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The Car Designers Of the 50’s and 60s Who Shaped An Entire Generation of Classic Cars

During the 1950s and 1960s, numerous car designers left their mark on the automotive industry by creating some of the most iconic and classic vehicles of all time. Here is a list of key designers from Ford, Chevrolet, Lincoln, Cadillac, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, and Oldsmobile, along with the classic vehicles they were responsible for:

Ford

1. George Walker
   • Ford Thunderbird (1955): A personal luxury car that became an American icon.

• • • Ford Galaxie (1959): Known for its distinctive tailfins and space-age styling.

1. Joe Oros
   • Ford Mustang (1964½): The original pony car, a cultural phenomenon that redefined American sports cars.

1. Elwood Engel
   • Lincoln Continental (1961): Known for its clean, elegant lines and "suicide doors."

Chevrolet

1. Harley Earl
   • Chevrolet Corvette (1953): America’s first sports car, known for its fiberglass body and sleek design.

• • Chevrolet Bel Air (1955): A quintessential 1950s American car with distinctive chrome trim.

1. Bill Mitchell
   • Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1963): Known for its split rear window and futuristic design.

• • Chevrolet Impala (1959): Famous for its large tailfins and expansive rear deck.

1. Larry Shinoda
   • Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1963): Played a key role in refining the design.

Lincoln

1. Elwood Engel
   • Lincoln Continental (1961): Recognized for its minimalist design and luxury.

1. John Najjar
   • Lincoln Continental Mark II (1956): A symbol of American luxury, with a timeless design.

Cadillac

1. Harley Earl
   • Cadillac Eldorado (1953): Introduced as a luxury convertible with tailfins.

• • Cadillac Coupe de Ville (1959): Known for its dramatic tailfins and sleek styling.

1. Bill Mitchell
   • Cadillac Eldorado (1957): Refined the design, making it even more luxurious and desirable.

Buick

1. Harley Earl
   • Buick Skylark (1953): A stylish and luxurious convertible that became a Buick flagship model.

• • Buick Riviera (1963): A personal luxury car known for its sharp, clean lines.

Chrysler

1. Virgil Exner
   • Chrysler 300C (1957): Part of the "Letter Series," known for its powerful engines and bold design.

• • Plymouth Fury (1957): Famous for its fins and as the car featured in Stephen King’s Christine.

1. Elwood Engel
   • Chrysler Imperial (1964): Luxurious and elegant, competing directly with Cadillac and Lincoln.

Dodge

1. Virgil Exner
   • Dodge Dart (1960): Compact yet stylish, with a focus on performance and design.

• • Dodge Charger (1966): Introduced as a fastback coupe with powerful V8 engines.

GMC

1. Bill Mitchell (General influence on trucks)
   • GMC Suburban (1960): One of the earliest sport utility vehicles, known for its versatility and durability.

Oldsmobile

1. Harley Earl
   • Oldsmobile 88 (1949-1959): Known as the "Rocket 88," this car is often credited as the first muscle car.

• • Oldsmobile Toronado (1966): A front-wheel-drive coupe with revolutionary styling and engineering.

1. Bill Mitchell
   • Oldsmobile 442 (1964): A high-performance version of the Cutlass, known for its muscle car credentials.

GMC

1. Clare MacKichan
   • GMC Sierra (1960s): Contributed to the design of durable, practical trucks with clean lines and powerful engines.

Pontiac 

1. John DeLorean
   • Pontiac GTO (1964): Often credited as the first muscle car, combining a big engine with a mid-size car.

• • Pontiac Firebird (1967): A direct competitor to the Ford Mustang, known for its performance and style.

These designers and the vehicles they created have left a lasting legacy in the automotive world. Their work during the 1950s and 1960s continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts and collectors, with many of these models being considered timeless classics. Cars like these are what classic car collectors like Joe Rogan love. The designs at the time were futuristic and “out there”. Looking for a classic car truck or SUV? Consider Classic Car Deals. We can help you buy or sell your dream or project vehicle.