The story may be true just the details (time) is off. The 50-51 fords were
virtually identical. 53-54 chev/pontiac differed mainly in tail light lens
treatment. Studebaker used the same basic body from 1953 to their demise. (
the doors of a lark were the same as on a full sized sedan for instance)
In the immediate post war years, up to 55, annual model changes were often
trim changes. 55 and later, sheet metal changed annually (for the big 3).
Dramatically at GM, evolutionally at Ford and less so at chrysler (57-58
plymouth-dodge) 57-58-59 chrysler, desoto .
Under the skin there was little change in most cases. You'd be amazed how
many years are interchangeable in chev front suspension components foe
example.
In the later 50's GM for one, though maintaining very distinct mosel
identities and styling, used a lot of cross brand components in the areas of
glass, roofs, inner doors etc. Next time you look at any 58 GM product, look
at the front fenders and hood lines and marvel at the different
interpretations of the same basic outline.
On another note... I don't remember which but either Popular Mechanics or
Mechanics Illustrated did an experiment in which they took the front fenders
and hood off a 65 ford and bolted them directly onto a 63 pontiac. The
implication being that the ford was a copy of the pontiac. Their styling
was remarkably similar.
Of course, the brits and europeans were masters of making many from few.
Witness the many variants of the mini and 1100. All accomplished with
varying amounts of "Badge engineering" and trim adjustment.
Cheers
Don
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