David R. North: Taking the 'Toro by the Horns

摘要

Fifty years ago, Oldsmobile seized the attention of the automotive world with a new personal-luxury hardtop coupe called the Toronado. Not only did it stand out for being the first American car in almost 30 years with front-wheel drive, it also distinguished itself for its styling, particularly the seamless transition from quarter panel to rear roof pillar without interruption from a horizontal beltline. The "founding document" for the 1966 Toronado design was a drawing known as the "red rendering" done by a relatively recent addition to the Olds styling staff, David R. North. It set the theme that would be developed into the production car, and it would prove to be one of many highlights North would experience in a 32-year career at General Motors Design.