2025

By A. Wayne Ferens
Published 12.3.2025

In 1950 Creative Industries of Detroit, Inc. was formed by Frederick H. Johnson as a holding company which held a controlling interest in his various manufacturing and engineering operations. Johnson (1896-1954) is best remembered for inventing the automatic, multiple point welding machine. His Progressive Welding Company had five plants in Michigan and a plant in Ontario, Canada and employed over 400 skilled workers. Progressive Welding held numerous patents on air operated and hydraulic punching and welding equipment. Their expertise was in systems dealing with both ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and had a hand in the early development of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) automobile bodies and components.

With the automobile industry playing catch up after WWII feverishly designing new models with plants running at or near full production capacity, Johnson saw the automobile industry as potential business to expand his own. In 1952 he hired Rex A. Terry (1911-1987) as general manager of Creative Industries who for the past 17 years was employed with Chrysler Corporation in the commercial car engineering division, serving in various capacities from designer to assistant chief engineer of the division in charge of body design. Two years later in 1954 Fred Johnson suddenly passed away at 58 years. With his family unable to run the company they made Terry president and gave him 10% share in the firm with the Johnson family holding the remainder.

Shortly after Rex Terry was hired - contracts from the auto industry soon followed. General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Packard, AMC and other clients needed everything from specialized engineering solutions, metal and fiberglass fabrication, prototypes, low volume production and concept vehicles to "dream car" construction. Creative Industries assisted Harley Earl in the development of the '53 Corvette fiberglass body and Ford commissioned Creative to design, fabricate and install a domed Plexiglas bubble-top for President Eisenhower's Lincoln limousine.

Custom Dodge Roadster Originally built by Raymond Dietrich, Inc. for President Harry S. Truman the limo was based on a 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan and was modified in early '53 for President Eisenhower with a new Plexiglas bubble-top added by Creative Industries of Detroit, Inc. Photo from Ford Motor Company

Like today, automakers were very protective of their future design concepts, new engine and powertrains, advanced structural materials and new technologies - especially when contracting out to companies away from the confines of their own guarded research centers and protected laboratories. Creative Industries was noted for their secretive nature and was not a well publicized business. Few of the thousands of well protected projects they were involved with over their 40 plus year history were ever written about. During the '50's and 60's Creative Industries produced some of the most futuristic dream cars that literally dazzled the public when displayed at shows around the country. The total number of prototypes, special builds and so called "Dream Cars" built by Creative will always be in question, but there were quite a few that when released to the public became an instant success. Here are a few examples of their "Creative genius."

Ford Motor Company contracted with Creative Industries in 1953 to build the company's first fiberglass (FRP) bodied show car. The 1953 Lincoln XL-500 featured a one piece Scarlet FRP body and was topped off by a tinted glass roof that was bisected by a thick stainless steel band and was originally built without a drivetrain.

XL 500 First shown at the 1953 Chicago Auto Show the XL-500 was 57 inches high, has arched rear fenders, push-button transmission in the steering wheel, a radio telephone and dictaphone, an electronic calendar, and a power operated hood and decklid. Three separate bumpers protected the rear section - a main bumper protrudes from the body deck, the two other vertical bumpers integrated from each of the tail light assemblies. The electrical features were operated solely on battery power. Photo from Ferens collection.

The 1954 Mercury Monterey XM-800 was designed in the Mercury Pre-Production Studio in 1952 by John Nijjer and Elwood Engle debuted at the '54 Detroit Auto Show. The fiberglass body was built by Creative and featured a wrap-around windshield and a striking wide chrome band dividing the roof and the rear window.

Mercury XM 800 The XM-800 had a non-functioning power train for 'show only' and was pushed or towed on and off the hauler and into and out of various shows throughout the country until mid-1955. Ford introduced their safety promotion program for 1956 and Creative did a complete revision of the cars interior highlighting safety features like a deep-dish steering wheel, padded dash and relocating knobs from the face of the dash. Photo from Ferens collection.

