39 Fisher Body was an automobile coach builder, founded by two brothers, Fredrick and Charles Fisher, in 1908. In 1919, General Motors bought sixty percent of the Fisher Body corporation. “Body by Fisher” was on door sill plates of GM vehicles through the 1990’s. The Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild competition was not entirely philanthropic. The Guild recognized that youth are a valuable asset in unencumbered creativity and innovation. Creative young people could share new design concepts and design elements in the Guilds model competition, which were reviewed carefully by established designers. The competition was also a means of talent identification. Following a college education, young designers who had been tagged for their early potential could be tracked and recruited into industry. While young post graduates working for GM, Chrysler and Ford may have much to learn about working in a corporate organization, their youth was embraced as part of diversity in product development teams. Youth in team diversity is a key success factor in twenty first century organizations that require innovation to survive and remain competitive. The photos on this page are Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild model entries in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. We chose these example as they have wedge themed design elements conceived by young designers. There was no obligation in the design requirements of practical aspect of engine placement. However, for the purposes of historical precursors in wedge car design they are notable. Roger Oetting (left) and Virgil Exner Jr. (right) Inspect 1947 Guild Winners 1959 Guild Trophy
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA0NTk=