Saturday, May 10, 2008

Dead Page-- 1970 Barracuda-- Hazel and Mr. Peabody

JOHN E. HERLITZ (1942-2008)

Designer styled Chrysler Cars

His 1970 Barracuda was classic of US muscle car line

John Herlitz, 65, died March 24 in Naples, Florida.

He made his reputation with the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda which brought "a touch of class to the 'pony car' segment" which featured long hoods and short rear decks. His car was clean and largely unadorned, with a wide body and a hunkered-down stance that hinted at the power from its huge V-8 engine. Even today, the 425 hp 'Cudas remain a sought-after vehicle by collectors.

He also designed the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner and the GTX. He also worked with the group which came out with the boxy "K" cars which staved off bankruptcy, and then there was the first minivan.

In 1994, he was appointed vice president of product design. He and his group were responsible for Chrysler designers getting the reputation for bold designs in cars and trucks that borrowed from the past with such vehicles as the 300, Magnum, and the PT Cruiser.



TED KEY (1912-2008)

Creator of Hazel and Mr. Peabody and Sherman.

Died May 3rd. He sold a single-panel cartoon about a maid to the Saturday Evening Post in 1943. This became Hazel which was a popular TV show from 1961 to 1966 starring Shirley Booth who won two Emmys for it.

He was born in Fresno, Ca., on August 25, 1912. He also created the characters of Jay Ward's Mr. Peabody and His Boy Sherman for the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

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