John E. Herlitz

Who was John E. Herlitz?

John Eric Herlitz was an American industrialist most commonly known for his styling of cars at Chrysler Corporation, particularly the Plymouth Barracuda production car and Dodge Copperhead concept car.

John Herlitz was born to Swedish immigrants in Pine Plains, New York. At 13, he started sending sketches of cars to Chrysler; company officials told him what education they would seek for stylists, and he proceeded to get a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the Pratt Institute. Immediately on graduation in 1965, Herlitz started working for Plymouth, creating the Barracuda SX show car which greatly influenced the 1967 Plymouth Barracuda. Herlitz was then called to the National Guard before returning to Plymouth, where he led the styling of the completely new 1970 Barracuda and 'Cuda.

Mr. Herlitz married Joan Elizabeth Neinas on September 20, 1969, and had two sons and two grandchildren.

Following the 1970 Barracuda, Herlitz led the styling for the 1971 Plymouth Plymouth GTX and Plymouth Road Runner.