One of the most futuristic Ford dream cars was the '54 Atmos FX, an aero-inspired 'car of the future' that was turned into a full size show car by Creative Industries for the '54 Chicago Auto Show.

1954 Atmos FX

The three- seater was driven from the forward-mounted center seat, and although it was built without a power plant, the outboard tailfins and air intakes clearly indicated jet propulsion.

Creative Industries fabricated the fiberglass body panels and assembled the 1954 Dodge Granada that was one of two Chrysler Corporation fiberglass concepts released that year. The Granada was one of the first two fiberglass cars ever produced in a one peace molded fiberglass body which bolted onto a Dodge convertible chassis.

1954 Dodge Grenada

Creative Industries developed new construction innovations using fiberglass (FRP) and assembled the Dodge Granada with just a handful of component parts rather than the dozens of body pieces which went into conventional cars. The grill, bumpers and all body attachments are constructed of fiberglass.

Ford had previously built six stainless steel 1936 Ford Deluxes as part of a campaign by Allegheny Ludlum Steel Company in Pittsburgh to advertise the durability of stainless steel. Creative built the bodies for two 1960 stainless steel Thunderbirds for Allegheny Ludlum as one of their specialties was working with unusual materials. It is likely they welded and hand assembled the bodies using stampings supplied by Budd Corporation prior to the finished bodies arrival at Fords Wixom plant for final assembly.

1960 Stainless Steel Thunderbird

In the 1960's Creative Industries branched out into other automotive related businesses creating a division that specialized in the production of owner's manuals, parts books, factory service manuals and microfiches for many of Detroit's auto manufacturers. Creative was just not limited to the auto industry, they also produced the bodywork for the 1962 Aeromobile 200-2, a four passenger 200 horsepower hovercraft.

In the 60's Detroit manufacturers were designing products marketed to a new generation of car buyers called the "baby boomers." Imports from Europe were emphasizing style, performance and handling. The auto industry responded - not only telling America they can compete, but demonstrated they could by showing off their new designs and technology with prototypes and concepts that traveled around the country and were featured in popular car magazines. Creative did prototyping work for Chevrolet on Corvettes at least through the 1970s. In 1963/64 Creative built several Dodge Charger concepts - a roadster-style show car based on the Dodge Polara. The following year they built the Dodge Charger II that more accurately reflected the look of the '66 production charger which featured pop-up headlights hidden behind a full-width grill.

Custom Dodge Roadster This customized Dodge competition two-passenger roadster stands only 47 3/4 inches high, stylist added lower valances with a set of four small bumper guards. Magnesium Halibrand wheels were mounted with special Goodyear Wingfoot high performance tires. The Ramcharger scoop inducted air into the 426 cu.in. hi-performance engine. The car stole the show at the Dodge exhibit around the country. Photo from Ferens collection.

The 1969 Stutz Blackhawk designed by Virgil Exner featured a custom body built by Ghia in Italy using body dies built by Creative who also participated in the final trimming and assembly of the prototype.

The photo of the very first Stutz prototype that was assembled by Creative Industries of Detroit. Two prototypes were built and featured a larger rear window. The second prototype Stutz was purchased by Elvis Presley. Photo by Greg Ryckman.

Creative fabricated concepts throughout the next several decades that included the Buick Riviera-based Silver Arrow for GM's styling chief Bill Mitchell, the '65 Plymouth XP-VIP, American Motors AMX and the '69 and '70 Dodge Charger Daytona muscle cars.

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Only 505 units were built of the Dodge Charger Daytona for 1969. It was the most conspicuously styled Dodge of all times and served as homologation model for the Dodge stock cars entered in NASCAR races. The cars were modified at Creative's new 17630 East 10 Mile Road plant in Eastpoint, Michigan. Photo from Ferens collection.

In 1965 Creative announced the appointment of Verne T. Koppin and Richard S. Leasia two long time Creative employees as partners. Soon after Creative purchased a controlling interest in Detroit Industrial Engineering (D.I.E.) a Detroit-based auto and aero engineering firm. In the '80s they became heavily involved in the development of the C4 Corvette and the AMG Hummer.

