On the Phantom Corsair:
Rust Heinz, who was trying to get his new design firm off the ground with that car (which included a full aero belly pan, among other nice aero bits) died thusly during the time when he was still trying to sell his firm's ideas:
Quote:
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During a visit to his family in Pittsburgh, Heinz decided to go to a dance with friends. On the way home in an open Buick, the driver’s hat flew off. To retrieve it, the Buick driver made a U-turn and was immediately hit broadside by a passing car. Rust Heinz died the next morning, July 23, 1939, of complications due to a skull fracture. He was 25 years old.
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That and more great info from here:
http://www.deansgarage.com/2010/1938-phantom-corsair/
So at 22, he designed a beautiful car with some solid aerodynamics that flew in the face of current design philosophy. Then died 3 years later trying to sell the idea. I wonder what would have happened if he hadn't been killed. Maybe detroit could have been dragged kicking and screaming in the direction of real, not faux, streamlining?
Sam
EDIT: Edited wording to satisfy pedantry
