Motorama

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From 1949 to 1961, GM Motorama emerged as the premier automotive event, transcending a typical car show to become a cultural phenomenon. It showcased groundbreaking innovations and stunning designs from Harley Earl and his team, featuring legendary concept cars, spectacular displays, and visions of the automotive future. The event celebrated the rise of the American middle class during a period of significant growth and served as a platform for General Motors to gauge interest in various automotive trends and models. Some radical concept cars amazed attendees, while others sparked enough interest to enter production. Automotive historian David W. Temple has uncovered new insights and unpublished photographs that provide a fresh perspective on this iconic show and its celebrated vehicles. He thoroughly examines the design, development, and assembly of these concept cars, detailing aspects such as engines, transmissions, chassis, and interiors. Each year's shows, the celebrities present, and the lavish displays are vividly brought to life, alongside profiles of famous cars like the GM Le Sabre, Firebird I, II, and III, Buick Wildcat I, II, and III, Chevrolet Corvette, and Cadillac Le Mans, among others.