John Samsen

Who is John Samsen?

John 'Dick' Samsen was an Aero Engineer turned product designer; Ford designer 1952-1955 co-designer of 1954 Ford Thunderbird. Chrysler designer 1955-1976.

Most notable for his work on the 1955 Thunderbird and the Plymouth Barracuda models. John published a documentary DVD "We dreamed the dream cars", a history of American car designing. Aerospace Engineer, Industrial Designer, and Artist, John Samsen's thirty-five-year career included design work on the first Thunderbird and two experimental cars at Ford, and the co-design of Barracudas, Furies, Road Runners, Imperials, Dusters, and many other projects at Chrysler Corp. Besides doing free-lance and consultant work for several other corporations, John has used his highly developed art, illustration, and photography skills to produce acrylic and watercolor paintings and digital fine art. His work has received awards in shows and many pieces are in private collections. In 1978, John experienced a metanoia, a transformation of consciousness, and has written the book "Gems among the stones", the story of his life and awakening. John is married to Mary Tucky Samsen, a nursing educator. They currently reside at Hilton Head, SC.