This experimental Buick ushered in the modern “concept car.” Known as the Y-Job, because it was one step beyond an “eXperimental” car, it was built by the styling section at GM in the late 1930s. Harley J. Earl, the first VP in charge of design for GM, led the project. It was his daily driver throughout the ‘40s and represented the essence of his design philosophy – low and streamlined. At first glance the Y-Job doesn’t appear that revolutionary but when contrasted with its contemporary production cars it is a striking departure. It displays numerous ahead of its time features with the body sculpted and shaved, Art Moderne style. This included features like fenders that swept back into the doors, concealed running boards, short horizontal grille and High “power dome” hood.

Over the years Earl and GM designers continually upgraded the car. By the 1950s the car made its way into the Buick Heritage Collection and today the car is still in the care of GM. NHVR No. 14 HAER No. MI-417