Fuselage Styling History?
- Thread starter 71newport
- Start date
ford related, but still gives some insight :
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/20...re-residential-lot-in-a-dearborn-neighborhood
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/20...re-residential-lot-in-a-dearborn-neighborhood
70_NPORT
Well-Known Member
Reminds me of "spy vs. spy".
In the "On a Clear Day, You Can See General Motors" book by DeLorean, there's mention of just how much industrial espionage was going on back then, fueled by the OEMs themselves, but strongly denied by them, also. Seems GM had found a young operative who wanted to "move up", so he did some undercover work to get some Ford pricing information. He proudly presented it to the GM financial people, hoping for accolades and possibly a better job. Instead, they scorned him and fired him immediately. "WE don't condone these things" (paraphrased), so he was fired in disbelief. After he left, the GM people poured his recon information to see what was there. DeLorean allegedly called them out on what had just happened, as he left, too.
On a bit more covert note, an issue of CAR LIFE mentioned that if one car company wanted to know how another brand managed to do something, they'd just go out and buy one of the cars to tear it apart for analysis and investigation. Or rent one for the weekend, disassembly, analyze, reassemble and return it the next week. Then they could figure out how to re-engineer around any existing patents/copyrights and make it more efficiently and cheaper. Back then, it sometimes took three model years of production for a vehicle to "get right", anyway. So being first had its pitfalls, back then, along with the prestige and such, too.
Enjoy!
CBODY67
On a bit more covert note, an issue of CAR LIFE mentioned that if one car company wanted to know how another brand managed to do something, they'd just go out and buy one of the cars to tear it apart for analysis and investigation. Or rent one for the weekend, disassembly, analyze, reassemble and return it the next week. Then they could figure out how to re-engineer around any existing patents/copyrights and make it more efficiently and cheaper. Back then, it sometimes took three model years of production for a vehicle to "get right", anyway. So being first had its pitfalls, back then, along with the prestige and such, too.
Enjoy!
CBODY67
the movie , flash of genius , deals with this very subject. i don't want to give it away, but, it is based on the true story of the inventor of interval wipers. pretty good movie.
Flash of Genius (film) - Wikipedia.
I recall that story. At the time all of that was happening, I was too young to understand what had really happened. Like "Who owns the idea? The person who thought of it or the company the person works for when he thought of it?"
CBODY67
CBODY67
rapidtrans
Senior Member
Oh yeah. Product comparison was common by purchasing the competition’s product the second they hit the street. The very first Barracuda a saw on the street was driven home by the GM engineer living next door. GM manufacturer plates and all. And the first Mustang I saw? The GM engineer across the street had home for a weekend.
Also, employees were very close lipped about projects they worked on. Body design back then was about two years prior to production. Dad never, and I mean never, discussed vehicles he was working on. Even with a car-nut son. I found out much later that he was working overtime in the summer of 63 on the new 65 Cs. All I ever knew growing up was he worked in front end body design. Not till he was much older did he talk about the projects and their issues in design or assembly.
Also, employees were very close lipped about projects they worked on. Body design back then was about two years prior to production. Dad never, and I mean never, discussed vehicles he was working on. Even with a car-nut son. I found out much later that he was working overtime in the summer of 63 on the new 65 Cs. All I ever knew growing up was he worked in front end body design. Not till he was much older did he talk about the projects and their issues in design or assembly.
All I can say is your father was a very capable designer - I really love the front end design of the Chryslers, especially the 300s. They were home runs and a fitting example of the tagline that year: "The Most Beautiful Chrysler Ever Built"
I may not agee fully with that statement but it wasn't far off!
rapidtrans
Senior Member
For all-around stying I love the 68 Charger and 67 Barracuda fastback. Those two designs look great from any angle. imo. Great looking cars that I consider “rolling sculpture” art.
rapidtrans
Senior Member
FWIW.
Found this among Dad's papers.
Found this among Dad's papers.
73Coupe
Senior Member
I'm going to guess that shot is taken somewhere around Rio Vista, Brentwood, Byron.....Marsh Creek Road?
Beautiful car....we love photos!
Last edited:
71newport
Member
Wow-
You're good! Picture was taken on Deer Valley Rd, just off of Marsh Creek.
This should be in a private message but your mailbox is full:
I'm from the Central Coast originally (Lompoc) and went to Cal Poly. In fact, my wife and I get down there several times a year and will be retiring to the Central Coast in 6 or 7 years. I lived in SLO in the 80's and remember Stanley Motors, the local C-P dealer. I think it's gone now, but I got in good with the parts guys and they let me browse around. I picked up some good stuff but of course I didn't have any money. The owner's son drove around a yellow '70 Roadrunner that I remember seeing all over town. I also own a '71 Charger R/T sold new at Iverson Motors, just down the highway in Santa Maria. I bought it in Santa Maria from the original owner in '82.
You live in one of the best places on Earth.
You're good! Picture was taken on Deer Valley Rd, just off of Marsh Creek.
This should be in a private message but your mailbox is full:
I'm from the Central Coast originally (Lompoc) and went to Cal Poly. In fact, my wife and I get down there several times a year and will be retiring to the Central Coast in 6 or 7 years. I lived in SLO in the 80's and remember Stanley Motors, the local C-P dealer. I think it's gone now, but I got in good with the parts guys and they let me browse around. I picked up some good stuff but of course I didn't have any money. The owner's son drove around a yellow '70 Roadrunner that I remember seeing all over town. I also own a '71 Charger R/T sold new at Iverson Motors, just down the highway in Santa Maria. I bought it in Santa Maria from the original owner in '82.
You live in one of the best places on Earth.
3175375
Senior Member
Cal Poly Royal Days were fun.
I grew up in Ventura and spent a lot of time on car rallies in the north Santa Barbara and SLO counties.
I also ran 2 Starlight rallies from Santa Barbara to Vegas that took me through parts of that area.
I have escaped Kalifornia to South Dakota for a number of reasons. However, I did enjoy the area and plan on returning in my RV regularly.
73Coupe
Senior Member
Thanks! I thought it looked familiar - I grew up in Concord and have traveled those back roads many times.
Stanley motors was just down the street from where I live now, and they relocated to South Broad and changed the name to Cole, back in the early 00's. But the old dealership building on Monterey St. is still there.
Cruise your '71 down to SLO next time and stop by!
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