Category Archives: Books

A Century of Automotive Style

by Gary Smith Posted on December 9, 2010

100 Years of American Car Design by Michael Lamm and Dave Holls This 100-year history explains why cars looked, and look, the way they do, who designed what, and why. The original hardcover book was voted “must have” by major … Continue reading →

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Of Firebirds and Moonmen, Part One

by Gary Smith Posted on October 26, 2010

A tribute to Norman J. James, designer of the Firebird III Theme sketch that started it all. Bill Porter is quoted to have said that the Firebird III is a ’50s theme with ’60s surfaces. That would explain at least … Continue reading →

Posted in Artwork and Books, Books, Car Design, GM Design Staff, Motorama, Norman J. James | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Design Staff Library

by Gary Smith Posted on September 28, 2010

Illustration by George Bartell that appeared in Sports Car Graphic, November, 1963. The Design Staff Library Bookstores and public libraries are always a disappointment. We go to these places in search of inspiration, but it’s always in short supply. The … Continue reading →

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Styling The Look of Things

by Gary Smith Posted on August 31, 2010

Styling The Look of Things was produced by General Motors Corporation in 1955, and revised in 1958. It is a time warp into a much different world of design than exists today. It starts out with an introduction by Harley … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Car Design, GM Design Staff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments