Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen To Dick by Clicking on the Red Arrow Above
or Visit iTunes, Google Play, or Stitcher
Dick Ruzzin was an automobile designer and Director of Design for General Motors of Europe and Chevrolet, when he retired. He owns the only Corvette powered De Tomaso Mangusta built at the factory. During his career Dick worked on over 140 car design programs including the Opel Maxx, the inspiration for the Swatch Car. During his career he also created car design exhibits, automotive shows, design awards for NAIAS, furniture, Christmas parade floats, graphics for the Americas Cup and the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. Since retiring he has written the book about the De Tomaso Mangusta, titled Bella Mangusta, penned magazine articles, and works in education as a mentor for design students.
SHOW SPONSORS
Christopher Kimball Financial Services
SUCCESS QUOTE
“There is no end to creativity… you can always do more.”
CAREER & LIFE CHALLENGES
Being assigned to be the head of Cadillac design and re-energize the brand that at the time was not doing well.
AH-HA MOMENTS
Showing off the new Cadillac at the North American Auto Show in 1991.
FIRST SPECIAL CAR
An MGTD
BEST AUTOMOTIVE ADVICE
Don’t take credit for anything.
USEFUL RESOURCES
The internet.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Bella Mangusta by Dick Ruzzin
Ulysses by James Joyce
PARTING WORDS OF ADVICE
Do things that make yourself happy.
WHERE TO FIND DICK
Bella Mangusta by Dick Ruzzin
SHARE THE INSPIRATION
If you enjoyed this show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and help others be inspired by Cars Yeah.
Your opinion matters, and I will greatly appreciate your support.
Hi, I was wondering if you have sketches for the 1992 Cadillac Seville. It was an amazing design of its time.
Good Evening Mr. Ruzzin,
I tried emailing the following message to you thru your website, but I continue to get a send error, so I am posting here with the hope I can connect with you.
My name is Scott Kolecki. I am an automotive historian and author. I am in the process of writing a book on the history of the Camaro told thru the lens of the designers and the concept cars built by Chevrolet/GM over the past 50 years.
I am working with GM’s Heritage Center on this project and have been looking for more information on a number of the early concept models. I recently acquired a drawing you created of the Kammback, which led me to reach out to you.
I would very much like to speak with you – by email, if nothing else – to learn whatever I can about this car (and any others you may have been involved with.) I would be honored to include you in the acknowledgments and send you a copy of the book when it is published in summer 2023.
If you would be willing to work with me, you can reach me via email at scottkolecki@gmail.com. I would be happy to exchange phone numbers with you there as well.
For reference, I’ve got a book coming out in May on the history of the Corvette told thru the same lens. I am also the creator and writer for corvsport.com.
I hope you’ll consider my request. Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Scott Kolecki