Tribute to Visual Futurist Syd Mead (1933-2019) & His 1972 Imperial LeBaron

[@TinyMaths]

Shaking my head at how beautiful this car is. It really takes the breath away.

[@AntoineMiller]

That’s one of the most gorgeous cars from the 70s

[@djplonghead5403]

I wish they kept the absolutely massive logo on the back like on the 1966 laBaron.

[@juliojames5986]

Beautiful automobile. Inside and all around, every feature. Concealed headlamps ! I had 1966 Riveria…… another great design. Thanks.

[@rudolphrios1601]

Absolutely beautiful vehicle. To me it is the Barbi Benton of all cars. No mater what angle you view the car. Beautiful!!!

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

what an awesome looking car! that front end! this shoulda been the batmobile or the green hornet's 'black beauty' ....masterpiece...this car is a absolute work of art...magnificent

[@chucklowe4166]

Syd and Roger took my son and me to downtown Pasadena for burgers in this car. It is magnificant.

[@MrSonomac]

What a masterpiece of a car and a remarkable tribute to the master of all designers!!! SYD MEAD

[@turdferguson4124]

I love this car. The front end design is fantastic, and I love the texturing of the small rectangles in the grill. And I agree that the dash/IP is underwhelming.

[@dznr723]

Syd Mead was such a great influence on so many designers of my generation. We were all in awe of his talent and creativity. Those fuselage MpoPars were so cool. Simple clean executions. This one in particular is a great example.

[@markbehr88]

John. And thank YOU for all the great cars you gave us too.

[@dznr723]

@@markbehr88 I'm so honored that there are people that appreciated or work. Thank you!

[@danielulz1640]

Simply magnificent automobile. Great episode. Thank you.

[@kevincostello3856]

Elegant, front end side lamps look like the air- intakes on an Phantom F-4 fighter plane of that era.

[@MrGalaxie1968]

I could listen to you two guys all day! Awesome stuff!

[@waterheaterservices]

One of the most pleasant people to listen to on You Tube 🙂

[@markdc1145]

Syd Mead is truly a legend in the automotive design world. When the original Blade Runner movie came out in the early '80s, I was studying at ArtCenter in Pasadena and we were all very much inspired by Mead's renderings of the film's vehicles and street scenes. His legacy is thriving today thanks to the popularity of the Cyberpunk genre with younger generations. Great review of this rare and elegant Imperial!👏👏

[@kevinbarry71]

Love listening to you explain. And normally I have little time for designers

[@edwardherman3754]

Thanks for you're videos Adam. Every day when I go on KZbin the first thing I check out is rare classic Cars.

[@roberthoffhines5419]

very Mies Van der Roh. Especially that grille! The last gasp before groovy-garishness became a thing. We had a Fleetwood Brougham of this year, Cadillac had just rounded the bend into plastic-y crap by then.

[@bigjoe330]

Those Imperials are just stunning, so unique and elegant. I always thought that rear end treatment was a homage to the '63 Imperial. I love hearing you two talk about these amazing American cars and how you notice all the little design elements so few notice. What a beautiful example and it's so wonderful you have it because you will take care of it as it should be taken care of. 👍♥️🇺🇸

[@HFX1955]

I was thinking the same thing about the rear end being an update of the 63 Imperial rear end. Noticeable in one of the rear view perspectives that Adam provided with his camera work.

[@ThisCarChannel]

The FABULON. The exterior represents beautifully how a cars design comes to life by being a reflective surface, very much like Mr. Meads fabulous car renderings. There is always magic in a mirror.

[@citibear57]

I loved the styling of the 1972 Imperial (I still do!). I felt that Chrysler finally created a true competitor to the deVille and Continental. The build quality on your Imperial is excellent. The interior is gorgeous in gold. I wish we had colorful interiors now, as I am tired of black/charcoal/gray interiors. Anyway, I enjoyed your discussion with Marc.

[@scottleyva8656]

I love Mark's design explanations. They really make you appreciate the beauty of the car.

[@AndrewMcNairRatcliff]

Yes! I found it enlightening to have a designer point out the details I might have missed otherwise. More content like this please!

