The Flajole Forerunner

The 1955 Flajole Forerunner. Bill Flajole (Flay-joel) got his first major exposure to auto design in a big way while working with Ford Motor Company’s legendary chief design chief, Bob Gregorie, to help create the maginificent 1939 Continental. After the war, Flajole set up an independent design firm where he did projects for the Big 3 and Nash. He was lead designer on the Nash NXI concept which became the 1954 Nash Metropolitan. Like many, Flajole was captivated by the sensuous lines of the Jaguar XK-120. His fascination extended to the Jag’s fabulous DOHC 6-cylinder engine and all independent suspension. Rather than try to recreate the wheel, he borrowed one instead, building the Forerunner atop an XK-120 platform. His car featured a long hood, dramatic fastback rear deck and translucent roof panels. It was also featured head restraints atop its bucket seats, the first car ever to include this safety feature. Only one Forerunner was ever built and that car resides in the collection of the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA.