Detail Image, 1938 Pontiac Front Grille

Before the mid-1930s, automobiles were essentially designed by the engineers who built them. But as style became more important to the buying public, engineers increasingly worked in partnership with stylists. This photograph of the highly stylized 1938 Pontiac grille illustrates the trendsetting work of stylists in General Motors' revolutionary Art and Colour Section, headed by influential designer Harley Earl.