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.
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.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.