Gil Spear Jr.

GILL SPEAR, JR., Gil Spear, Jr., an "Automobile Designer's Designer" and a well known local competitive masters swimmer, caught his final wave on June 25, 2008 at the Indian River Estates medical center at age 93. Born in Germantown, PA, he was the first Design Engineering student at New York's Pratt Institute and had a long and successful career as an automobile designer for General Motors, Chrysler and ultimately Ford for 25 years. After pioneering distinctive 1949-1951 Ford designs, Spear established Ford's Advanced Studio to create future Ford concept cars and train new stylists. Ford patented Spear's 1952- 1953 hard top convertible design. Known for introducing groundbreaking designs, Spear was placed in charge of Ford's Special Projects Studio. As Executive Designer for International Operations in the Lincoln Mercury Studio, he was appointed to Chief Designer for Ford of England in 1967 to design the Capri. He retired in 1974 and moved with his wife Betty (pre-deceased) to Vero Beach and continued to obtain patents including a car phone in the rearview mirror (used by OnStar). Gil Spear led an inspired life, motivating others and creating a legacy of designs. A. G. Spear was a well-loved father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his son (Tom locally), daughter Susan, seven grandchildren (Garrett and Jarred locally) and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Betty and daughter Pam.