John Tjaarda

[1][2] Tjaarda trained in aeronautical design in the United Kingdom and later served as a pilot in the Dutch Air Force.

After emigrating to the United States in 1923, he changed his name to John and worked in custom coachbuilding in Hollywood.

The best-known of their factory customs was a two-door phaeton called the Touralette, designed earlier by Tjaarda for himself, which Chrysler offered on their L-80 Imperial chassis in 1927–1928.

[3][4] Tjaarda also worked for a while with the original GM Art and Colour Section under famous designer Harley Earl.

There he developed a concept car for the Ford Motor Company to be shown at the Century of Progress Exhibition (1933-1934) in Chicago.

John Tjaarda originated the basic design of what would become the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr
John Tjaarda's rear engine Briggs show car from 1933, patent drawings