front, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, and leaf-spring rear suspension. The custom wheels employed integral brake drums, and a pair of fuel tanks were housed in the rear fenders. Note the “dotted-line” segmented whitewalls, a novel feature that never went any further.

1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket

At a little more than 200 inches long but less than 50 inches tall, the Rocket sported an impressively low silhouette, which required some ingenuity in the packaging of the two-seat cabin. For easier entry and egress, a roof panel popped up when the door was opened on either side, while the steering wheel rim swung upward and the bucket seats rose three inches and pivoted on their mountings. Upholstery was blue and gold leather, while the speedometer was housed in the steering wheel hub. The lap belts and driver pedals display a strong aircraft influence.

While the Rocket seems to be one of the more obscure GM dream cars in current times, it did include some ideas that turned up later on the General’s production models. The stubby rocket-type tailfins would adorn some memorable Cadillacs of the early ’60s, while the split-window teardrop rear window is extremely familiar. It was next tried on a dead-ended 1958 Corvette styling proposal, then famously appeared on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray coupe. As with a number of GM Motorama dream cars, the fate of the Golden Rocket was not officially documented, reportedly, but it hasn’t been seen or heard from in years and is presumed destroyed.

1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket