Dean’s Garage Book Update and GM Heritage Center Photos

June 14, 2019 15 CommentsCar Design

Dean’s Garage Book

As many of you know, I’m working on a book commemorating ten years of Dean’s Garage that will also include new unpublished content. What started out as a printed compilation of content from the site has morphed into a treasury of memories and accounts from many designers and others. The book is in its final design phase.

Last month I visited with a representative from GM’s Heritage Operations (Archives). A visit to the Heritage Center followed the next day and I took ten GBs of photos. Way-over-the-top-too-cool. The highlight for me was a reunion with the car that started my design career, the Monza GT. The first time I laid eyes on that car was in 1964 on display at the Riverside International Raceway.

General Motors Heritage Center

This gallery has a collection of photos taken at the Heritage Center.

Many thanks to the representatives of GM that were very gracious and accommodating.

15 Comments

June 15, 2019 at 5:08 am

Max R. Sims

Not sure if this is a treasure trove or Nirvana. What a fantastic gallery Dean! Thanks for all the hard work.
June 15, 2019 at 5:52 am

John M Mellberg

Gary
Wonderful photo record of GM Designs/Stylings very best! Thanks for sharing…
JohnM. Mellberg
June 15, 2019 at 7:03 am

jim simpson

Very much looking forward to the new book…
June 15, 2019 at 8:14 am

Dick Ruzzin

WOW, Gary,
Looking forward to the book, thanks for the heritage center highlights.
Dick Ruzzin
June 15, 2019 at 8:53 am

David McIntosh

Great stuff Gary. I especially enjoyed seeing you by my favorite GM design, the Monza GT. Looking forward to your book.
June 15, 2019 at 5:40 pm

John Barbour

What a collection – a real treat to see. I also love the Monza GT Coupe – one of my favorite all-time designs. I had the thrill of getting a ride in it at the GM proving grounds when I was there as a regional award winner with the Fischer Body Craftsman’s Guild in 1965. (That 1965 car is now on exhibit at the Gilmore Museum – an exhibit worth seeing at a must- visit car museum!)
June 16, 2019 at 1:50 am

Andrew Minney

Great pictures and looking forward to seeing the book!
June 17, 2019 at 5:47 am

Marc Haller

I love the photos. I hate the lighting. I’m dying for captions.
June 18, 2019 at 5:51 am

john manoogian

Gary, thanks for posting these great photos. Congratulations on the forthcoming book. There is a real need for such a publication.
June 18, 2019 at 4:30 pm

David Crook

Dave Crook
Thanks for posting Gary, brought back many memories of my time at G M Styling.
June 19, 2019 at 6:04 pm

johnmmellberg

Gary,
When can you give us details about your books first availability? I’m sure we’re all eager to purchase one from you! Thanks…

John

John M. Mellberg
June 19, 2019 at 9:46 pm

ROY VERNON LONBERGER

Thanks Gary for the great pictures of some of my favorite cars. Looking forward to your book. When and where can I purchase it?
June 23, 2019 at 6:48 am

Will Fox

What a great photographic overview of what this ‘fantasy island’ consists of! Dean, great news on the new book; definitely getting a copy once it’s available. Many thanks for the work you put into this tour. The collection actually has car I was not aware it had. I have to make the trip up there one day. Thank you once again!
November 24, 2019 at 9:29 am

Charles Pleier

Looking forward to the book! Any news?
October 12, 2021 at 7:01 pm

Jay S

I saw many of these in the metal/fiberglas when Design Center opened its doors to the public for the Eyes on Design show in 2003. I even got a ride in Harley Earl’s LeSabre. What a spectacular experience for anyone loving design and design history!

How about doing it again, GM? If I can, I’ll be first in line for the tickets.

Leave Comment

Book is excellent reading. I like all the practical jokes that you played on each other. Haven’t put it down yet.

Paul Alflen
Gary, Just received your book and read part of it, and can’t wait to finish it! EXCELLENT BOOK WOW! Thanks!

Carl Kofron
It’s a book whose pages you’ll return to again and again…sometimes just to look, other times to read and learn and to laugh!

Helen Hutchings
It brought back so many memories. The book captures some of the antics that took place. I recommend Gary’s book for anyone that has an interest to get a glimpse of an era long gone.

John Manoogian II
Very impressed with the emphasis on the “people stories.” Most people think of GM in terms of the cars, whereas you focused on the designers that created the cars. Congratulations on your excellent and personable narrative.

Roy Lonberger
Great book! It will provide many hours of interesting reading. Thank you for writing and publishing it!

Charles Pieier
All the wonderful anecdotes and photos bring laughter and smiles of recollection of the years at GM Design. The other content is equally entertaining, too! One can keep returning to its pages, finding a new topic of interest each time.

George Camp
Gary’s book focuses on the people who drove designs and events at GM Design. It is always informative, sometimes funny and sometimes sad. Picture are breathtaking. Extremely well done.

James Rice
Thank you Gary for this wonderful publication vicariously delivering the human condition nectar recalled from the good old days at GM Design.

Bill Boudreau
Closest thing to an actual time machine I have experienced! The photos, quotes and artwork really transported me back to what was a fabulous time at GM Design.

Len Casillo
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed The Future is Back. Great stories and wonderful comments! Excellent selection of illustrations and photos!

Peter Brock
The book is providing lots of interesting reading along with so many great photos, illustrations and renderings.

Sheldon Payne
It’s like going to a family reunion and meeting all your old friends, the studios and the models all over again. I can almost smell the fresh clay reading your book.

Ron Will
Reading the stories and anecdotes of designers who shared their experiences in this book allowed me to vicariously imagine what it would have actually been like to have worked in a studio. Thumbs Up Gary!!

Steve Sicklick
Great book Gary. It’s like taking a trip down memory lane!

Dennis Burke
I’ve enjoyed the Dean’s Garage book. I know a lot of the designers and places you mention; it’s like a reunion or old-home week.Thank you very much for putting everything together in such a beautifully organized, fun, illuminating way.

Michael Lamm