[@klwthe3rd]

I always loved the Imperials because they were the underdog. Everyone loves Cadillacs and Lincolns but the Imperials were for those that just wanted something different. I have to admit, like Marc said, i don't think the interiors were as luxurious(excluding the awesome pillow seats) as the other makes but if i had the money in the early 1970's, i would have bought an Imperial.

[@MarinCipollina]

Imperial looks awkward to me, and the interior looks underwhelming. Not that the rest of the big three were so wonderful that era either, but in 1972, I'd be looking for a 1970 or older Cadillac. 1971 was the beginning of a very long slide for Cadillac.

[@kelvinkoltar923]

I think the interiors were fine, especially early 1970s….the Cadillac competition had awful interiors in the early 70s

[@loualiberti4781]

Very thoughtful. Wonderful piece of History. The connection to Syd Mead makes it that much better.

[@jayb9687]

This is a gem of a channel.

[@Gary7even]

I had a rear flat in my dad's 72 Imperial one time and the bumper jack was totally useless. The rear leaf springs on this car have so much rebound travel that you literally cannot jack the rear tires off the ground with the bumper jack. I had to walk to the nearest service station and borrow their floor jack and drag it back to the car to put the spare on. (The slots in the rear bumper in the video reminded me of this incident.)

[@12yearssober]

The jack was for looks. People who bought these cars new would never have changed their own tire.

[@ralphl7643]

When I had a flat on I-95 in the step-monster's Ford pickup, I had to stack books under her bumper jack to get the wheel off and dig out several inches of loose shoulder gravel to get the spare on. Turned out there was a stock axle jack under the hood.

[@Wiencourager]

I had the same experience with my 1973 Imperial. After that I bought a scissor jack at a junkyard. Procedure was to use the bumper jack, then the scissor jack under the axle to get the tire off the ground.

[@locojohn6637]

This is an EXCELLENT description of an Imperial for this era. Packed with history and special factoids. I love the 1969 through 1973 fuselage styling from Chrysler; Imperial being top-of-the-line.

[@SoBe80s.]

Absolutely gorgeous automobile and a wonderful presentation thank you so much

[@jamesparker6017]

Coral Gables 🌴🇺🇸 Our boss LB Maytag National Airlines in Miami had one. Beautiful 👍 🏄

[@scottgfx]

I knew a little about Syd Mead from his movie work in the 1980s, but by the early 1990s, I started hanging out in a local computer shop. The owner of the computer store and his family had a little side business of architectural delineating. They were using computers to take CAD drawings and make 3D projections that they would then paint in acrylic. Always above the paint station was a Syd Mead calendar. That's kind of when I understood that Syd's work went beyond just Blade Runner. Thank you Adam and Marc. It's nice to hear someone talk in the actual language of a car designer.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

The car is just stunning.

[@wildcat64100]

Nice tribute to Syd Mead. Mark is right, it’s impossible to overstate Syd’s contribution to futurism. I have a copy of his US Steel book and it’s a marvel.

[@djplonghead5403]

Yeah, 1963 dash is so cool. Those dashes have the square wheel, push transmission, and rotating speedometer. The 62 Chrysler 300 had the astrodome which was also super cool. This car certainly has an underwhelming dash.

[@rbcrain2469]

Thanks guys, I could listen to you all day ; )

[@lecadeau22201]

A truly beautiful automobile.

[@F6HemiCharger]

This is by far my most favorite of your cars, Adam!

[@benartee9493]

Well, Syd Mead may not be widely known but in this little, worldwide (!) corner, he’s a hero. Also thanks to your videos.

[@michaelnault5905]

Great video! A much richer world thanks to people like Syd Mead. Marc's perspective always remarkable. Those cars well categorized as art.

[@WhittyPics]

I'm not a MOPAR fan but this is a beautiful car

[@2006gtobob]

I loved this car, as well as all of the fuselage cars from my childhood. It's really too bad most owners treated them as beaters and then junked them by the early 80's. CLEAN, ELEGANT, SIMPLE in appearance. Just great. Much better fit and finish inside and out than any GM equivalent of the era.

