General Motors’ styling department, led by design legend Harley Earl, was tasked
in the late 1930s with imagining the car of tomorrow. That car, known internally
as the Buick“Y-Job,” predicted the design trends of the 1950s and beyond, and is
regarded by many as the first American concept car. Now, the Y-Job is getting some
official recognition as the 14th vehicle entered into the National Historic Vehicle
Register.
“Harley Earl and the Buick Y-Job expanded the boundaries of car design and drew the
blueprint for concept vehicle design and execution,” said GM global design vice president
Michael Simcoe, in a release. “We thank the HVA for ensuring the world’s first concept
car is documented and preserved for future generations.”
