GM, Ford, Chrysler or AMC - Who Had The Best Automotive Styling in the 1960s?

A hotly debated topic, but I'll provide some insight into my opinion. Share yours!

[@edmontontangobar4991]

I wanted to be a car designer all my life. I look at SUVs and I'd never wish that job on my worst enemy.

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed! Hideous. 😮

[@michaelmiller9483]

The '68 charger.... Beautiful.

[@alantrimble2881]

The ‘65-‘68 Mustang would like a word. As would countless other models from both Chrysler and the 3 other domestic manufacturers. Chrysler in particular had a lot of hideously styled cars in the ‘60s. They got the styling RIGHT with the ‘68 Charger, but it would be ridiculous to judge the entire’60s Chrysler lineup based solely on the ‘68 Charger. Even a broken clock displays the correct time twice a day.

[@madmeh2929]

The Charger and Challenger from that era are beautiful, but GM had more beautiful designs overall.

[@michaelmiller9483]

@@alantrimble2881 Always loved Drag Racing, especially the funny cars from the sixties..'68 Corvette, '69 Mustang, 68 Javelin, etc.

[@DanEBoyd]

@@madmeh2929 The 1970 and later Barracuda and Challenger both were quite good looking cars, but their design seemed a few years late - in 1970, the Camaro and Firebird were strictly fastback, (or fastback-ish) and the Mustang coupe and Cougar were flirting with fastback-ish lines to their C pillars. The Javelin was always a fastback. But the new for '70 Barracuda and Challenger still looked like a '67-'69 Camaro/Firebird, or a '64-'68 Mustang coupe. Though the '64 Barracuda, which beat the Mustang into the showrooms by a few weeks, was strictly fastback, and the '67-'69 offered coupe, fastback, and convertible, like Mustang.

[@malcolmhamilton5200]

The 68' Charger absolutely stole the new for 68' Stingray's thunder. What GM looked better than the 68-70' Chargers?

[@jamesengland7461]

Adam, I'm impressed by your eloquent and accurate description of the design and design techniques employed on these cars. I have thoroughly enjoyed class!

[@RareClassicCars]

Glad you liked it!

[@gregt8638]

Excellent tutorial on styling, Adam! All these little cues have escaped me for all these years - but now it makes total sense! Thank you for turning us into connoisseurs!

[@joecifelli1253]

GM had some beautiful styling in the 1960s. I was born in 1968 and my dad's brother's all owned GM cars. I remember my uncles 1969 gold Riviera. Beautiful car. We had a 1969 Grand Prix. I currently own my uncles 1970 Yellow Formula 400 which he purchased new in 1970. My dad currently owns a 1962 Grand Prix that he bought in the early 80s and restored over a few years. I love that red Tornado that you showed in this and other episodes. That's a stunningly beautiful car. GM of the 60s was a pinnacle imo.

[@jamesmancuso3666]

Never feel discomfort or discussion about personal thoughts. This is what makes people/friends stronger. Not everyone thinks/feels the same way but talking about it helps us grow. I also love Pontiac in the 60s/70s but also like the lincoln coupes during the same decades.

[@billgueltig6136]

GM-Oldsmobile division-starring the Olds Toronado!

[@jamesmancuso3666]

@@billgueltig6136 If only that was rwd.

[@sethmaki1333]

Chrysler took the most chances, Fords were the stodgiest, while the General made masterpieces.

[@digitalfutur]

Yep, GM all the way, as sales prove. Chrysler and Ford had some cars that had nice styling, but GM was consistently best overall.

[@alantrimble2881]

I agree with you, but it’s important to note that GM had more styling opportunities simply because of its size and the multitude of models it sold each year. The other domestic manufacturers had a much smaller selection of brands and models.

[@ralphl7643]

@@alantrimble2881 Yes, it's harder to take risks that some love and some hate.

[@dustin_4501]

@@digitalfutur Also GM had more money to invest on design than Ford or Chrysler.

[@Rick-S-6063]

@@alantrimble2881 AMC's Richard Teague could style an entire vehicle on less that what GM would budget for redoing a hood ornament.

[@FastSports-ScaleCarGarage]

Teague. Engle and Mitchell. A triumvirate of genius design never to be experienced again.

[@markdc1145]

Amen!

[@FastSports-ScaleCarGarage]

@@markdc1145 Thank you.