[@ellisonhamilton3322]

Happy birthday Mr. Mead. Hope you're cruisin' down Heaven's highways in your favorite ride.

[@ethanbowie3050]

STUNNIG CAR ADAM. THIS DESIGN DEFEAT TIME . THE AMERICAN DESIGN AT IY S FINEST///////////////////////////////I LOVE THIS CAR MAN......AND IN BLACK IT BECOMES UNIQUE//////////////////////////////

[@wingz350]

I have a 72 Continental and I love how Chrysler and Lincoln still stayed with the bladed fenders; the cars not only look impressive and imposing but being behind the wheel of them gives a beautiful perspective.

[@garyhoward2490]

Beautiful car!!! Hav'nt seen one in a very long time. Thanks for reminding me. 👍👍👍

[@jimmypontious550]

It defines the meaning of Beauty and the Beast as far as automobiles go. 🚘

[@anthonywalsh2164]

What a classy car. A great design.

[@robbkiker6861]

Always enjoy the videos with Marc. You have a chemistry and both of you are so knowledgeable.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

When you said the front could be been a rear, all I could think of were early 60s Cadillacs. Throw some fins on the tops of the fenders and it really does have the hallmarks of a rear end! I never would've considered that otherwise. Another awesome design breakdown. I think these imperials are quite timeless. I'd love to see some driving footage of this car from the perspective of a back seat passenger. Love the big gold seats!

[@hiitsstillme]

Thinking of the front of this car as the rear, the next car that comes to mind for us is an '70's era Olds Regency.

[@Beehashe]

Great Story! Syd Mead was ahead of his time! I had mentioned the resemblance to the rear of mid 60’s Pontiacs to the fronts of these fuselage bodies, in a previous comment.

[@garysmith2674]

Thanks for another informative treat, guys. I love Marc’s commentary on the design elements at work and the details he is able to provide. You two collectively bring together a wonderful view point on some beautiful cars and your knowledge and enthusiasm comes through loud and clear. BTW, I just adore the ‘72 Imperial. And it’s Syd Mead’s former ride! Great stuff.

[@chrispiyarat5507]

I watch so many car channels. The way in which you describe the design of this, this automobile. After listening and watching I cannot call this sculpture a car. You gentlemen just made the term "automobile" real for me. Before this, I confess I had no understanding of the term. Now it's real. I've always been a huge fan of Syd. Fabulon. I've seen photos but never a complete walkaround and detailed description. Thank you so much.

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

this car is a masterpiece.

[@eddstarr2185]

What you do is type: "Syd Mead SENTINEL", and then look under "images", and even the "Hot Wheels" version of the Sentinel Limousine pops up! Syd used the Sentinel name on many of his vehicle illustrations, but his limousine really became a visual icon. That 1972 Imperial LeBaron is the car I would expect Mr. Mead to proudly own - it looks like a Sentinel III.

[@modspell]

I love Marc's elocution.. very elegant communication.

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

Happy Birthday Syd! What an awesome, hilarious and very moving tribute to a legendary artist and his fascinating car. Thanks fells ;), JV Johnny

[@shcbac]

Beautiful car! Thanks for all of the expert analysis. I kind of like the simplicity of the interior treatment.

[@jakereal3604]

What a lovely and uncommon car. Marks perspective is always interesting to hear and presented in a very eloquent way. Another beauty from your collection !!!

[@BarryTsGarage]

GM hidden headlights - don’t forget Corvette starting in 1963 and continuing decades…. Fun video, Adam!

[@secondcreekworkshop3908]

I really like the front end on that car.

[@billymcmanus9642]

My mom's car when I was a good in the 80s had a 1976 Chrysler New Yorker Brigham. Black & with black vinyl roof and she got the moon roof when she ordered it. It had burgundy velour interior & red pinstripe down the sides. I loved that car. It had the same rear tail lights like yours but the front had the water fall grill and the Brougham hood ornament. My mom was only 4ft 11in tall and she drove that car like a champ lol. Gorgeous car

[@johnfoster445]

Wonderful video series. Love the expertise of your guests. The front parking assembly reminds me of the Woodlites of the 1930s.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Literally my dream car - ‘72 Imperial LeBaron hardtop. Put a fork in it, it’s done!! 😁

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, Let's be clear, Marc is back by popular demand . 😁

[@marshall5415]

The front end is absolutely gorgeous understated and magnificent Interior is opulent spacious and glamorous Unibody eh? I don't remember these cars but definitely would be a head turner back then

[@georgegray2836]

Beautiful car and classy looking new setting, too. We’re not in Center Line anymore!

[@davidjohnson3311]

Simply a COOL looking car. PERIOD. The good old days.

[@markbehr88]

I really enjoyed this review. This Imperial is such a classic design and the black is probably the best colour for one of these. I have a 71 model in metallic blue, white vinyl roof and white interior. I drove it across the USA and it was an absolute pleasure to drive. Mine has the wipers on the headlights (behind the concealed headlight doors) and the 4 wheel anti lock brake option. The Chrysler fuselage cars are terrific.

[@sgtalstrafficticketblog2452]

I love the way both of you go through such lengths to describe the details of the cars you review. Nice job.❤

[@turnertruckandtractor]

Love the commentary. I am not a Chrysler guy but that is beautiful in design and execution.

[@jetsons101]

Sid must be looking down with a big smile..... Happy birthday Sid.

[@Richard4point6]

Fascinating...the most beautiful fuselage Mopar I have seen. Thank you.

[@rwg520]

What an absolutely gorgeous car! The metallic gold leather interior with the black exterior is a super look! These cars will always have a special place in my heart, having owned a '72 coupe in triple black (with the captain's chairs up front.) Marc's explanation from the designer's viewpoint is always so interesting. I knew I liked the look of these cars, and now I know why!

[@guylr7390]

Excellent video. I never paid much attention to the Fuselage Imperial but you two showed the styling features that opened my eyes. I was also happy to learned that the car had been owned by Syd Mead. He’s been one of my favorite artists since I read his article in the spring 1969 issue of Automobile Quarterly titled, THE NEW BLAND. Very prescient writing accompanied by his fantastic illustrations.

[@rextownsend5101]

Great video! Always love Mark’s design analyses.

[@desertmodern7638]

Such an interesting guest. Wonderful segment.

[@dave1956]

I guess that I never really learned how to fully appreciate these vehicles. Thanks for teaching me!

[@sc1338]

My favorite of your cars! Beautiful

[@hiitsstillme]

Such a beautiful example, and we enjoyed the previous celebrity owner provenance. Great review, thanks Adam and Mark!

[@mcy1122]

Another marvelous video. I did not know about Syd Mead. Also, I enjoyed the discussion of the fuselage Imperials. Thank you!

[@roberth7894]

Now that's a rare and beautiful land yacht, what an interior, loved the head pillow add on!

[@bazcar22]

I shouldn't look at such vehicular beauty I become completely hypnotised.

[@kensherwood4866]

Another winning car and video. Welcome back Marc

[@Vinylguy22]

I believe the front lamps are supposed to look like WoodLites and the spring loaded rear straps are another pre war feature, my 41 Olds has them.

[@jeffmiller3150]

Definitely looks like Wood lites!!

[@sooverit5529]

I am glad to find your comment, Brandon. I found it interesting that the front lamps that are so clearly designed to harken back to the Woodlites of the Classic Era, were described only as pods. A missed historical automotive reference.

[@paulypooper2]

Interesting, informative, and just plain old enjoyable, Adam is one of my favorite content creators

[@HelvisCamaro]

Another excellent video, Adam!

[@robgrear1142]

The best explanation of Chrysler interior quality and design during those years.

[@damianbowyer2018]

Wow, an Amazing Car, Marc and Adam...Cheers from Damo😃👏

[@DSP1968]

What a wonderful overview of Syd's work, and his car! I always enjoy the videos/banter with you and Marc -- very entertaining and informative all at once. And, of course, I find all Imperials just simply fascinating for the wonderful detail work that Chrysler added to them over the years, making each one so unique.

