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The 1938 Buick Y-Job holds the distinction of being the world’s first concept car, marking a milestone in the auto industry. Designed by Harley J. Earl, the Y-Job was created as a prototype to showcase new technological features and innovative design elements that weren’t intended for mass production. Built on a Buick Super chassis, the Y-Job incorporated several groundbreaking features that would later become standard or influential in automotive design.
One of the standout features of the Y-Job was its power-operated hidden headlamps, a revolutionary concept at the time. The car also featured a "gunsight" hood ornament, electric windows, wraparound bumpers, and flush door handles—elements ahead of their time and showcased the potential for future car designs. Additionally, the Y-Job introduced styling cues that would shape Buick's design language for decades, including the vertical waterfall grille, which continues to be used by Buick today.
Harley Earl personally drove the Y-Job for several years, before eventually replacing it with a 1951 model. Afterward, the Y-Job was restored and exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum before being moved to the GM Design Center in 1993.
The name “Y-Job” has two possible origins:
Earl’s use of "Y", following the convention of using “X” for experimental cars, so he simply moved to the next letter in the alphabet.
"Y" in aviation, as it was commonly used to denote advanced prototypes.
In 2001, Buick recreated the Y-Job concept with the Buick Blackhawk, a modern take on the original with updated advancements.
The 1938 Buick Y-Job remains a significant piece of automotive history, demonstrating the role of concept cars in pushing the boundaries of design and technology.