[@gfghjfgfghfj]

I think Dick Teague was at his best in the early '70s at AMC.

[@keithdukes5990]

I'll second that 👍

[@Rick-S-6063]

At least Teague and Engel weren't egotistical and tyrannical. They never said "I tell people what they like" as regards automotive styling.

[@Primus54]

I have to agree that G.M. had more interesting styling, particularly mid-60s, but Ford certainly had a couple of winners… like the Mustang, and my personal favorite, the ‘67 & ‘68 Cougar. My absolute favorite of all time from Ford was the ‘56 & ‘57 Continental Mark II. Pure class & style.

[@sergioleone3583]

I'm a GM guy, but you clearly have taste! I love the first gen Cougar and those Continental Mark IIs are just amazing. To my eye, it inspired the 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe by Pininfarina. And this Tifoso would actually prefer the Continental in that case!

[@DanEBoyd]

X2 on the Cougar - I had a '68 Standard Dan Gurney Special. But for me, a Mustang guy, I'd have to specify the '65-'66 2+2 fastback Mustang.

[@Primus54]

@@DanEBoyd I had a ‘67 XR7 as my first post-graduation car. I too love Mustangs but I preferred the concave rear lights of the ‘67… Bullitt green.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, We may never agree on a brand but the vast majority if us will agree the 1960s were indeed peak styling. For the record, you will never catch me going '100 miles an hour in the right lane' as that would ruin all the fun of being in the slow lane. 😁😁

[@smiddysmidton8313]

GM. The split window C2 Vette was a world class masterpiece of the era.

[@starkparker16]

Riv, Vette, Eldo, C10, Impala, GTO... The list goes on. And on.

[@sergioleone3583]

Your first three are my top three, though I'd put the Eldo in front of the C2 Vette, even though I'm a sports car guy at heart. I guess I'm getting old...

[@dustin_4501]

@@starkparker16 Toronado, Wildcat, Delta 88, Cutlass, Camaro and Firebird.

[@TheodoreWeiser]

We had a 69 GTO 400/4-Speed. Yellow w/Black Vinyl top. Had the hood tach too. An unusual color setup. My mom had issues with it. She couldn't take off from a stop sign without spinning the tires. My dad finally told her to just take off 2nd. We traded it in not long after that for brand new 71 Nova with a straight six. He was able trade it straight across. That Goat was the most beautiful car we ever had

[@loveisall5520]

For me, Mopar falls into two distinct categories: the Exner years and the Engel years. Like when Mitchell took over from Earl, Engel put his stamp on Mopar cars from about '65 onward and most of the cars were successful. I still admire Dick Teague over at AMC and the work he did on a shoestring budget.

[@michaelwhite2823]

We can all argue on styling, but GM had the best options. You could get in dash air and power windows in mid size and even Firebird. Much later it was offered on Ford's and Mopar.

[@DejaView]

One particular area where GM was, hands-down, the ultimate winner. Best A/C in the business! (back then at least) And the most advanced systems & features earliest on in the game...

[@robertvance1873]

I think they all had their Gems

[@dustin_4501]

Whether you hate or love you have to admite GM was the best in the design department.

[@dermotthompson2115]

Depends on the model and year, totally. The 61 Lincoln was of huge influence

[@jeenkzk5919]

It’s a shame cars today don’t have exciting designs. Even the most expensive cars today are boring.

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed!

[@SirOsisofLiver]

@@jeenkzk5919 My grandfather used to say that about cars from the '60s and '70s. He thought peak design occurred in the '50s. Cars from the '60s and '70s stand out now because they're rare and styling has moved on. In the 1970s, when everything was shaped the same, there were a bunch of old farts going on with "they don't make them like they used to", same as it ever was.

[@jeenkzk5919]

@@SirOsisofLiver well,at least I know I’ve earned my old fart stripes. Lol

[@dannyg6592]

I love American car styling from the 1960s and the best of the best is from GM. Four examples of GM's mid-century styling expertise: 1963 split window Corvette, 1963 Riviera, 1966 Toronado and the 1967 Eldorado - each one a timeless styling masterpiece.

[@plap.]