[@terry3193]

Another wonderful episode of a specific iconic vehicle but also some history with design element. Love it. I truly believe that the '72 and '73 Imperials are by far the most "stunning" vehicles turned out from Detroit. The incredible front theme and fuselage sides with smooth lines are amazing, along with the C pillar. The gold interior is fabulous. You are so fortunate to own one. I have looked and looked for one, in excellent original shape, and none to be found. President Ronald Reagan rode in a '72 Imperial limo during his January 1981 inauguration. I would love to own that limo today. I also remember watching as a kid, the Bill Cosby movie, Uptown Saturday Night and it showcased a '73 Imperial. It made such an impression on me that I never forgot it. In any event, wonderful episode, wonderful tribute and it's always great to hear Marc's thoughts and analysis. Thanks for sharing!

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

agree.the front end of this car is beyond magnificent

[@rbielarski]

Wow, what a car. I think it's my favorite in your collection. Sid had great tastes!!!

[@paulpeterson4311]

I'm so glad you have Syd's car. 😁💛

[@RichardinNC1]

My father bought Chryslers (69 then a 75). I loved the Imperials from that era. My first car was a 68 Dodge Monaco. It had a broken front seat. I found gold 50/50 power seats from an Imperial in a junk yard. The fronts fit no problem but I had to cut and narrow the rear seat frame for it to fit. I also grabbed the gold carpet and extra insulation for my car. It really improved my old Dodge. PS: You mentioned the slight discoloration of some interior bits. The worst I ever saw was a late 70s Buick wagon. Just 5 years old, it had at least 4 shades of discolored tan, including an almost pink armrest. Whereas my fathers 75 Chrysler New Yorker tan interior looked like new nearly 20 years later (when finally sold).

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

It's so interesting to have the elegant little details that make this car so visually pleasing given such a comprehensive explanation. Many of them are so subtle they wouldn't be noticed on a conscious level, but they contribute enormously to the overall impression the car makes. I must agree that the dashboard is a dirty shame, but they had to afford those loose lower seat cushions somehow, for crying out loud!

[@loveisall5520]

PS--I can remember when this '72 came out, the car mags were definitely not positive about the styling. They complained that it looked like the front and rear ends were styled separately, with the front so gothic looking and then the sloping rear end. One thing is for sure: you don't mistake this for any other car. Of course, the public didn't like it either.

[@70sleftover]

So is that why I never recall seeing one until much later, somewhere? That distinctive front and rear you'd think a kid who had a memory for car styling would never forget, but maybe also I wasn't spending much time around neighborhoods that housed doctors, lawyers, and corporate execs.

[@loveisall5520]

@@70sleftover Must have been trapped in the ghetto, huh? Away from cars, right? Right...

[@charlesmccabe5503]

Thank you guys for the examination

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for bringing Marc on the channel again. I like how he explains design details. I did not realize it until he shared today how that rear styling was preparing for the 1974 Imperial. I see it now. You are both right about those common Chrysler design cues in the interior. I immediately thought Dodge. Thank you again.

[@matthumphries2190]

I understand you having guest, however I watch your channel for your narrating and cars.

[@dillonvossen1144]

great content as always! - Adam, you and Mark make a fantastic team!

[@andydanko7074]

Such an informative video. I just loved this tribute on this grand Imperial. ✌

[@Paul1958R]

Love the big fuselage Mopar C-bodies. Dad had a 69 300 coupe 440 back in the day.

[@LongIslandMopars]

Friend of mine got picked up in one of those back in the late 70s. Had a small rear glass and someone mentioned it having an executive roof. It was an imposing vehicle to say the least.

[@michiganmotorsports]

Just an amazing example of the heyday of large, luxurious cars and the people that designed and built them. Back in the day when you could roll down the rear windows and not get the doppler effect in the cabin.

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

What would Darth Vader drive? Something like this. And that's a nice tie-in with the works of Syd Mead.

[@raymondhaley6185]

One of favorite imp,s what a thrill ride.