The T-Bird project began in early 1952 with Bill Boyer, John (Dick) Samsen, and Alan Kornmiller doing the "hands on" design work. The design was called "Sportsman", later changed to THUNDERBIRD. The project was initially only a Ford Styling proposal, but when Henry Ford II saw it, he insisted that it become a production car.
A rush project, concepts were often airbrushed on blueprint paper, like the 1952 concept by Samsen, on the right. Below, Samsen's original front end in full scale clay, before bumper was lowered.
The D-523 "Cougar" was an experimental Ford built on a T-Bird chassis, with fuel injection. This car was designed in Gil Spear's studio in 1954, largely by Samsen, whose original concept sketches are shown below.
"PARIS"...A 1960 concept for a DESOTO Luxury/sports car.
Views of 3/8 scale clay model below. This rendering won the best-in-show award at the annual "Eyes on Classic Design" show at the Edsel Ford Estate, Grosse Point MI. in 1996.
This design was chosen to be rendered full-size, from which the wooden buck was built and the full size clay was modeled under Samsen's direction. Later, the fenderline was straightened and the front bumper was lowered. Bill Boyer directed the design of the rear end and windshield, and collaborated with Samsen on the design of the fenderline and sides.