When I was young my grandfather had a burgundy 67 tempest. I was very young but always loved that car. I felt cool around it and in it, even with my grandpa spitting hawkers out the window every minute or so. Italian off the boat with a lead foot. The whole thing was a package. With the stacked headlights and pointed nose the styling ques were obvious to a kid and had me on the lookout in traffic for Pontiacs at all times. Made sense in my head as did being in my parents 68 bug. Had very obvious designs i was influenced by and readily looked for. All had little hints of being iconic even tho I didn't realize what caught my eye, just knew what I liked. The only thing I liked better than all else was the 70 Barracuda. Don't know if it fits here but that car was everything to me. Maybe because we never knew anybody that had one so getting close to check one out was rare.

[@MarinCipollina]

General Motors stood head and shoulders above the others. 1960s was peak General Motors. They had the best artists and sculptors in the industry and it showed. Nobody else was playing at their level.

[@JDGonzalezjr]

You're spot on! I loved GM styling and I felt that they were really on the forefront of design.

[@mark98070]

Interesting perspective. I've always appreciated the 68 Olds Cutlass design as my eyes are drawn to the sculpting of these timeless classics

[@nthused]

I learn SO much about automobile design on this channel. Thank you!!!

[@DocZoidberg549]

I've had a 68 Impala and Caprice. Beautiful cars. 1968 was a great year for GM.

[@John-wx9oy]

No love for Mopars? The Chargers and Challengers were full of character and interesting body lines. However, overall, GM was top of the heap.

[@craigbenz4835]

Mopar for me, and on the whole '68 was the best year for them.

[@gfghjfgfghfj]

I loved the very late '60s Hemi 'Cuda. That yellow Nash Bridges car was gorgeous.

[@rogergoodman8665]

I'm a Pontiac guy, but ever since I watched "Bullitt" as a kid, I've had a thing for 1968 Chargers. I actually watched once solely to be able to count the number of hubcaps that went flying off that black beauty! (Those guys were some serious wheel men in that movie) I honestly can't remember the total # but it was several cars worth.

[@georgeburns7251]

Loved the first Cudas. Valiant with a piece of fast back glass on the trunk. What a designers joke.

[@howardfauntroy8345]

I was raised in a family where Lincoln's were always a primary source of transportation in our household. Beginning with my great uncle Robert and Aunt Odessa's black 1962 Lincoln Continental with a red leather interior, and my parents 1st black 1969 Lincoln Continental 4 door sedan with red leather interior. My family was captivated by the distinctively classic and elegant 1961-1969 Lincoln styling. Thanks for your wonderful insight into the designers goals, for each of the manufacturers in the 1960's. I greatly appreciate your discerning commentary. 😎

[@DejaView]

In case you hadn't noticed, while Caddy was usually the sales leader in the luxury league, in the '50s, '60s & maybe beyond, the Presidential fleet was generally comprised of Lincolns. Even JFK was not riding in a Caddy....

[@howardfauntroy8345]

The last Lincoln Presidential Limousine was the 1989 Lincoln Town Car, used by President George HW Bush. I think it's time we returned to the Lincoln brand to provide our Presidential Limousines! 😎

[@thegoldendog7991]

I’m a FOMOCO guy, but to my eye, GM was the undeniable style victor during that era.

[@stormythelowcountrykitty7147]

I like the Fords - mostly because my Dad drove them - but those 1960s Pontiacs were something special!

[@gregz6418]

I agree. Overall, across their full line-ups, GM had the best-looking cars, especially from 1965 to 1968. There was hardly an ugly car in their entire portfolio. I think the 69 & 70 GM full-size models started to lose some ground to Chrysler + Ford and definitely went backward in 1971 with the redesigns. I think Chrysler did a nice job on their 68 -71 redesigns. Challenger, Charger, New Yorker, etc. I think most of the 1971 -1974/1975 GM full-size cars were not attractive. They just got so bloated and the build quality also went South.

[@davidbolt5113]

GM was bold yet graceful. A truly remarkable combination.

[@VTMCompany]

Thank you for confirming why I wish for our brand new '67 Pontiac Catalina we had growing up. It was baby blue with white hard top and those great Batmobile stacked headlamps. Inside interior was deep blue with a torquoise transparent steering wheel. The dash design was completely across the front in a tasteful straight design.

[@michaelmihalis9057]

Adam, I love every time you show your Catalina.Beautiful.Mike the Greek

[@timwenger7023]

That 1966 Catalina 2dr is, in my opinion, the most beautifully designed car ever.

[@georgeburns7251]

I agree with you. Pontiac design was the best in the 60s. That is how I felt in the sixties. In high school I had a teacher who purchased a new Gran Prix. What a beautiful car.

