Harley Earl was born on November 22, 1893, in Los Angeles, California. He came from a family that was deeply involved in the automotive industry, with his father working as a coachbuilder for horse-drawn carriages.
Earl joined General Motors in the early 1920s and quickly made a name for himself as a talented designer. In his first year with the company, he introduced the LaSalle, a smaller version of the Cadillac aimed at attracting the wealthy crowd that was then driving Hispano-Suiza cars.
One of Earl's most significant contributions to the automotive industry was the introduction of tailfins as a popular automotive style. He also played a pivotal role in the development of the iconic Chevy Corvette, a sports car that would become a symbol of American innovation and craftsmanship.
Earl's work on the Corvette was done under the code name Project Opel. He decided to separate the project from the rest of the company, using dedicated engineers to design and build the prototype. This approach allowed for a level of creativity and focus that was unmatched in the industry at the time.
Despite his busy career, Earl remained close to his family. He was a devoted husband and father, always making time for his loved ones despite the demands of his job.
Harley Earl's legacy lives on in the world of automotive design. His innovative ideas and groundbreaking work continue to influence car designers to this day, and his impact on the industry cannot be overstated.
Alongside fellow GM executive Alfred P. Sloan, Earl revolutionized the concept of planned obsolescence, the idea that cars should go out of style after several years. This strategy helped drive sales and keep consumers interested in new models, a practice that is still widely used in the industry.
Harley Earl passed away in 1969, but his influence continues to be felt in every car on the road today. He will always be remembered as a visionary and a trailblazer in the world of automotive design.