Exner

[bluefury361]

I just finished reading "Virgil Exner, visionary", by Peter Girst. A must read for any auto historian, especially Forward Look period fans and all Mopar folks in general. I had a hard time putting it down.

 

[saforwardlook]

It is interesting that you have read this book at this time Will, as I am also going through it currently. I am about a third of the way through, and I find it fascinating as well. Highly recommended, especially for us Forward Look fans. Some of my perceptions from the past are really different from the reality of his life.

 

[1978 NYB]

Thanks Will.

I just ordered it through Amazon.

 

[polara71]

Perhaps Gary should read it

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

Exner was a Studebaker man here in South Bend before going to Chrysler IIRC.

 

[78Brougham]

Hi Bob, can i get a link? Thanks

 

[1978 NYB]

Hi Bob, can i get a link? Thanks

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Virgil Exner: Visioneer: The official biography of Virgil M. Exner, designer extraordinaire

 

[cantflip]

Funny, I just got a copy a little while ago... now to find a little time.

 

[70_NPORT]

Nada

 

[bluefury361]

Nada

Won't hurt to expand yourself a little Gary......
Just skip the part about 1959.

 

[bluefury361]

Funny, I just got a copy a little while ago... now to find a little time.

As interested as you are about automotive history Jeff, once you start reading it won't take long.
I wished it was longer.

 

[70_NPORT]

I have two large books (and many small ones) that cover Chrysler design history and the Exner era (as well as eras before and after). I just can't get thru the Exner stuff without wretching. Fever breaks once Elwood comes aboard....brings logic back to mopar.
.

 

[70_NPORT]

I have two large books (and many small ones) that cover Chrysler design history and the Exner era (as well as eras before and after). I just can't get thru the Exner stuff without wretching. Fever breaks once Elwood comes aboard....brings logic back to mopar IMHO.
.

 

[commando1]

Has anybody here read Harley Earl's bio.
You'll enjoy it as much as Exner's.

 

[70_NPORT]

Has anybody here read Harley Earl's bio.
You'll enjoy it as much as Exner's.

Ive parts of his bio...snipits here and there ..his "Y" job rolling protype.....he started out his career as a "colorist"......if I recall correctly?

 

[sb61fury]

I a copy in my cart in Amazon I am going to wait until I have the funds to buy it

 

[330dTA]

I have the Grist book on Exner, too. I think it leaves some blanks. What I missed most was a thorough report on the 1962 Dodge and Plymouth models. What actually happened? How did Exner envision the cars should have looked like (?), knowing that he called the board approved designs "plucked chickens". I have seen a few photos of the clay models made for the previewing. To me those models didn't look any more convincing than the production models.

To me, the most beautiful Exner design is the 1960 Ghia L6.4. - If it ever was an Exner design. I think it was largely penned by masterful engineer Paul Farago:
Paul Sable and John Matras wrote in 1996 an article to the Automobile Quarterly Magazine (vol. 35, #3, pp. 82-97) stating that, quote "Farago, nonetheless, had been working on an update on the Dual-Ghia. The new design combined features of the first cars with ostentatious tailfins that Farago thought would please Casaroll. Chrysler designer Bill Schmidt, however, pointed out to Farago that the fins on his new design resembled those of a new big Chrysler. Farago was able to persuade Virgil Exner to rework the rear, which he did in his own time in 1959."

 

[1978 NYB]

I can say that I have thoroughly enjoy Exner's work at the Chrysler Museum and at Carlisle every July. I sure would like to have a Forward Look some day.

 

[67-Fury]

Perfection.

 

[polara71]

Some of the best ever.

Apparently I have good taste and was a visionary.... Ive wanted certain cars before they became outrageous expensive, these are no exception.