Barn Find Reveals Early Work of Future Auto Legends
A collection of historically significant automotive sketches was discovered in a barn in New York State. These drawings, dated 1940, were created at the General Motors-owned Detroit Institute of Automobile Design. They are the work of young designers who would later shape the look of several American automotive icons.
Discovery by an Enthusiast
Enthusiast Josh Quick stumbled upon over 80 long-forgotten sketches while searching for parts for vintage tractors in Conesus, south of Rochester. Although he found the folder of 1940 drawings interesting, he initially did not realize their historical significance. Quick, who runs the YouTube channel Quick Speed Shop and is well-versed in classic American cars, soon noticed the names on the sketches—those who would become central figures in automotive design of the 1950s and 1960s.
Legendary Graduates
The works belong to the 1940 semester at the Detroit Institute of Automobile Design, a program founded by GM legend Harley Earl in 1938. The goal was to train a new generation of American automotive designers and recruit the best of them to GM. All the sketches appear to be the result of an assignment to design a Buick for the 1942 model year. The modern pontoon style with integrated fenders, visible in all the drawings, became the norm in Detroit only by the end of the decade. Futuristic airplanes and monorails in the background add a “world of tomorrow” theme.
From Sketches to Real Cars
The well-preserved 80-page folder contains works by individuals such as Ed Glowacke, who advanced Cadillac in the mid-tailfin era, Clare MacKichan, creator of the legendary 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolet sedans and early Corvettes, and Ned Nickles, author of the incredible 1963 Buick Riviera. Some of the young designers found success outside of GM: Joe Oros was involved in the creation of the Ford Mustang, Gene Bordinat held the position of Vice President at Ford, and Elwood Engel led design at Chrysler throughout the 1960s.
Return to GM
The family of the farmer, whose estate sale led to the discovery, has no idea how or when the folder ended up there. It is now in the safe hands of GM archivists, who have digitized the entire collection and are preserving the original drawings alongside other works from the Detroit Institute of Automobile Design.
This find is a reminder of how even humble beginnings can lead to the creation of cultural icons. The design decisions developed by these young talents not only defined the aesthetics of the cars of their time but continue to influence modern trends. The story of these sketches highlights the importance of preserving creative heritage, which often goes unnoticed but is of invaluable significance for understanding the evolution of automotive art.