[@dwrhd]

Aussie here and totally agree. Our HQ holden was a good example.

[@nharris6171]

You are without question correct. GM styling was known to be better in the 60's. Your excellent comparison makes the difference clear.

[@bryanaisenbrey7188]

1969 Dodge Charger definitely had some sweet curves, flowing lines and neat details. With the possible exception of the wing windows, it still looks fresh today. The scallops in the doors that flow to the rear. The stainless trim on the tail lights. The bulging fenders. Not a bad line anywhere and plenty of visual surfacing!

[@Foxonian]

My dad had a gold 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom coupe. Very neat car and the 350 4 barrel was no slouch.

[@user-yy9hk9od9u]

In the 60s it was GM for sure.

[@terrencerobinson2799]

1968 Dodge Charger, 1965-66 Chrysler New Yorker, and 1967-68 Chrysler New Yorker all had styling surfacing that rivaled GM. Of the three I mentioned, I especially love how the 1967-68 Chryslers have a concave body section that created an upside down reflection in the body side. I actually am surprised you do not own one Adam!

[@RareClassicCars]

I love the 65-66 New Yorker

[@danpasstuff3462]

That's probably why, with just a few exceptions, GM cars are more sought after, even decades later. Especially the early sixties.

[@danr1920]

Late 60's was Chrysler, closely followed by GM and then Ford and AMC. All four were at their best. Early 60's, I don't like most of them, so I can't rank, The Corvair's were a standout in a good way.

[@gregreed1963]

I have to agree with you , the mid to late 60 's Chrysler Corp. had the best over all styling .

[@hrc5534]

GM without a doubt. My neighbor had a 1966 GTO. $4000 new. Those were the days. Great channel.

[@stephenlight647]

It’s not close. Pontiac alone takes the crown!

[@TheTussman]

Seems you beat my comment by 2 minutes, my Poncho brother.

[@Sheisthedevilyouknowwho-ft9we]

I've seen long time pros in covering the auto industry rave about many of the '60s Pontiacs. Several different years of the Grand Prix. The lines from the side, '65 and '66, and '69 GP(John DeLorean). The '64 or '65 2 + 2, mean -looking from the front😡. And no one else offered those 8 lugs. The Tempest, LeMans, GTO. Personally I love the '69 Firebird/ Trans Am the most of the 1st gen

[@timothykeith1367]

Pontiac was considered to be a style leader. I especially like the stacked headlights.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

Pontiac , high performance fancy chevy for me

[@ksquine]

Totally agree. GM styling was miles ahead in Mitchell era. Surfacing and details were just on another level compared to Ford or Chrysler. Probably part of the reason GM had a 50% market share in the 60's

[@stratcat4450]

Adam i was born an raised in oakland county. Im pretty old now but back in the day when you knew all your neighbors an actually talked an did things with them most familys seemed to be strongly aligned with one of the big three. You had families that always drove Fords, GM, or Chrysler products. My dad was especially a Pontiac man. We were pretty poor so they were all carefully picked used cars. He was pretty talented at doing all his own repairs himself. The only time our family ever strayed from Pontiac was when my mom talked dad into buying a used 1962 T Bird. It was black with a red leather interior. We kids were freaked out at this car! Unfortunately those T Birds had a defect with the transmission an in a short time our car had the problem twice, sooo dad never got talked into another Ford!

[@928gto]

GM simply knew distinctive styling cues to be more elaborate in a lovely way

[@jimmacmurdo355]

I think the '62 thru '67 Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles were the most memorable. My dad had a '62 and a '65 Olds 98, and a '67 GTO. All beautiful cars.

[@jasonpovey]

For overall 1960s I’d have to go with GM, but for the last few years of the 60s Mopar had some phenomenal looking models.

[@onepingonlyvasily]

GM overall, but the 68 Charger was phenomenal. I always thought Pontiac's were gawdy and tacky.

[@DanEBoyd]

'68 Charger is my favorite Chrysler design. I think the '67 Cougar might be my favorite Ford design, but GM makes for a more difficult decision - as I sit now, I'm going to say the C2 Corvette convertible with the auxiliary hard top, or the 1970-'73 Trans Am. Too many options - '76 Laguna, C3 Vettes, '66-'72 A bodies, Camaros, Monte Carlos '71-'72 Grand Prixs...

[@aaronsnowden6311]

The GM cars were the best looking. And that is hard for me to say as a Ford fan. But it's true.

