Amos Northup and His Automotive Designs -- The 1932 Graham Blue Streak

Amos Northup
 

1932 Graham Blue Streak

Tootsie Toy 1932 5 Wheel Graham Blue Streak

The 1932 Graham Blue Streak was one of the first American production cars to look and feel modern in a way that quickly became the industry template—especially in body integration and streamlining—at a time when many cars still looked like upright boxes with bolt‑on fenders.

What made it stand out:

• “Skirted”/faired-in fenders and a lower, longer stance: The Blue Streak’s fenders were visually integrated into the body with flowing “fender skirts” and a pronounced sweep, making the car look lower and more aerodynamic than most 1932 rivals.

• Integrated design (less “separate parts” look): Instead of a body sitting on a frame with clearly separate fenders, running boards, and lamps, the Blue Streak pushed toward a unified shape. That move toward integration is a big reason it’s often cited as a styling landmark.

• A design that influenced the whole industry: Its look was widely copied through the 1930s—especially the trend toward streamlined bodies and enclosed/visually blended fenders—so it’s remembered not just as a pretty car but as a trend-setter.

• Good engineering/value for the era: Graham also had a reputation for offering strong performance and equipment for the money during the Depression, which helped the Blue Streak’s design impact reach real buyers, not just show stands.

The person most often credited as the key designer behind the 1932 Graham “Blue Streak” is Amos Northup (Graham-Paige’s chief stylist/designer at the time).

Northup is widely associated with the Blue Streak’s signature features—its low, integrated look and skirted/streamlined fenders—making him the figure generally regarded as most responsible for the design.

• Northup worked early in his career for cabinet maker C. J. Wadsworth in Painesville, Ohio, doing design work before moving into automotive styling.

Note that the 1932 Graham Blue Streak was not an all-metal sedan. The framing was in wood, although the dash was metal and steel channel sections in the forward door posts gave access to the wiring.

Pierce-Arrow (Buffalo, NY) — circa 1919 

• Some histories place Northup at Pierce-Arrow beginning in 1919, working on truck/styling-team design work.

• Northup worked for Wills Sainte Claire under Childe Wills, and multiple sources describe this as a key early automotive design role 1 3 4 .

• He is credited with styling 1924 Wills Sainte Claire 

• Northup joined Murray Corporation of America (often described as a major body supplier) in 1924 and promoted to  chief designer in 1927.

• At Murray, he was responsible for regular/production body designs, while Ray Dietrich handled custom work .

Major designs associated with Murray work:

• 1928 Hupmobile Century Eight — often cited as one of the first high-profile production designs he influenced at Murray.

• Willys-Overland / Willys-Knight / Whippet (Toledo) — late 1920s (art director/chief designer; disputed dates)

  • Sources agree Northup worked for Willys-Overland and related marques (Willys-Knight, Whippet), but the timing is inconsistently reported (e.g., one source says appointed at Willys-Overland in March 1928; another says he left Murray, joined Willys the next year, then returned to Murray).

  • He is credited with designing Willys Whippet lines and Willys-Knight models around 1929–1930 in these accounts.

  • One account notes he hired assistant Jules Andrade at Willys-Overland.

  Notable design items linked to Willys:

  • 1929 Willys Whippet and 1929 Willys-Knight lines are attributed to him in one summary 1 .

  • “Plaidside”/plaid show roadsters for Willys-Knight are mentioned as Northup work in a detailed historical account. .

  • Some sources also attribute the 1933 Willys 77/99 and later Willys designs to him via Murray work, 

• 1931 REO Royale Eight — explicitly credited to Northup as a major, innovative design achievement.

• 1932 Graham “Blue Streak” — his best-known work; sources credit Northup with key features like fender skirts and a rearward-sloping grille. 

• Worked for Packard Lincoln bodies built by Murray

• Graham-Paige (Wayne, MI) — early-to-mid 1930s (styling leadership; final work)

• Northup is most firmly tied to Graham-Paige through the 1932 Blue Streak.

