Harley EarlHarley Earl is one of the most recognisable names associated with 1950s automobiles and was the creator of many innovative features such as the tailfin. Harley Earl, who died in 1969 at the age of 75, was one of the motor industries most prominent stylist, engineer and designers. His work in the industry earned him the tag “ the Da Vinci of Detroit,” such was his known in America's capital of car manufacture.
Earl firmly believe that design was crucial if a particular make of car was going to make its mark in the market place. In 1956 he said: “The art of automobile design has progressed, until today it is regarded as one of the most important factors in the marketing of the automobile.” Harley's achievements in the car manufacturing were plenty, but what earned him true public renown was his development of the tailfin. The tailfin was synonymous with motor car style and design during the 1950s and it continued through into the 60s. The tailfin on cars such as the Buick Lesabre – one of Earl's “concept cars” -are held to have helped car sales rocket during the 1950s. And a report from the California Institute of Technology found that tailfins on certain models helped improve high speed road holding. But the development of the tailfin was not Earl's only contribution to the American motor industry. He introduced the concept of annual design changes, some which helped tempt the motor enthusiast in to the car showrooms. His innovations also saw the introduction of wrap around
windscreens, chrome and two tone paint, as synonymous of the
1950s car as the tailfin. Related Articles | ||
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