50's Concept Cars
Written by Keith Fudge

The 1950s.  It was a time of rock and roll, the Cold War, Ozzie and Harriet, and some of the wildest concept cars that were ever produced.  In this episode of My Classic Car, Dennis Gage had the chance to take a trip to Highland Park, Illinois where he met with Joe Bortz, a man who has been collecting concept cars and “one-off” vehicles for the past 25 years!  On this visit, Joe had a pair of classics from the 1950s to show Dennis and the crew.  The first was a 1956 Valkyrie!  Legendary automotive stylist, Brooks Stevens, designed “Die Valkyrie,” and the body was built by Spohn Coachworks in Ravensburg, Germany.  The chassis for the car is a 1956 Cadillac El Dorado.  The vehicle was created for display in auto shows in the United States and Europe.  Joe told Dennis that he acquired the car after he heard that cars from the Brooks Stevens museum were going to be sold.  He made arrangements to purchase this particular automobile. 

While walking around the car, the first noticeable feature is the “in-your-face grille!”  Featuring a large and protruding “V” shape to signify the American V-8 engine in contrast to the straight 8 motors used in Europe, the Valkyrie was designed to incorporate American technology and European style.  Dennis likened the lines on the car to another American luxury vehicle in saying that it somewhat reminded him of the Lincoln Continental Mark II.  As far as the amenities, the car has an all-steel removable hardtop that Joe says is so heavy that it takes between four to six men to remove it safely.  The interior sports a 60/40 split bench seat that was rare for the day and under the hood it was all Cadillac!  At this point, Dennis was beginning to have that look in his eye.  Joe must have recognized it, because he offered to let Dennis take the Valkyrie for a spin!  As they were driving along, Dennis noted that the car had approximately 37,000 miles on it.  Joe said that this concept car may be the one with the most miles and for a good reason.  It is so dependable—just like a 1956 Cadillac!  Soon they returned from the drive to look at an even rarer concept car:  a 1957 Diablo!

The Diablo was created by the Chrysler Corporation, and the 1956 version of this concept vehicle was called the Dart.  Designed by legendary stylist, Virgil Exner, and built by Ghia in Europe, this classic design reflects the obsession with the space age from the era!  Long and wide with chrome trim blended into the body, this car has immaculate detail.  It includes pitchfork emblems on the exterior of the body and stitched into the leather seats as well.  The interior reflects an obsession with the space age.  There are four bucket seats with the driver’s instrumentation more reminiscent of a cockpit than a dashboard.  Under the hood is “power plus” in the form of a 392 cubic-inch Hemi engine outfitted with dual four-barrel carburetors.  It is rated at 375 horsepower.  To have a chance to ride in a car that looks as if it might have been on the Jetsons was cool enough for Dennis.  With Joe behind the wheel, the two took off for a short cruise.  You can bet that this special car got its share of looks as they were driving through Highland Park.  After they returned, Joe told Dennis that he could come back anytime for a look at more concept cars.  We have the feeling that it won’t be too long between visits!  That’s it from Highland Park, Illinois.  So until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”