‘Cuda Designer John Herlitz Celebrated at Memorial Service

‘Cuda Designer John Herlitz Celebrated at Memorial Service

John Herlitz, the Chrysler designer who penned the legendary 1970 Plymouth Barracuda as well as the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner, numerous concept cars and important recent production cars, died last month at the age of 65. A memorial service was held Saturday.

Upon graduation from Pratt Institute, Herlitz began his career at Chrysler in 1965 as a manager of the Plymouth Intermediate Car Studio. He retired in 2000 as senior vice president of design.

Herlitz made his mark with the classic American muscle car, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. His Barracudas, especially those with powerful Hemi engines, currently fetch millions of dollars at auction from collectors.

After designing the Barracuda, Herlitz styled the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner. As the muscle car era came to a close, Herlitz also shifted gears, working on the K-cars that helped save Chrysler from bankruptcy and later minivans and cab-forward sedans that helped Chrysler flourish.

Herlitz became vice president of product design in 1994, reporting to design chief Tom Gale. Under their tutelage, Chrysler earned a reputation for head-turning styling in production cars and concept cars. During those days, they turned out the likes of the the Atlantic, Phaeton and Chronos concepts, reminiscent of 1930s opulence, and the Austin Healey-like Dodge Coopperhead. 

"During his 35-year career at Chrysler, John made a significant impact on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Plymouth vehicle design,” said Chrysler design chief Trevor Creed in a statement. “He had a heartfelt passion for the automotive industry and he will be greatly missed."

As part of that passion, Herlitz helped create the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, which stands in the shadows of Chrysler's Auburn Hills, Michigan, headquarters. It was at the museum that a memorial service for Herlitz, who died March 24 in Naples, Florida, from complications from a fall, were held. A 1970 Barracuda and a black 1971 Road Runner that Herlitz once owned were on display in his honor.

Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.