More than 100 members, family and friends of several car clubs—including LCOC— gathered at Pasadena’s Flying A Garage for a wonderful morning of tire kicking, socializing and automotive history, Our own collectibles from Packards to Porches formed an impromptu car show in front of the facility.
But the main event was within.
Host Aaron Weiss’ gorgeous collection of classics formed the backdrop for esteemed automotive historian Richard Stanley’s presentation about General Motors’ first and most famous head of design, Harley Earl. Richard held the audience spellbound as he recounted highlights of Earl’s life and career, beginning with his 1889 birth in what was then rural Hollywood and culminating with his landmark achievements at G.M.
Richard explained that Earl’s dad wanted him to be a lawyer and sent him to Stanford to begin his preparation. However, the young Harley was not interested in the law and left Stanford to join the family business, Earl Automobile Works, which opened in Los Angeles in 1909. Early auto companies were not much interested in styling and often collaborated with separate coach builders like the Earl Automobile Works for custom bodies. As such, the Earl Works built auto bodies for wealthy clients including film celebrities such as Fatty Arbuckle and Tom Mix. They also built props for the movie studies including the classic Western Stagecoach, which tuned John Wayne into a star.
During all this time Harley honed his keen eye for design. Eventually, Earl Automotive Works was bought by local Cadillac dealer Don Lee, who kept Harley Earl as director of the custom body shop. Lawrence P. Fisher, general manager of the Cadillac division, who was one of the brothers who started Fisher Body, was visiting Cadillac dealers and distributors around the country, including Lee. Fisher met Earl at Lee’s dealership and observed him at work. Fisher was impressed with Earl’s designs and methods, including the use of modeling clay to develop the forms of his designs.
Fisher commissioned Earl to design the 1927 LaSalle for Cadillac’s companion marque. The success of the LaSalle convinced General Motors president Alfred P. Sloane to create the “Art and Colour Section” of General Motors, and to name Earl as its first director.
Many designers of the period, including Earl, were heavily influenced by aviation themes and streamlining. Richard told how much the profession advanced in the 10 years between 1932 and 1942. The P-38 Lightning fighter inspired the Cadillacs of the late 1940’s including Earl’s introduction of the iconic tail fin, which was a design staple of many vehicles of the 1950’s.
Among Earl’s many other achievements was elimination of the automobile running running board and the development of concept cars to preview technology ideas for future models. He also was early to recognize the influence and importance of women in car buying decisions, and hired a group of feminine staffers to input design ideas such as the visor vanity mirror. The Cadillac 60 Special of 1938 was considered one of his design masterpieces.
Richard concluded his program with a preview of his own homage to the great designer, his recreation of a 1938 soft top Cadillac concept car that he hopes to unveil publicly at the 2026 San Marino Motor Classic on June 13. A collection of donor cars, build sheets and photos aided Richard’s efforts.
A catered luncheon from The Hat restaurant of gourmet sandwiches, potato salad, onion rings, soft drinks and fresh baked cookies followed the program. Yum!
Afterwards, the guests were free to browse around the facility to enjoy the sparkling array of classics within including Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, Chryslers, Mercedes, a Horch, and even a VW. Many of these have graced the fields at Pebble Beach and other prestige events including Aaron’s own brainchild, the San Marino Motor Classic, an annual event open to the public at Lacy Park, to those for whom Pebble Beach would be out of reach in terms of both cost and distance. LCOC members Ray Gonzales and Bryan Burns and Dale and Key Derstine got close-up looks.
We extend a special thanks to Aaron for allowing us this rare glimpse of true automotive elegance and to Gary Carr and Jim Davidson of the Classic Car Club of America and the Rolls-Royce Club for organizing this one-of-a-kind event.
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