THE DESIGNER
by Oscar Koveleski
Editor's Note: With the passing of Larry Shinoda, the Corvette and automotive community at large has lost yet another major icon.
Anyone who's ever smiled at the sight of a 1963 Corvette split window coupe or a Boss Mustang or the Shinoda interpretation of the C5 Corvette knows how talented and inspired Larry was. Anyone who's ever met Larry knows what a wonderful man he was.
We'll miss you Larry; thanks for sharing so much of yourself in the limited time you had on earth with us! Sixty seven years wasn't very long, but in that short time, you've left a legacy to which future automotive designers can aspire and the rest of the automotive community can admire.
THE DESIGNER by Oscar Koveleski |
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Design was his lifelong game,
Larry Shinoda was his name.
And he did so well
This story we'll tell.
His name will live in fame.
From Corvettes, Camaros
Mustangs and SUVs
Shinoda's designs were aimed to please.
For discriminating buyers everywhere
Shinoda designs were always there.
Driven to perfection he'd often say,
Accept it as it is, or "go away."
With photo book, sketches he'd make a stand
At car shows and seminars he'd get a "big hand."
His knife edge designs were not like a "bubble,"
And some aerodynamicists would give him some trouble.
Larry made a big difference in the world of design,
Inspiring many to rise and shine.
Larry's left us now and gone on his way.
We'll miss you, Buddy, but your memory and designs
Are here to stay.
Your friends,
The Koveleskis, The Finkels, The Centras, The Kerrs
Keepin' Track and Car Model Magazines.
My son and I met Larry at Carlisle 96,He took time to sign my son's shirt and told us a story about signing a young ladies shirt and where she wanted it signed.He was blessed with many talents,and everyone who met him,or knew of him had nothing but good things to say about him. well'l all miss you. Save The Wave
To the Memory of Larry Shinoda: Your time here in Ft Wayne, Indiana as Chief of Styling for International Trucks was all too short but so very memorable, Larry. We were greatly honored that you became a member of SCHABBY (Sports Car Historians and Beer Boozing Yokels) and got us into the A. J. Watson, Grant King and Pat Patrick shops in Indy along with a fabulous tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum basement storage area.
From your earliest days of welding hot rod headers in front of your home in California to the pit crew years with A. J. Watson and through your amazing career in styling studios from Packard to International Harvester, we enjoyed your endless stream of stories and comments that never left us in doubt about your position on any subject.
We'll all miss you, Larry. Our thoughts are with Joyce and the family at this difficult time.
David Palmeter
Chief Perpetrator - SCHABBY
I met Larry for the first time at the Grand Opening of the N.C.M. For the short time we spoke he certainly had my full attention! He had many wonderful accomplishments for someone so young! He was the Heartbeat of America's sports car that won't stop beating in my eyes. Bye Larry, I'm still Waving, Buddy!
RubyCorvet@aol.com
Paul C. Rinschler
It makes my heart heavy even far away from where he lived.
Seppo Nikkila, Finland
I never personally knew Larry Shinoda, but everything I ever read from those who did know him tell me he was a kind and down to earth person. Like virtually all of us who frequent this web page, I wanted a Corvette long before I was old enough to drive. The 1963 split window Sting Ray has always been one of my favorite designs. I have a 1969 triple black roadster with the factory side exhaust which I feel was the best looking Vette ever made--based of course upon Larry's Mako Shark designs.
May God bless your soul and be with your family during this time.
That is very sad. I had a chance to meet Larry at Cypress Gardens and he and Zora signed my Top Flight Ribbon. He was a great automotive designer and did much for the mid years and shark.
Larry coulda/shouda been a stand up comic. Going from Sioux Falls S.D. to Spearfish to the Black Hills Classic many years ago, every mile or so we saw a Visit Wall Drug sign. Larry re-invented each and we even went so far as to try and get some paint to change a few.
Then there was the night at Cypress Gardens NCRS event when Larry sang Love me Tender. Joyce left for the room--she had the right idea.
I first met Larry in 1967 but it was many years later that I found that he and I shared the same sick sense of humor. We talked often. He seemed somewhat better lately.
We will all miss him very much! There are many reminders. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the family.
Larry and Zora and too many others are gone--or are they ???
Save a table old friend, we'll be along later.
Here I was walking by the Corvettes at Carlisle tent where the presentation was going on....just after something was over....I am more into the older cars....man what styling!!!!!
As I passed the tent, out popped an Oriental man whom I thought I recongized, almost clumsily I bumped into him....I glanced at his name tag, and near fell over....by the time I recovered he was on his way into a car.....DAMN....would have liked to shake his hand...
Oh, well, Love his flare, sorely missed.....
My condolences and regrets.
A truly great man
Mark Rowse
Sultanate of Oman
Truly a giant in automotive exterior design has died---though his spirit will live on in our hobby
Shinoda gave us some great shapes to look at, 63-67 Corvettes and other great cars.
My first Vette was a 63----exterior design by Larry Shinoda.
(The Saloon falls silent as beers are raised)
....to absent friends.
cYa
My heartfelt condolances to anyone who knew him. A sad day indeed for the entire Corvette community - world wide. A day we knew had to come, but not this soon.
Then again, for a great man, any day is too soon.
May he rest in peace.
Tore, Norway
Click Here to read a special tribute poem written for Larry by a close friend.
Copyright 1997 Barbara Spear