J-2 tri-carb 371-cid Rocket V-8 engine, it sports power steering, brakes and antenna; roof cargo carrier, the K-5 interior trim package that included fancier carpet and seats, along with a padded dash; courtesy lights; clock; heater; glove box light; underhood light; windshield washer; fender skirts in back; and white walls. It has the aforementioned removable radio
Years ago I used to visit the local human society and visit the dogs up for adoption, sneaking treats to them when no one was looking. One very odd looking duck had been there for a while, and concerned he would be disposed to the big kennel in the sky I took him home one day. Never once did I hear, “Oh, what an adorable dog.” It was always, “Hmmmm, what an interesting dog.” Such is my sentiment with the 58 Olds.
ReplyDeleteSo in 1956 Harley---put another hundred pounds of chrome on the side---Earl left Detroit to sun his behind on the French Riviera. His parting words to Bill Mitchell were to have the design staff give him more of the 1958 themes in the 1959 models that were in the works. Long story short, the designers rebelled and Mitchell agreed their rebellion was justified. Bill told them to trash everything done on the 59’s at that point and start from scratch, turning their design instincts loose. GM president Harlow Curtice saw some of the early work and responded very positively. Upon his return Earl was naturally pissed, but not wanting to lock horns with Curtice he endorsed the new designs...publicly at least.
For anyone wishing to understand the details of this very fascinating bit of automotive history, this link tells the whole story...including the influence of Virge Exner on GM design.
https://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/1959-cadillac/
glad to learn you gave that dog a home! I've covered the Earl to Mitchell transition, but if you think my readers should look at someone else's coverage of that instead, harrumph, good day sir, I SAID GOOD DAY! (lol)
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