Largely considered the first industry concept car, the Buick Y-Job racked up many miles before finally debuting to the media on this day in 1940. Designed by Harley Earl and company as a design exercise that incorporated technological advancement and design innovations, the Y-Job acted as a test mule for many GM styling and engineering practices that later became common.
The Y-Job, built on a 1938 Buick Super chassis, featured hidden headlights, flush door handles, hideaway top, and wraparound bumpers. Many of its styling queues are found on the next generation of GM automobiles, particularly Buicks themselves.
Harley Earl drove the Buick Y-Job as his personal vehicle until 1951. GM later donated it to the Henry Ford Museum, where it underwent restoration. The museum later returned the car to GM. Today it lives in the General Motors Heritage Collection.