[@itsnotme07]

GM won the 1960's from start to finish. And this is from someone who's never owned a GM product and has been driving over 40 years. I'm a Chrysler and Ford guy....although my daily driver is a 2015 Lexus RX350 right now. Mostly because nothing at Chrysler or Ford excited me in 2017. The Lexus doesn't "excite me" like say the 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. But it's extremely reliable, it's comfy to sit in for long drives and gets "ok" gas mileage. I do have a Chrysler product in my garage....2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited, which I bought new in 2001. It's got 120k miles and looks/runs great still. What 1960's GM product really stands out? The Chevrolet Camaro, and the Buick Wildcat Convertible. Also loved the design of the 1960 Buick LeSabre....Fast Times at Ridgemont High....Brad's "Cruising Vessel". Would I buy one? Only if I had Jay Leno money. Haha.

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you. A very interesting description of the artistic era of American automobiles.

[@71three5ohscrambler8]

Their are so many great designs.....GTO...Camaro.....68-69 Charger.........Mustang.....just to name a bit of muscle. And I love the big boats also. They all made great ones, but I would agree with another comment......GM had the best overall styling I think.

[@markwegner6100]

Excellent video, Adam!

[@philip4193]

I've heard it said that the GM engineers hated the styling guys back in the day as the stylists created these wonderful yet complex body designs that the engineers then had to work out how to physically design & construct and then fit to a chassis. Meanwhile at Ford, the engineers it seems had far more say over the exterior styling in the first place (since as Adam pointed out, the styling department itself was run by an engineer) and thus less effort was required to transfer these clay model designs and engineer the actual finished product.

[@markdc1145]

This is very true. At GM, once designs were signed off by the execs, the whole task of engineering and tooling up a car was then "thrown over the wall" to Fisher Body division. They usually did a good job but the final execution of a car was done with little involvement from the actual designers.

[@DonaMane]

Mid 1960s to early 1970s Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge models! Just my opinion!

[@gregreed1963]

Right on , from the mid 60 's to early 70's , Chrysler , Plymouth and Dodge had the best styling .

[@erichanson3961]

The breathtaking 65 Impala coupe styling was a masterpiece. The Buick Wildcats and Electras in that time as well, with the "W" nose and the graceful fenders and haunches. I know that the C-2, the Rivs, and the other E cars were spectacular, but these "common" GM B and C cars were stunning. -Yes, the 68 and later A-Cars, especially the 2 door versions.

[@garyruark9506]

If I had to pick a best looking full size GM car of the 60's I would pick the 65 Pontiac. There are a lot of honorable mentions.

[@joecifelli1253]

65 Catalina 2+2 comes to mind. Very nice car

[@markw4263]

There were distinct differences then at least; GM was the big dog and the others were often derivative but you could tell them apart….

[@gregt8638]

GM really was the leader in style, innovation and desirability. Ford was next ( love of their cars too like the T-Bird, Lincoln, early mustangs)

[@davidkornblatt851]

The 1968 AMC AMX

[@Rick-S-6063]

I really liked the 1967 and 1968 AMC Ambassadors. The '65 and '66 were very sharp, too.

[@notbugs]

I have to agree with you after having watched the video. Really interesting story and as always a great insight into the Automotive industry's inner workings. Cheers from Sweden!

[@Sedan57Chevy]

GM was #1. Within the divisions, I'd actually give the nod to Buick. While I adore Cadillac and they are my favorite cars, they really only had their full size cars and then the Eldorado, and aside from the Eldorado, had very evolutionary designs that didn't change too much. By comparison, Buick had everything from the cute early 60s senior compacts, to the handsome full size models, both the 63 and 66 Rivieras, and I think the most attractive of the redesigned 68 Intermediates (I love the 68-69 skylark). I can't really think of a single ugly Buick from this decade, all of this while maintaining some great crossover between the designs that helped create a brand identity. They also had excellent engines throughout this period. I think overall, aside from the first Riviera, Buicks are largely underrated. But honestly, pretty much all the domestic automakers had excellent styling during the 60s. The transition from 50s holdovers to the muscle and neoclassic trends of the early 70s are fascinating to see play out.

[@ΛΟΥΚΑΣΛΟΥΚΙΔΗΣ-ζ9υ]

My first car was a 1968 Mercury Cougar.Beautiful car.However ,the 1966 Toronado was pure perfection.