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• He worked on Graham’s later “Spirit of Motion.” “Sharknose” theme; one source says he did most of the work with assistance and did not live to see it in production after his fatal accident in 1937.

• (Note: Some sources date the “Sharknose/Spirit of Motion” to 1938–1939; Northup died in February 1937, so his role is generally described as principal designer whose work was finished by others)

2026 Japanese F1 Results -- Another Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team Win

Formula One - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, 2026 Japanese GP. Kimi Antonelli
 

Third consecutive victory to kick off 2026

• Kimi Antonelli took victory in the Japanese Grand Prix with George Russell coming home fourth.
• The Italian claimed his second career win having stood on the top step of the podium in China last time out; he also becomes the youngest driver to lead the Drivers’ World Championship and the first teenager to do so.
• Kimi started on pole position but dropped several places off the line after suffering excessive wheelspin, ultimately ending the opening lap in P6.
• His teammate also lost positions at the start, George dropping behind the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, along with the McLaren of Lando Norris.
• Both drivers fought back quickly though and gained positions before, as others stopped ahead, they cycled through to lead the race.
• George, protecting the P2 position he had gained on track earlier, pitted to cover off Leclerc whilst Kimi continued.
• The safety car was deployed the following lap following a heavy shunt for Ollie Bearman; Kimi and Lewis Hamilton, the only two front-runners yet to stop, took advantage and stopped for the Hard tyre with Kimi coming out in the lead.
• Kimi managed the restart well and had a calm run from there to the chequered flag and victory.
• George meanwhile took the restart in third but lost position to the Ferraris, firstly when running up against the harvest limit on the restart and then after experiencing an unexpected superclip several laps later.
• He regained one position by passing Lewis Hamilton and, in the closing stages, made several attempts to pass Leclerc for P3 but was unable to do so.
• The team head into the upcoming mini break in the season leading the Constructors’ World Championship and with Kimi and George first and second in the drivers’ standings.

Driver	Grid	Result	Fastest Lap	Start Tyre	Stop One
Kimi Antonelli	P1	P1	1:32.432	Medium	Hard (L22)
George Russell	P2	P4	1:32.549	Medium	Hard (L21)

Kimi Antonelli

It feels great to get my second win! I made a bad start from pole and was kicking myself that we lost so many positions. When we were in free air on the Medium tyre though, I was able to improve my pace quite a lot. We were fortunate with the timing of the Safety Car and that put us in the lead; it made my life a lot easier! Who knows what would have happened without that, but I felt like we had the speed today to challenge for the win without it.

This is the best way to head into this mini break in the season. I am going to enjoy the moment but use the time well to work on where I can improve. As a team, and despite winning the first three races, we know we need to keep raising our game too. We had a real battle today and we know that it’s not going to be easy to keep up this run of form. We’re looking forward to using the time ahead of Miami well and hopefully putting ourselves in a strong position once the season resumes.

George Russell

We’ve had a lot of bad luck this weekend and that is unfortunate as we were definitely in the fight for the win today. After a difficult start, we’d managed to get ourselves back to P2 but stopped just one lap before the safety car was deployed. That changed the complexion of the race and unfortunately, after taking the restart in P3, we lost two more positions as a result firstly of hitting the harvesting limit and then an unexpected superclip. It was pretty frustrating but that’s the way racing goes sometimes.

It’s clear from this weekend that our competitors are beginning to optimise their cars much more now. We have enjoyed a great start to the season, but our rivals are hot on our heels as we saw today. The upcoming gap in the calendar will also give everyone a chance to develop further so we know that, once we’re back on track in Miami, we are in for a proper fight.

Toto Wolff, CEO & Team Principal

We had an exciting race today with plenty of overtaking which hasn’t always been the case here at Suzuka. It’s a new way of racing where you have to think strategically in order to both pass and then make sure it sticks. It’s a great challenge for both the drivers and the teams and it makes the race very unpredictable.

