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Why wasn’t the 1971 ‘boat-tail’ Buick Riviera shrunk to compact size?
David Burrell has written what may be the most detailed account of how William Mitchell vainly tried to shift the “boat-tail” 1971 Buick Riviera to a mid-sized platform. Burrell’s story in Retro Autos (2021) even […]
Gallery
The Studebaker Hawk reached its high point in 1957 — and fell rather quickly
The Studebaker Hawk arguably reached its peak 1957. This was when it sold the best — almost 20,000 units. This was also Peak Hawk from a styling standpoint. For one shining moment, Studebaker had a […]
History
Defense of Virgil Exner’s 1962 Plymouth doesn’t add up
(EXPANDED FROM 4/23/2021) Once in a while a work of automotive history is smacked down by a critic who sanctimoniously points to alleged inaccuracies. Sometimes these kind of critiques are on target (if unduly indignant). […]
Data Dive
Did the odd styling of the 1969 Chrysler two-door hardtop hurt its sales?
Curbside Classic commentator nlpnt (2024) recently argued that the fuselage Chrysler’s best-looking body style was the wagon. Conversely, I would add that the two-door hardtop was the least aesthetically pleasing body style. Of course, these […]
Design Notes
What are the top-10 coolest American car interiors from 1955-70?
Rare Classic Cars & Automotive History has a video that ranks the top-10 “coolest” interiors of Big Three cars from 1955-70. Host Adam Wade’s (2024) list is worth viewing but I would like to offer […]
Media Analysis
Why did Patrick Foster settle for fanboy fluff in his 1968-70 AMC Javelin story?
I had high hopes when I saw that the August issue of Collectible Automobile included a story about the 1968-70 AMC Javelin. Patrick Foster has been studying American Motors’ history for decades, so I expected […]
Design Notes
Did General Motors need to panic with the 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado?
The 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado arguably represented the first time that General Motors executives panicked in response to weak sales from a car styled under head designer William Mitchell. Whereas the first-generation Toronado was a remarkably […]
History
Why was Wayne Kady’s favorite design the 1971 Cadillac Eldorado?
In a recent interview, Wayne Kady was hesitant to name his favorite car design among those he had worked on during a 38-year stint at General Motors, saying that was like picking a favorite child. […]
Design Notes
Did stylistic penny pinching undercut the 1966-67 Mercury Comet?
As mysteries go it’s a small one, but I have long been curious as to why the 1965-67 Mercury Comet switched from horizontal to stacked headlights. The new look wasn’t in alignment with any of […]