Remembering the Talented General Motors Designer Dave Rand

By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of General Motors Archives & Special Collections
Published 8.7.2024

1990 Pontiac Sunfire sketch by Dave Rand (GM Archives)

In 1927, General Motors introduced styling to the automobile industry. Over the years, GM has had many talented industrial designers that led the way in automotive styling. From creating pencil sketches to clay models, Dave Rand was one of the most gifted industrial designers at GM.

Dave Rand, GM designer (GM Archives)

Looking back at Rand’s 32-year career at the GM Tech Center, he applied his creativity to build an impressive portfolio. His journey started back in elementary school, where he started sketching and drawing automobiles.  After graduating from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, he was hired at the GM Design Center in Warren, Michigan in 1978.

1986 Buick Wildcat concept car (GM Archives)

For many years, I have admired Rand’s automotive illustrations and designs that became works of art. He always brought passion and creativity to his work.

1986 Buick Wildcat concept car (GM Archives)

Rand worked in the design studios for GM brands like Saturn, Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac and Chevrolet. When he was assigned to interiors, Rand redesigned the 2008 Chevy Malibu, the Cadillac CTS and a number of popular Corvette models. He was later promoted to director of GM’s advanced automotive styling studio. 

Two of the most iconic automotive designs Rand led were the popular 1985 Buick Wildcat concept and the exciting 1990 Pontiac Sunfire show car. Both models attracted many automotive enthusiasts and drew huge crowds among the auto show circuit.

1990 Pontiac Sunfire concept (GM Archives)

According to automotive historians, the 1985 Buick Wildcat concept was created to showcase the GM’s new 3.8-liter V-6 DOHC engine, which was co-developed with McLaren. The concept also featured a great looking canopy-style cockpit, which could tilt up for the driver and passenger. It also introduced a very rounded front-end design with a low flat rear end design dramatically different from other show cars. The body was assembled with a carbon-fiber material that was very accommodating to the concept model’s appearance. Finally, the interior offered a futuristic design that introduced a center console along with a G-force and a compass among many other features. 

1990 Pontiac Sunfire concept (GM Archives)

The four-passenger sub compact 1990 Pontiac Sunfire was another great-looking show car, offering a sleek body design that most people admired and enjoyed. I thought this model was one of the best concepts of Rand’s career. The Sunfire came equipped with a Turbocharger engine and a body assembled with carbon-fiber material. It also offered concealed headlights that would rotate upwards when driving. Some automotive historians called the Pontiac Sunfire the future concept from the excitement division of GM.

1990 Pontiac Sunfire concept interior (GM Archives)

In conclusion, Dave Rand was one of the most gifted and talented designers over GM’s storied history. After Rand’s retirement from GM, he became a columnist for Auto Week, where he continues to write about automotive design today.