Sometimes you need the luck to go your way in racing and that was the case with Kimi today. He lost positions at the start but was able to get them back with a fortunately timed safety car. Whilst that was helpful to him, his pace in the second half of the race showed what he was capable of. George was on the flip side of that equation and lost out having pitted just one lap before the safety car came out. He then lost more positions, firstly on the restart as he hit the harvesting limit and was low on deployment and then secondly with an unexpected superclip. He fought hard to get back to P4, but he’s certainly had more than his share of bad luck this weekend.

Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director

Well done to Kimi on his second win. He had really strong pace and, whilst he benefited from the safety car to put him into the lead, he was able to comfortably control the race once he was in that position.

Kimi's fortune was George's misfortune. Had we stopped George a lap later, he would have retained the lead for the restart. As it happened, he dropped to P3 and lost a further place to Lewis when he hit the harvesting limit too early in the lap and had insufficient battery for the restart. He then had another frustrating issue where a bug in the software code, triggered by a button press and a gear shift at the same time, caused the power unit to go into superclip and charge the battery which allowed Charles to pass. He battled back to P4 but it was a frustrating afternoon for George.

Clearly there is a lot that we need to work on and understand in the next few weeks. We’ve made a great start to the season, but our competitors are closing in. Happily, we have several areas of improvement and we will make the maxim

1940 Road Trip in a Volkswagen Beetle

 A pretty lady, a creepy guy, wonderful background music and excellent filming. It depicts a romantic Germany soon to be turned upside down by World War II realities.  Goethe's world confronted with harsh mass politics and machine age technologies that seem compatible in this presentation, but perhaps cannot coexist?

The Maybach and the Film "The Devil Wears Prada 2" release on May 1. Significance -- true power does not announce itself loudly – it is felt in the details.

 

• The Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class takes center stage as the vehicle for main character Miranda Priestly, reinforcing its status as a symbol of authority and luxury
• The global campaign celebrates “The Art of Arrival” with a custom spot rooted in the philosophy of the Maybach brand: True power lies in the details, refined presence, and sanctuary of the rear seat
• This collaboration with 20^th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, which hits theaters May 1, marks the 20^th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz featured in the original film

The Maybach brand announced a landmark collaboration today with 20^th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2” – a remarkable full-circle moment. Two decades ago, the Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class was prominently featured in the original 2006 film, helping define its aesthetic of power and prestige in the glamorous world of high fashion. Now, with the highly anticipated sequel arriving in theaters May 1, the brand returns to the world of “The Devil Wears Prada” with the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class as the hero vehicle. The placement is part of a new, first of its kind campaign from the brand, celebrating two icons of style.

The Mercedes‑Benz collaboration with “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is a fully integrated 360° co-promotional campaign launching globally on March 27, 2026. Campaign assets include a custom spot featuring film footage and premium key visuals for print and digital advertising. A one-of-a-kind “Devil Wears Prada 2”-themed MANUFAKTUR Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class will be produced for premiere activations and marketing events, as an elevated tribute to craftsmanship.

About the “The Art of Arrival” co-promotion campaign

“The Art of Arrival” tagline encapsulates a philosophy that resonates deeply with both the brand and the world of “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” It speaks to the idea that true power does not announce itself loudly – it is felt in the details. Hand-stitched interiors. Effortless performance. A presence that commands without asking permission.

The moment the Mercedes‑Maybach’s doors close with a hushed finality signals something far beyond transportation: a high expectation. Within the car's intimate sanctuary, private conversations unfold, control is restored and genuine calm prevails amidst the chaos of daily life. In this embodiment of “The Art of Arrival,” Maybach distils its philosophy into a single truth: true luxury is experienced in the sanctity of a moment before the world demands your presence.

“‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ is the perfect stage for our Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class. After 20 years, we celebrate the film’s return with an equally stylish and prominent placement of the vehicle. With its sophisticated design and uncompromising excellence, the Maybach brand mirrors the self‑confident elegance embodied by the film’s main characters. Beautiful cars are timeless – and they never go out of style.” 
Christina Schenck, Vice President, Digital & Communications and Investor Relations, Mercedes-Benz AG

“In ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ the art of the arrival is critical. We are thrilled to collaborate with Maybach, a brand where uncompromising craftsmanship meets timeless luxury.” 
Lylle Breier, EVP Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy & Events at Disney

The campaign showcases the new 2026 Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class, which represents the next generation of refined innovation and elevated craftsmanship, and which celebrated its recent world premiere. Further details about the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be found here.

Defining the power of arrival: The Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class

The Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class is a natural choice to accompany one of cinema’s most formidable cultural figures: editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine, Miranda Priestly. Chauffeuring Miranda Priestly, it embodies the refined power, timeless elegance, and uncompromising excellence that define the world of high fashion and luxury. Through journeys across Manhattan streets and intimate moments within the car's serene MANUFAKTUR interior, meticulously tailored and crafted within Mercedes‑Benz’s in‑house MANUFAKTUR atelier, the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class reinforces a central message: true luxury transcends fads and remains rooted in craftsmanship, intelligence, and timeless design. 

Complementing this flagship placement, the Mercedes-Benz lineup – including the Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class, Mercedes‑Benz GLE, all-electric G‑Class, the versatile V‑Class and the Sprinter – demonstrates the commitment of Mercedes‑Benz to building the most desirable cars in every segment. The authentic vehicle integration of Mercedes‑Maybach and Mercedes‑Benz ensures significant brand visibility and prestige association within a highly aspirational, luxury-focused demographic across key global markets.

Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology | consumption combined: 30.3‒27.7 kWh/100 km | CO₂-emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂-class: A[1]

Campaign details at a glance

In collaboration with 20^th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada,” Mercedes‑Benz has developed an integrated 360° campaign launching globally on March 27, 2026. Campaign assets will roll out until the end of June 2026, with its peak of communication taking place around the film's release in May 2026:

• 30-second co-promotional film spot plus cutdowns for theatrical, TV, streaming and digital platforms
• Premium key visual for print and digital advertising
• A film-themed MANUFAKTUR Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Classone-offfor premiere activations and key market events featuring an individually tailored MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure interior as an elevated tribute to craftsmanship
• Behind-the-scenes footage and film stills
• Social media content, influencer partnerships and event activations in participating markets
• Regional campaign variations tailored to local market priorities and release timelines

 About “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel – Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film reunites the original main cast with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and introduces an all-new runway of characters including Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Kenneth Branagh, B.J. Novak, Simone Ashley, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, and Pauline Chalamet. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also reprise their roles as “Lily” and “Irv” from the first film. 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Karen Rosenfelt, Michael Bederman and Aline Brosh McKenna. The film debuts exclusively in theaters May 1, 2026. A film still* can be found here.  

*Mercedes-Benz does not host this asset. Please note that the usage is subject to the terms and conditions of the rights holder.

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 years of innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to today's intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company continues the biggest product launch programme in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.

^[1] The specified values were determined in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to ECE markets. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

Japanese F1 GP Preview -- Mercedes-Benz

 

Toto Talks Japan

We have made a positive start to the season but it is only that. In both Australia and China, we had several close calls that could have ended our weekend. These cars are new and fragile; we were fortunate that none of the issues we faced severely compromised our results. We have work to do to make sure that continues to be the case. The grid is also learning so much every time we take to the track. Each weekend brings a new set of challenges and we are focused on completing our work, and looking to improve. We know that the moment you think you've got this sport figured out, you are usually proven wrong. 

That is as true for Kimi as it is for the team. His win in China was a great achievement and a moment to be proud of. However, his focus and ours are on what is ahead. His first victory is a first step and all that matters is how he builds on it. We will support him to navigate the expectations that come with performing at the front more consistently.

