the American Dream: Cadillac by ric gustafson
In 1949, Chrysler hired Virgil Exner to help design it's cars. At the time, it was losing market share. It's cars had a three box design, hood, cabin and trunk. In 1952, chrome cones were on the front bumpers. In 1953, Exner got the title of director of styling and the company needed help. Chrysler's market share dropped thirteen percent in 1954. GM's new cars which sported a new V8 engine and the new Ford Thunderbird put a lot of pressure on Exner and his new designs.
Exner's new cars for Chrysler wowed the public. Not only the tail fins were different but the new cars sported push button automatic transmission.
The 1959 Cadillac Series 75 was a marvel to behold. The car stretched more than twenty one feet and had a 300 horsepower V8 engine. It had double decked lights and a huge front grille.
In the 1987 movie Tin Men, the two main characters are aluminum siding salesmen who both own tail finned Cadillacs.
Virgil Exner retired from Chrysler in 1961.
research help: ' Engines of Change' by Paul Ingrassia
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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