OLDS MADE NEW
Where do you define the tipping point in American car styling going from gorgeous to garish? Granted it depends on the make, model and even individual opinion, as some may argue American cars were never hit with the ugly stick at all.
That being said, some believe the change came about with the 1958 models. The evidence? You’ve only got to look at the 1957 Chevrolet, which is one of the most popular American classics going around. The 1958 Chevrolet much less so. Same goes for the ’57 vs ’58 Ford. And the less said about the Edsel the better.
Chrysler Corporation was ahead of the curve with their 1957 models, so the changes made for ’58 were less radical. Indeed, the changes brought about by General Motors for their 1959 range were due to Chrysler’s ’57 models. The bigger, boxier bodyshell that debuted on most GM models for 1958 lasted only one year before a sleeker version followed.
Before Chrysler showed another way, GM’s approach, and particularly that of its chief stylist Harley Earl, was to lay the chrome on with a shovel. In 1958, it was Buick and Oldsmobile that copped the biggest helping.
