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A superb and rare photo of the truly magnificent 1951 experimental General Motors Buick Le Sabre Concept Car

as designed by the incredible GM design chief Harley J. Earl.

Billed as a rolling engineering laboratory, the LeSabre had 12-volt electrics (most cars then were 6-volts), a torque converter automatic transmission with an oil cooler, fuel injection, a strong, chrome-molydenum frame, built-in hydraulic jacks, a rain-activated folding top, a jet-like air intake and prominent tail fins, amongst many other extraordinary specs.

The image shows great detail of the car, it is a gorgeous image that gives a great classic period feel. According the spec. sheet that came with the negative, the image was taken on August 12, 1951.

The General Motors Le Sabre was a 1951 concept car. Possibly the most important show car of the 1950s, it introduced aircraft-inspired design elements such as the wrap-around windshield and tail fins, which became common on automotive designs during the second half of the decade. The Le Sabre was the brainchild of General Motors Art Department head Harley Earl. The design was Earl's attempt to incorporate the look of modern jet fighter aircraft into automotive design. As jets replaced prop-driven aircraft in the late 1940s, they symbolized the very latest in design and engineering, and Earl had hoped to carry this concept into automobile design. The project was a follow-up to Earl's famous 1938 Y-job. Like all his projects, it was built to be roadworthy, and became Earl's personal automobile for two years after finishing its tour of the auto show circuit. With a body made of aluminium, magnesium, and fiberglass, it was powered by a supercharged 215 cu in (3.5 L) V8 able to run on gasoline (petrol) or methanol (like Indy roadsters of the period did), and had an unusually-placed rear-mounted Buick Dynaflow automatic transmission. This was later changed to a GM Hydramatic. In addition to its jet inspired design, the 1951 Le Sabre also featured numerous advanced features, including a 12-volt electrical system (most cars of the period were 6-volt), heated seats, electric headlights concealed behind the center oval "jet intake", front bumper dagmars (later made famous on 1957-9 Cadillacs), a water sensor to activate the power top, and electric lifting jacks integral to the chassis to aid tire changes. (This idea would be copied decades later by Formula One race teams.) The Le Sabre was GM's first use of a rear-mounted transmission, which would reappear in the Pontiac Tempest. It was also the first use of the aluminum-block 215, which appeared in the Buick Special and Skylark, Olds Cutlass F-85 and Jetfire, Pontiac Tempest and LeMans, and ultimately in numerous British marques, including Land Rover, Triumph, MG, and Morgan. It was also GM's first use of the Le Sabre name, which would be adopted by Buick for a new line in 1959. The Le Sabre is owned by the General Motors Heritage Museum, and still occasionally appears at car shows. In 1999 the Franklin Mint introduced a 1:18 scale die cast reproduction on the 1951 Le Sabre. It became one of their best-selling automobile miniatures. Clearly showing aircraft influence in styling and engineering, the Buick LeSabre was constructed of aluminum and lightweight cast magnesium. Billed as a rolling engineering laboratory, the LeSabre had 12-volt electrics (most cars then were 6-volts), a torque converter automatic transmission with an oil cooler, fuel injection, a strong, chrome-molydenum frame, built-in hydraulic jacks, a rain-activated folding top, a jet-like air intake and prominent tail fins. Ik is believed the LeSabre cost between $500,000 - $1,000,000, the equivalent of ten times that today. The LeSabre served as an icon for GM's cars for the remainder of the decade. Designed by Harley J. Earl's studio with styling cues from jet fighter planes and used by him for years as an everyday driver, the LeSabre offered a preview of the aircraft styling that followed in the 1950s. The 1951 LeSabre contained such technological features as a dual gasoline and alcohol fuel system and a moisture sensor which would raise the convertible top if it began raining when the owner was away from the car. A clay vision of the LeSabre appeared in print in the fall of 1950 and the real thing was first shown to the public in July of 1951. It was not a Buick, although Buick picked up the LeSabre name for 1959. This example was the project of Harley Earl, head of GM styling. In essence, it was a replacement of the Buick Y-Job he used as his personal car and calling card for most of the 1940s. The LeSabre went on to be used for Earl's new ride. It rides on a basic chassis with an aluminum super-charged dual fuel V-8 engine with rubber-based front suspension and a body that used cast magnesium body panels in many places. It is also equipped with hydraulic jacks on each wheel as just one of many innovations found on this vehicle. Earl used aviation as an inspiration for many facets of his work and the LeSabre was a showcase. The name came from the Air Force Sabre jet fighters, the front jet-like intake held two headlights, the rear fins hinted at P-38 inspired Cadillac fins, and rear nozzle also was jet inspired. The instruments said aircraft in style and in the inclusion of an altimeter. Fuel tanks for gasoline and methanol were in the rear fenders and limited trunk space. With over half a century worth of memories, the earlier models of the LeSabre inspire a sense of nostalgia back to a time when life was supposed to be simplified. The image of technology in the early stages, design, dynamic lines, unique and individual accessories, and the advance exterior engineering is apparent in the LeSabre models of old. Maintaining the same qualities that carried it through the rough times, superb engine, tremendous engineering and unwavering reliability, the LeSabre continues to impress car enthusiasts today. Buick has kept an age old reputation for producing ‘the best of the best', and the LeSabre has proved capable of weathering the storms of the times, and acclimating itself to the ever-changing demands of its clientele. With parts available in a various and wide array, the option to upgrade the Buick LeSabre is simplified and all encompassing. A concept vehicle created originally by General Motors Styling and Buick Engineering, the LeSabre was finally revealed in 1951. Eight years later, the LeSabre nameplate was finally put on a production vehicle. Perhaps not as exhiliarating as the 1951 dream car, the styling on the 1959 vehicle with its large tail fins was both dynamic and a sign of the times. A mainstay at Buick for four decades, the total sales of the LeSabre model exceeded six million. The LeSabre has been the number one-selling full-size vehicle in the U.S. and has won both numerous quality and 'best buy' awards for the past six years.  Totally redesigned for the 2000 model year, the LeSabre sported a fresh view and design as well as various innovative safety features, comfort and convenience. Consistently ranked as Buick's best selling full-size car, the LeSabre was Buick's entry level vehicle. Replacing the full-size Buick Special model in 1959, LeSabre has also carried the title of America's Best-Selling Full-size Car until its discontinuation at the end of the 2005 model year. The vehicle was replaced by the 2006 Buick Lucerne. The LeSabre nameplate has outlasted the Electra, Electra 225 and the Invicta. The LeSabre also carried the lowest base price in the Buick lineup. A full-size car the was produced by the Buick division of General Motors, the Buick LeSabre replaced the full-size Buick Special model in 1959. Originally showcased on a Motorama show car in 1951, the LeSabre nameplate was featured in a various line of body styles.

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This is a very nice and very rare photo that reflects a wonderful era of  automotive history in a wonderful way.  This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm).  It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.

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