In 1979 Creative formed an aerospace division, Sirius Manufacturing Co., that specialized in 'Space Propulsion Systems.' Creative and Sirius shared the same building located at 3080 East Outer Drive in Detroit. In 1977 Creative built the second prototype DeLorean modifying the original chassis design to a more cost-effective, conventional design. In the mid-80s Creative transformed production Chrysler K-cars into the upscale Town and Country convertible by installing faux wood moldings and the installation of a convertible top. They also transformed the Mark Cross edition.

When the indispensable Rex A. Terry retired control of the firm was given to Leasia and Koppin who acquired Terry's shares and the stock held by the Johnson family. A new 151,000 sq. ft. design-related facility was established in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Creative built two Mustang III concept cars as well as the 1996 Dodge Ram Indy pickup at the new facility.

1994 Mustang Mach III concept The Mustang III concept was not all that close in design to the actual '94 production model being a two-seat concept. It was powered by a supercharged 4.6L DOHC V-8 supplying 450hp. It was very popular on the 1993 auto show circuit. Photo from Ferens collection.

In 1986 Leasia and Koppin sold 50% of Creative Industries to Masco Tech, Inc., a Taylor, Michigan based firm renaming it Creative Industries Group. In 1999 Masco Tech was sold to MSX International, an automotive engineering consulting firm. In 2006 they leased the Auburn Hills facility to EDAG, Inc., a German design consultancy who introduced a removable hardtop for GMs Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky. Creatives former 3080 E. Outer Dr. plant was occupied by Habitat for Humanity and the 17630 E. 10 Mile Road facility in Eastpoint is occupied by Active Foam Products, Inc.

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Images courtesy of Robert Tate’s Automotive History Collection.

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by Brian Yopp, MotorCities' Deputy Director
Images Courtesy of the Gilmore Car Museum
Published 9.3.2025

Gilmore Garage Works group shot A recent group shot of the students and mentors participating in the Gilmore Garage Works program.

From some people's perspectives, cars provide pure utility. They can get you from Point A to Point B. For others, classic cars provide entertainment or recreation as a nice weekend hobby.

In the case of Gilmore Garage Works, cars can provide invaluable life lessons.

An earlier group of participants in the Gilmore Garage Works program

In 2012, MotorCities supported a grant to the Gilmore Car Museum to connect at-risk, Kalamazoo-area high school students with local mentors as they worked together on classic automobiles. The incentive was that you needed to remain enrolled in school in order to continue in the after-school vehicle restoration program. What the students learned about body repair and internal combustion engines paled in comparison to what they learned from auto engineers and other professionals serving as mentors from their community who showed them a world of possibilities.

A recent student participant in the program

After a brief interruption to the COVID pandemic, the program has expanded and continues to be a success. Many students who have graduated from the program have returned to act as professional mentors.

According to the Gilmore Car Museum's Director of Education, Fred Colgren, this program has filled a void regarding student access to traditional auto shop classes that used to exist at many high schools, but now are relegated to vocational education centers at the Intermediate School District (ISD) level -- if they exist at all. Students come to the Gilmore Garage Works building on the museum's campus twice a week after school from September through June and work with a mentor to develop a variety of skills, including engine building, repairs and welding. They work on restoring actual vehicles from the Gilmore's extensive collection of cars, trucks and motorcycles.

The Gilmore Garage Works building

Gilmore Garage Works is hosting an upcoming Open House on Tuesday, September 23 where parents and students can tour the building, meet their future mentors and learn more about the specifics of the program.

I recently made the trip to Hickory Corners in Kalamazoo County to the Gilmore Car Museum's campus to speak with Colgren, Program Manager John Chapman, and Eli and Conner -- two recent participants in the program. You can watch the interview here.