[@Jb42996]

I am a Mopar man but I have to agree with you that GM had some very uniquely styled and beautiful cars.

[@johnnymula2305]

I think in Overall, GM had the best styling throughout the 60’s hands down! Both Ford and Chrysler had some cool stuff. But no one had as many home runs as GM. I totally agree with you on the 68, 69 GTO as being the most beautiful car of the 60’s. They were perfect from any angle.

[@edwardpate6128]

For me it has to be General Motors without a doubt, with kudos also to the late 60's fuselage styled Chrysler products.

[@TheSpritz0]

There were SEVERAL amazing cars from that era, particularly starting in 1968- The NEW style Charger, the Ford Torino SPORTSROOF/"Fastback", and of course the NEW style G.T.O. with endura bumpers!!!!

[@RobertKnapp-n6q]

Through the 60's, 70's, 80's , i always thought that Fords were a little less "flashy" or ornamented. Gm's designs were so beautiful...but there are many who wanted or needed a new car and maybe felt like thier choice of car was a little more understated . I think it made a difference in my parents vehicle choices. They always had really nice cars, but in understated colors.

[@user-pk2zm2pz9n]

I think you need to keep model year to model year for comparisons. This really needs to be a multi episode series to give it justice.

[@KingDavidinPhoenix]

I would have an extremely hard time choosing 😞😞😞. I love them all

[@rickglogowski1453]

I was always a Pontiac guy. Bought a '74 Firebird, '77 Grandprix, '87 6000, '02 Grand Am

[@488ci]

I think Ford has lots of people with psychology degrees working for them because Ford people will never admit that they have a bad vehicle even when Ford has a bad vehicle. GM certainly did have the nicest vehicles and even the pickup trucks were nicer than the rest.

[@althunder4269]

I really do like the GM Collonade style from the 70's.

[@vintagemotelguest]

I can remember "fearing" it as a 13 year-old because they replaced the cars from which were built some of the most beloved supercars, but it was actually exciting when such "new" designs came out, with their large bodies but sleek design and short-wheelbases actually making the 2-doors seem smaller than they were. Give me the first year 1973 models with their slightly-smaller-designed big bumpers and a few of the performance models like the Grand Am, GTO and Gran Sport remaining.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

I've always thought as a Corporation, GM had the best designs during the 60's. It's subjective though, and some of it just comes down to personal taste. I love some Chrysler designs of the the 60's. The Imperials of 64 thru 67, the B-Bodies of 68 thru 70, the E bodies of 1970. For Fords, some of the Mustangs such as 67's thru 69, Just about any T-Bird from 1961 forward to 1969. The Futura convertibles of 62 & 63. American Motors had some really tasteful designs in 67 & 68. The Javelin is a prettier car then either the Mustang, or Camaro of comparable years (to be fair, they are all great looking cars though). 65 thru 67 Impala's were always my favorites though, even when I was a kid.

[@deanbracewell8489]

Another great video sir! At first I had no idea how one could choose between so many great looking cars from that era. But your specifics on your choice were enlightening. As a GM guy I was very happy that you gave them the prize but no disrespect to Ford and Chrysler. 🙌🏻

[@WhittyPics]

We have had several Pontiacs in my family. I owned a few myself. My 84 Grand Prix had wide chrome along the bottom.

[@geraldsnyder6482]

Starting with the 1964 Imperial the Elwood Engle designs for Chrysler Corp are beautiful and classic.

[@EricResnick]

Each manufacture had studios at the top of their game during that time. One of the things that made them great was that they were delightfully different. Who was best? Hard to say. They all had great looking cars and some not so. A lot of it is personal taste, and also what they did to make the cars visually appealing with what they had to work with.

[@stevencarter385]

The others all had one or two that looked pretty good, but GM had mostly good looking cars in every division.

[@rogergoodman8665]

I've always thought that Pontiac's were the best looking cars no matter what decade is being discussed. I've owned 7 Pontiac's over the year's and still own two, My 1987 Fiero GT and a 1969 LeMans 4 door hardtop that was bought new by my late grandfather. They are both absolutely beautiful from any angle.

[@Romiman1]

Was making model-cars freehand (from cardboard) for almost 2 decades, I absolutely agree. So the majority of them were GM models.

