1938 Buick Y-Job Auto Industries First Concept Car

The automobile industry's first concept car was 1938 Buick Y-Job built in 1938. The Buick Y-Job was a two door coupe designed by Harley J. Earl, it was not intended for production it was created to test out new ideas. The Y-Job concept car had a body that was a streamlined sheet metal expanse of over 17 long with a wheel base of 126 inches. The Y-Jobs fenders flowed seamlessly into the doors with wrap around bumpers, the Y-Job was sporty yet elegant.  

Some of the features of the Buick Y-Job were later found on GM's production line. Some of the innovative features of this unique concept car were; an electric top that when closed was concealed under a metal cover, electric windows, power operated hidden headlamps, flush door handles,a "gun-sight" hood ornament and the waterfall grille design that is still used today by Buick.

Harley J. Earl drove the Buick Y-Job for several years until he replaced it with 1951 General Motors LeSabre dream car. Later the Y-Job was restored at the Henry Ford museum and in 1993 the car was returned back to the GM Design Center where resides as a member of GM's Heritage Collection.