Ever go to a major auto show to see the concept dream cars of the future being displayed by each manufacturer in order to gage public reaction? Well thank Harley Earl for this highly original idea. He also introduced the ultra-modern paradigm (still used today by all major auto makers) of establishing "math based" clay modeling techniques, as well as other enduring milestones like the first-ever onboard computer used and tested in a car as well as pioneering using “Oscar,” the very first safety crash test dummy. 

Another one this pioneer's masterworks, the 1957 Chevy Corvette SS race car

The Corvette SS, above, with the famous Mule, below, racing at Sebring

Notice John Fitch, Sterling Moss and Zora Duntov, above, admiring the Mule

What’s behind this man’s unopened door of creative engineering and high tech innovation might actually stun a lot of people when they finally find out everything he did. Local Detroit reporter, Barbara Holliday and the Detroit Free Press expressed high admiration (cover story below) bringing  this key article to print on this modern auto innovator.  

Perhaps the most interesting segment of Harley Earl’s story is the one that has unfolded since he died. Because, for some strange reasons GM and Detroit rapidly distanced themselves from the high level of standards this one man used to shape our entire modern auto world. Maybe the quote below from Irvin W. Rybicki best summarizes why so many people today don’t know much about this American icon who very well could be aptly known someday as, THE FATHER OF THE MODERN CAR.

"Harley Earl is responsible for more than half of GM's greatest 20th Century milestones. The fact this company had exclusivity of all his work and was able to capitalize off his artistic efforts and innovative engineering ideas first, is perhaps why this man's story is so controversial and a kept secret today in Detroit."

The above quote by GM's Irvin W. Rybicki provides some relevant reasons why Harley Earl's story went on to be so deeply buried. Mr. Rybicki was a 42-year GM veteran who worked under Earl and, later on, became the third vice president of GM Design (1977-1986). His statements were gathered in various taped interviews taken from 1996 thru 1999.  

Earl and all his teammates; at this time in history, there were no other groups like this one in Detroit 

Leading members surround Detroit's chief designer and top salesman, H.J. Earl

Another reason Harley Earl and Walter Ford (addressed above) wanted to keep their activities a secret from Henry Ford I, had everything to do with how this old leader might react if he found out. Practically everyone in Detroit's business world at this time in history, from decades of experiences, knew about the powerful influence Ford still had regarding sending out orders for his henchmen to perform.