Colorized Mario's Tribute to 1951 GM LeSabre XP8 by Harley Earl

1951 LeSabre-Concept car was legendary design chief Harley Earl’s tour de force that had massive influence on car design for a decade.

Body panels were made of cast magnesium, aluminum, and fiberglass.

Today, the LeSabre remains a lovingly preserved star of the General Motors Heritage Museum in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

It’s trotted out to shows and museums nationwide where viewers are stunned of its sleek, shattering style, from way back in 1951.

First appearance of GM’s famed wrap-around windshield.

LeSabre’s snout harkened to the Air Force’s F-86 Sabre Jet.

Advanced features include a 12-volt system, heated seats, first use of a rear-mounted transmission.

Electric headlights concealed behind the center oval jet intake.

A water sensor activated the power top when it rained.

Length 200.9 in Width 76.8 in Height 50 in Weight 3800 pounds.

Electric Hideaway headlights.

Twin tail fins and a huge central brake light that evoked an afterburner completed its jet aircraft style.

Twin Bucket seats like the European sport cars.

It’s extensive instrumentation included a compass and an altimeter.

Boatail rear end.

Twin Tail fins, common on auto designs during the second half of the decade.

Hidden headlights.

Headlights on.

Aluminum block V-8 that featured a supercharger and alcohol injection to make 335 HP from its 225 CI V8.

Advanced 225ci 335hp V8 Compression 10 to 1. High for 1951.

Built in electrically powered jacks at each wheel made tire changes a breeze.

Front bumper "Dagmars" named after Hollywood's famous star.

Dual gasoline and methanol fuel systems.

Electric top up.

Dual exhaust through the bumper.

Center Brake light on.

Center Brake light on.

Hidden Gas Cap for fueling. Left fin for gasoline.

Hidden Gas Caps for fueling. Left side gas, right side methanol.

Hidden Gas Cap for gas.

Hidden Gas Cap for gas.

Hidden Gas Cap for fueling. Right fin for alcohol.

Harley Earl (1893 – 1969) GM Vice President of Styling often drove it as his regular road car.

Harley Earl General Motors VP Head-of-Styling from 1927 to 1959.

Building the 1951 GM-LeSabre.

The dream car was planned and built over a span of five years at a reported cost of $7 million—in 1951-era dollars

Since the car used a rear-mounted transmission, the tunnel in the front passenger compartment remained narrow.

Unlike many show cars, the LeSabre is a fully realized, fully functional prototype.

LeSabre sales brochure.

Out for a Sunday drive in the new LeSabre

The LeSabre sported an integral jacking system.

Large trunk carries spare tire.