We're also hopeful that the exciting racing we saw in Melbourne and Shanghai will continue in Japan. Suzuka is one of the world's great race tracks but it has, in recent years, been a difficult place to overtake. Hopefully under these new regulations we can put on a good show for the fans.

Finally, we will be sporting an edgy look for this weekend's race. As a team, we continue to lead the way in blending our sport and wider culture and that is reflected in our work with Y-3's legendary Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto. It is fitting that his collection will be seen on the team trackside, plus his designs on the drivers' overalls and helmets, and on the W17 itself. It is a significant honour to partner on such a collaboration with Y-3, becoming only the third sports team after the Japanese national football team and Real Madrid to do so, and I'm sure it will prove to be an iconic one.

Third Driver Insights

The Japanese Grand Prix is truly one of a kind. Suzuka is a legendary circuit, steeped in decades of Formula 1 heritage, and it reminds me exactly why I became a racing driver.

The rhythm of the track is incredible. The fast, flowing corners push you physically and mentally, demanding precision, commitment, and total trust in the car. It’s a real driver’s challenge, the kind that brings out the pure joy of driving. It can be tricky to overtake at Suzuka but we've seen some fantastic racing so far this year; it's not an energy poor circuit but there will be some interesting decisions to take with deployment and that could lead once again to some great battles.

Last but by no means least, there are the fans. The Japanese supporters are some of the most passionate and creative in the world; their love for Formula 1 is almost beyond compare. Their energy makes the entire weekend feel special.

Did you know?

• Suzuka holds the distinction of being the only circuit we race at that is laid out in a figure-of-eight configuration.
• 2026 will be the 40th edition of the Japanese Grand Prix.
• No Grand Prix or track has seen more F1 world champions crowned than Japan (13) and Suzuka (12). The 1976 season was settled at Fuji.
• The 1994 Japanese Grand Prix remains the last occasion a race was decided using aggregate times after the race was split into two parts due to a red flag.
• All six of Mercedes’ wins in Japan came in consecutive seasons between 2014 and 2019.
• Mercedes clinched a record-equalling sixth consecutive Constructors’ title at Suzuka in 2019.
• In 2025, Kimi became the youngest driver to set a Grand Prix fastest lap in history by setting the quickest race tour in Suzuka.
• In the same race, Kimi also became the youngest in Grand Prix history to lead a lap, holding P1 for 10 of the 53 tours.

2026 Japanese Grand Prix
Session	Local Time (JST)	Brackley (GMT)	Stuttgart (CET)
Practice One – Friday	11:30 – 12:30	02:30 – 03:30	03:30 – 04:30
Practice Two - Friday	15:00 – 16:00	06:00 – 07:00	07:00 – 08:00
Practice Three – Saturday	11:30 – 12:30	02:30 – 03:30	03:30 – 04:30
Qualifying – Saturday	15:00 – 16:00	06:00 – 07:00	07:00 – 08:00
Grand Prix - Sunday	14:00	06:00	07:00

 

Circuit Characteristics
Circuit Length	5.807 km
Race Laps	53
Race Distance	307.5 km
Number of Corners	18 (8 L / 10 R)
Distance from Pole to First Braking Zone	330m
Pole Position Side	Left
Pit Lane Length Under Speed Limit Control	396m
Drive-Through Time at 80 km/h	18s
Braking Events (>2G)	4
Heavy Braking Events (<0.4s @ >4G)	1
Braking Energy	Medium
Top Speed	326 km/h (expected)
Race Lap Record	1:31.0 (ANT, 2025)
Absolute Lap Record	1:27.0 (VER, Q3, 2025)

 

Race Characteristics (2018 – 2019 & 2022 - 2025)
Safety Car Probability	40%	Average Track Temperature	27.8 °C
Average Ambient Temperature	14.8 °C	Maximum Track Temperature	40 °C
Maximum Ambient Temperature	19.2 °C	Wet Session Probability	7%