LEVERAGE

The Flight of the Omnipresent Red Phin

- ALAN PARADISE

There is something obviously special about milestone automobiles with their elements and styling cues that endear us to particular makes and models. Some of these elements are subtle, like the stainless steel body-trim of a ’57 Bel Air or the unique shape of a ’63 split-window Corvette. Others are more menacing as in the hockey stick Hemi on the ’70 ’Cuda or the cheese cutter body shape of a Testarossa. These features help bring presence to a car. Then there are cars that seem to have an aura all their own, like a Chrysler Prowler or Shelby Cobra.

Every now and again an automotive design that is long gone and forgotten or perhaps one that was once so common it was overlooked at first, resurfaces in an example that commands a new level of respect and admiration. Such is the case with one very special, last of the ’50s Chevrolets and its equally special and unique owner.

Before we get too far with the who, what, where and why of the build, it’s important to understand why the ’59 and ’60 Chevrolet line should be considered historic.

For 27 years, beginning in 1932, Harley Earl guided the design of every General Motors product.