MotorCities Deputy Director Brian Yopp (center), flanked by the Gilmore Car Museum's Director of Education Fred Colgren and Garage Works Manager John Chapman (left) and students Eli and Conner (right)

MotorCities has also launched a new page on our website to spotlight amazing programs taking place at our partners. Gilmore Garage Works is the first program featured, and we will add new stories quarterly. You can find the new page by clicking here.

by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of the Ferens Collection, Motor Trend, and Road & Track
Published 8.27.2025

A view from above of the Ford GT 90 concept

Today's super cars are so advanced in engineering and technology -- even the word “exotic” is passe’. Words describing these new ultra-machines being tossed around the car industry include adjectives like extreme, hyper, super, or super-hyper. Yes, these new “exotics” are probably all of those things and more.

Look at some of today's “extreme machines” and see what they have in common -- those super Ferrari limited models like the LaFerrari, Lamborghini Veneno, Koenigsegg Regera, McLaren Senna, Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Zonda to name a few. For starters, all use advanced construction materials like carbon-fiber, high-strength aluminum, magnesium, titanium and other exotic materials. Most are hand-assembled using advanced structural adhesives or welding techniques. When automation is used, it is of the highest-tech most advanced computer controlled robotic manufacturing processes known to man.

When it comes to hyper-performance, many use radically designed V8s, V12s even V or W-16 cylinder engines with multi-valves, multi-cams, multi-turbos, etc. Some are even using advanced hi-tech hybrid systems that produce four-figure horsepower levels from their power units. Many of these super cars are not evolutionary, but revolutionary to say the least. So, when did this "hyper-revolution" start and who started it? Let's take a look back to the 1990s.

A front end view of the Ford GT 90 concept

One car comes to mind -- the Ford GT. No, not the early welded steel/fiberglass, cast iron carbureted V8 GT40 from the 1960s, but Ford's hyper-super-exotic concept car built in 1995 known as the GT-90. Some call it the greatest concept GT car ever made. Yes, it was made to run and drive. When a large high-volume automobile company like Ford Motor Company invests hundreds of thousands, even millions (estimates of $3-million for the GT-90) into a “dream car,” one must dream down the road so to speak.

Starting with some super car basics -- as used in the then Ford-owned Jaguar, as in Jaguar XJ-220 -- Ford laid the foundation of the GT-90 on the XJs chassis and suspension, and also used the Jag’s smooth shifting five-speed manual transmission.

The cockpit of the Ford GT 90 concept

Ford molded it's “New Edge” designed body out of exotic and very expensive hand-laid, light-weight, high-strength, carbon-fiber material. This 3,200 lb. super car had subtle styling details reminiscent of the original GT40, especially on the front of the vehicle.

A rear view of the Ford GT 90 concept

To give it that mind-blowing super hi-performance, Ford sliced and diced two of its modular 4.6-liter fuel-injected V8s as used in the Lincoln and created a 6.0-liter DOHC 48 valve, quad-turbo (Garrett T2s) aluminum V-12 -- pumping out 720 horsepower and 660 lb. ft. of torque from its mid-engined power unit. Other hi-tech features included touch-panel entry, passing car sensors, speed-activated air dam and a gorgeous spacious blue oval-colored interior with individual gauge pods and a multi-control center console.

The powerful engine that drove the concept to high-performance heights

First debuted at the 1995 Detroit Auto Show, the Ford GT-90 super car became an instant sensation. On the track, it produced performance numbers in the range of 0 - 100 mph in six seconds and a top speed of 230 mph. If the super or hyper name fits, wear it!

Ford never intended to put the car into production, but the company continued the “New Edge” design through the 2000s on many of its popular production models. Was this just a styling exercise, or did Ford secretly intend to build an exotic super performance hyper-car? I mean a ultra-super-performance-exotic-hyper car like the new Ford GT that can be purchased through special order -- in limited numbers of course ...

Bibliography

Motor Trend, December 1, 1995

Road & Track, April 1995

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Images Courtesy of General Motors Heritage Archives, Spotlight Hobbies Inc. and Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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2025

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