Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America's Golden Automotive Age
Step into the world where cars became dreams on wheels. In Designing Dreams, Dick Ruzzin unveils the untold story of General Motors, Harley Earl’s groundbreaking vision, and the artistry that defined America’s Golden Automotive Age.

At the centre of this compelling collection of essays is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado—a revolutionary front-wheel-drive luxury car that remains an icon of design and innovation. As one of its designers, Ruzzin provides an insider’s perspective on its creation, offering a rare glimpse into the radical ideas and creative energy behind this automotive masterpiece.

After 40 years at General Motors Design, Ruzzin reflects on the profound influence of Harley Earl, the pioneer car designer who elevated automobiles into works of art. Earl’s creativity and design philosophies reshaped the industry, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Illustrated with over one hundred sketches and General Motors Design’s archival images, this book explores the passion, artistry, and precision behind automotive design. It captures the essence of a unique profession that combines function with beauty, producing cars that are both practical and beautiful.

Designing Dreams is more than a history of car design—it’s a celebration of the people, ideas, and innovations that made the automobile a defining symbol of American ingenuity. Perfect for car enthusiasts and design lovers alike, this is a journey into the heart of creativity and the Golden Age of the American Automobile.

1146585291
Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America's Golden Automotive Age
Step into the world where cars became dreams on wheels. In Designing Dreams, Dick Ruzzin unveils the untold story of General Motors, Harley Earl’s groundbreaking vision, and the artistry that defined America’s Golden Automotive Age.

At the centre of this compelling collection of essays is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado—a revolutionary front-wheel-drive luxury car that remains an icon of design and innovation. As one of its designers, Ruzzin provides an insider’s perspective on its creation, offering a rare glimpse into the radical ideas and creative energy behind this automotive masterpiece.

After 40 years at General Motors Design, Ruzzin reflects on the profound influence of Harley Earl, the pioneer car designer who elevated automobiles into works of art. Earl’s creativity and design philosophies reshaped the industry, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Illustrated with over one hundred sketches and General Motors Design’s archival images, this book explores the passion, artistry, and precision behind automotive design. It captures the essence of a unique profession that combines function with beauty, producing cars that are both practical and beautiful.

Designing Dreams is more than a history of car design—it’s a celebration of the people, ideas, and innovations that made the automobile a defining symbol of American ingenuity. Perfect for car enthusiasts and design lovers alike, this is a journey into the heart of creativity and the Golden Age of the American Automobile.

29.99 Pre Order
Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America's Golden Automotive Age

Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America's Golden Automotive Age

by Dick Ruzzin
Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America's Golden Automotive Age

Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America's Golden Automotive Age

by Dick Ruzzin

Hardcover

$29.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on July 29, 2025

Related collections and offers


Overview

Step into the world where cars became dreams on wheels. In Designing Dreams, Dick Ruzzin unveils the untold story of General Motors, Harley Earl’s groundbreaking vision, and the artistry that defined America’s Golden Automotive Age.

At the centre of this compelling collection of essays is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado—a revolutionary front-wheel-drive luxury car that remains an icon of design and innovation. As one of its designers, Ruzzin provides an insider’s perspective on its creation, offering a rare glimpse into the radical ideas and creative energy behind this automotive masterpiece.

After 40 years at General Motors Design, Ruzzin reflects on the profound influence of Harley Earl, the pioneer car designer who elevated automobiles into works of art. Earl’s creativity and design philosophies reshaped the industry, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Illustrated with over one hundred sketches and General Motors Design’s archival images, this book explores the passion, artistry, and precision behind automotive design. It captures the essence of a unique profession that combines function with beauty, producing cars that are both practical and beautiful.

Designing Dreams is more than a history of car design—it’s a celebration of the people, ideas, and innovations that made the automobile a defining symbol of American ingenuity. Perfect for car enthusiasts and design lovers alike, this is a journey into the heart of creativity and the Golden Age of the American Automobile.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781836440017
Publisher: David & Charles
Publication date: 07/29/2025
Pages: 176
Product dimensions: 8.15(w) x 9.84(h) x (d)

About the Author

Born in Detroit, Dick Ruzzin is a retired automobile executive from General Motors Design Staff. During his career he participated in more than 140 car design projects as a Creative Designer, Assistant Chief Designer, Chief Designer and then as Director of Design for G.M. Europe in Germany and as Director of Design for Chevrolet Cars in the United States. He is now a designer, writer, book author and design mentor in retirement.

Table of Contents

00. INTRODUCTION
1. MY CREDENTIALS
2. AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN HISTORY
3. THE ART OF THE AUTOMOBILE
4. GENERAL MOTORS, ALFRED P. SLOAN
5. SEIZING THE MOMENT
6. HARLEY EARL, TIME RACER, THREE PARTS
7. WHAT YOU HAVE TO KNOW
8. THE DESIGN STUDIO VOCABULARY
9. THE GM DESIGN CULTURE AND PROCESSES
10. HOW IT ALL WORKED, 1967 PONTIAC DESIGN
11. MOTORAMA, A CREATIVE REVOLUTION
12. MOTORAMA AND THE PARADE OF PROGRESS
13.THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING AT GM STYLING
14. THE STYLING COMPLEX-THE STUDIO SYSTEM
15. OUTSTANDING DESIGN LEADERS
16. STAN WILEN, CHIEF DESIGNER OF OLDSMOBILE STUDIO
17, MY ASSIGNMENT TO OLDSMOBILE STUDIO
18. THE OLDSMOBILE STUDIO
19. TORONADO DESIGN
20. TORONADO NAME AND OLDSMOBILE EMBLEM
21. TORONADO INTERIOR DESIGN
22. JOHN BELTZ, TORONADO E-CAR ENGINEERING
23. TORONADO, THE TOTAL CAR
24. POST TORONADO CONCEPTS
Index
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews