GM’s first concept car, the 2-passenger 1938 Buick Y-Job sports convertible developed by Harley Earl, featured disappearing headlamps, a convertible top that automatically concealed itself beneath a metal cover, and many advanced styling features. Its design influenced Buick models for many years after its 1938 introduction.
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Alfred Sloan Jr. and Harley Earl redefined automotive design in 1937 with the inception of the industries first design institution - “GM Styling”. Charged with creating a “laboratory on wheels” the Styling Groups’ focused on advanced features to reduce the roof line, streamline the overall shape and make the vehicle “lower, longer and wider” as Harley Earl would say.
The result was the 1939 Buick Y-Job. The Y-Job became the automotive industries first concept “Dream Car” and Harley Earl’s daily driver. The Y-Job’s innovative designs are still inspiring auto designers today – most notably through the recent Buick Invicta Concept.
GM Press Release
Первый концепт-кар концерна General Motors — родстер Buick Y-Job — появился в 1938 году. Машину спроектировал шеф-дизайнер GM Харли Эрл. Опробованные на этом кабриолете стилистические решения и конструктивные узлы позже нашли применение на серийных автомобилях Buick и Cadillac.
Источник: Авторевю 2000-11