[@jayweiss4378]

The "SPACE RACE" changed the look of cars in the 60s... All those American makes and models looked Fantastic in the 60s and 70s

[@DanEBoyd]

I agree 100% with GM taking the prize!

[@rbcrain2469]

The 69 GTO convertible looks so good with the vent windows removed

[@rdm925]

Thanks, again for this video and discussion of design and styling of the 1960's. As someone who grew up in the 60's and loved cars and wanted to be a "stylist" when I grew up, I love the emphasis you put on design. Overall with a few exceptions, I agree GM had the best design and styling and set the standard and trends for the industry in the 60's. Such as the "coke bottle" shape and kick-up in the fender lines over the rear wheels. I especially love the overall 65 big/standard car line and the 68 intermediate car line designs. Thanks, again for the great videos and channel.

[@joeseeking3572]

Without letting the video unfold, my reflexive answer would be 'GM' - with the caveat that both Ford and Chrysler had some excellent designs (the suicide Lincoln and 68-69 Charger jump out quickly). On reflection, it might not be that easy. GM's styling was more sophisticated, they appreciated design more - but they also had a much larger market share and so produced a bunch of fairly bland boxes in an attempt to please the most people possible (64 Chevy, 64 Chevelle, most Chevy II/Novas). Ford was generally conservative, and Chrysler went through 2 completely distinct eras - you really can't compare a 62 Fury which what eventually became the 67 Belvedere. Everyone took turns at bat - GM probably had more hits and even runs, but Ford came out with some solid designs - and more importantly some market bullseyes (Falcon, Mustang, and in its own way the Mark III). Chrysler was the also ran. Though its full size vehicles post 65 are quite good looking (save the 69 Plymouth and maybe Dodge - too stubby), and they had the cleanest, arguably most elegant compacts in the 67 onward Valient/Dart - at least at the Signet and Custom trim levels. Pocket muscle car too in the GTS.

[@garysarratt1]

Adam, maybe you could do a “glossary” video, for people who don’t know terms like beltline, pillars, rocker panels etc.

[@ericchristensen4107]

One thing that stands out to me is some AMC designs seem more pure to the designers intent. Sometimes I feel the others, GM in particular were reworked and polished by committee until they lost that purity. Like a demo cut of a favorite song, some AMC designs just have that original “soul”.

[@Martin.Wilson]

It was a toss up between Pontiac and MOPAR. Pontiac could boast Firebird, GTO, LeMans and Grand Prix while MOPAR gave us Charger, Challenger, Duster and Barracuda. The Golden Age of muscle cars.

[@Vince_Parker]

Challenger, Duster and the best version of the Barracuda/'Cuda were made after 1969, so they don't really apply to this discussion. However, I think almost all of the B-body Mopar coupes and hardtops after 1965 were very good looking cars especially the Charger.

[@towgod7985]

Adam; another exceptional video. Though I must disagree about the manufacturers styling, I prefer the more dignified and less busy styling of the Fords and Mercurys. Something must be said about not needing attention. Jaguar, I believe, said it best, Grace, space, pace. Cheers.

[@travislostaglia8861]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder In my opinion gm was bottom of the barrel in the 60’s below AMC

[@thetubeeleven11]

The 1972 Chrysler New Yorker that you recently sold had the most beautiful exterior design ever on a large car, the fuselage Chrysler’s were my favorite!

[@craigbenz4835]

They were nice, but I prefer the '65 - '68.

[@donk499]

always loved the fuselage chryslers

[@Sundancer268]

61-64 Chevy, 62-64 Ford, 67-68 Plymouth the full size cars.

[@tonyscarcare5657]

My 68 XL has awesome lines.

[@scottdiamond7133]

I will buy any 1960s GM in good shape.

[@John-i3t9o]

Very interesting clay model at 18.35. Adam has spoken many times about the Eldo, Riv and Toro sharing the same platform. Obviously this clay in Riv on the right and Toro on the left. Wow.

[@jeffreysmith1625]

GM. Hands down. They definitely had an attention to detail. The chrome seemed better, as did the paint. Just better.

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

I knew you were gonna say GM. You make some good points. I think part of it is that we just see so many more GM cars from that era now makes it kind of the "standard" for what '60s cars looked like. For me, peak GM was '66-67. In '67 you had the Camaro and Firebird first gens debut, and the midsize cars still had that great styling from '66. Unfortunately, by '67 the full-size line had been revised to just add too much more visual "weight". The '65-66 was so much more trim and handsome.