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This week in Michigan history: Innovative designer of Corvette dies in 1969
By Zlati Meyer
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer
April 7, 2013
Harley Earl was the first full-time designer in the auto industry. / General Motors
Harley Earl, the father of the Chevrolet Corvette, died April 10, 1969, at age 75.
He was the first full-time designer in the auto industry and a visionary who, inspired by the budding aviation industry, invented the classic 1950s look the tailfin -- most notably the 1948 tailfin Cadillac and the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
The first Corvette came off the assembly line in Flint on June 30, 1953, one of just 300 made that year. It cost a bit more than $3,000.
Full Story: This week in Michigan history: Innovative designer of Corvette dies in 1969 | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
By Zlati Meyer
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer
April 7, 2013
Harley Earl was the first full-time designer in the auto industry. / General Motors
Harley Earl, the father of the Chevrolet Corvette, died April 10, 1969, at age 75.
He was the first full-time designer in the auto industry and a visionary who, inspired by the budding aviation industry, invented the classic 1950s look the tailfin -- most notably the 1948 tailfin Cadillac and the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
The first Corvette came off the assembly line in Flint on June 30, 1953, one of just 300 made that year. It cost a bit more than $3,000.
Full Story: This week in Michigan history: Innovative designer of Corvette dies in 1969 | Detroit Free Press | freep.com