John Schinella

Pontiac Designer, Retired

John Schinella is an internationally respected automotive designer whose distinguished career spans more than six decades and has left an enduring mark on the American automotive industry. From his early fascination with automobiles and art to his leadership in designing some of General Motors’ most iconic vehicles, John’s work has influenced generations of enthusiasts and designers alike.

Born in Concord, New Hampshire, John’s passion for automobiles began in childhood as he built model cars and developed his artistic talents. He pursued studies in engineering, product design, and fine arts at St. Anselm College, the University of New Hampshire, and the New England School of Art and Design in Boston. During his formative years, he also worked restoring sculptures and glass artwork alongside a World War II concentration camp survivor at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston—an experience that further refined his appreciation for craftsmanship and design.

In 1961, John was recruited by General Motors to join its renowned Design Staff in Warren, Michigan. Over the next 38 years, he played a pivotal role in the development of some of GM’s most celebrated vehicles. His early assignments included work on the Cadillac design program before joining Bill Mitchell’s Special Studio, where he contributed to projects that would shape the future of Chevrolet performance, especially the GS2 - which led to the Chaparral 2C- and including the original Chevrolet Camaro and the legendary Corvette Mako Shark concept, whose design heavily influenced the 1968 Corvette Sting Ray.

John’s talent quickly earned him increasing responsibility. He served as Assistant Design Director for GM Holden in Australia, where he helped develop the HK, Monaro, HQ, LC, and LH Torana models before returning to the United States to lead Chevrolet and Pontiac design studios. Throughout his career, he directed teams responsible for numerous production vehicles and design innovations, including the Pontiac Fiero—which he named in honor of his father’s Italian heritage—as well as the Trans Am black and gold limited editions and the large hood bird decal, Can-Am, Firebird special editions, and many memorable performance and concept vehicles. His work also extended to entertainment icons, contributing to projects including the Knight Rider Trans Am and The A-Team van.

As Director of Advanced Concepts and later Director of Brand Character for Pontiac, John helped shape the design philosophy behind concept vehicles, production models, and GM’s long-term brand strategy. His influence reached beyond styling, introducing collaborative development practices that improved communication throughout the vehicle development process.

Since retiring from General Motors in 1999, John has remained deeply involved in the collector car community. He continues to serve as a respected judge, guest speaker, and ambassador for automotive history at premier events across the country, including the Trans Am Nationals, Firebird Festival, Carlisle events, and, of course, the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. His lifelong dedication to automotive design, innovation, and craftsmanship continues to inspire enthusiasts around the world.