Nice review JW in which you've highlighted the fundamental differences in styling between Earl and Mitchell. I've often wondered what garish designs Earl would have produced in the 1960s if he'd still been in charge of GM design! I think Mitchell was the right man for those rapidly-changing times and his distinctive design language expressed through so many wonderful-looking GM cars is immortal proof of his mastery. The 1965 and 1966 Rivieras are my favourites but I've always admired the 1971 'boat tail'. I think it's unfairly maligned because history tends to focus on its unusual rear styling (which I love anyway) to the exclusion of the rest of the car. When viewed from the usual front three-quarter view, it's a nicely balanced shape with bold styling cues that are signature Mitchell.