the introduction of the Chevrolet Super Sport models. He also insisted on changes to improve the safety of the Chevrolet Corvair, which was not reported publicly until it was revealed by John DeLorean in his book On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors. Knudsen also reportedly rejected an idea to offer a Pontiac version of the revolutionary Corvair in favor a front-engine compact car to be offered by Oldsmobile (as the F-85) and Buick (as the Special) for 1961. Pontiac introduced its version of the Buick-Olds-Pontiac compact as the Tempest for 1961, but gave that car some unique engineering features such as a slanted four-cylinder engine (which was really half of a Pontiac 389 V8), rear swing axles and a rear transaxle (both derived from the Corvair) driven by a flexing shaft to eliminate the driveshaft hump for increased interior space. Move to Ford and the larger Mustang Knudsen was elected as executive vice-president of GM in 1967. He was head of GM's Overseas, Industrial, and Defense Operation in February 1968 when he created controversy by resigning to become president of the Ford Motor Company. Rumors at the time suggested that Knudsen's move to Ford was prompted by his having been passed over for the GM presidency in favor of Ed Cole, the father of the small block eight cylinder engine for the Chevrolet Corvette. Henry Ford II was looking for a seasoned executive to take charge at his company, which would allow him to spend more time on outside activities; and so the opportunity for Knudsen was ripe. Certain GM-like styling cues in several Ford products attributable to Knudsen became reality starting with the 1970 model year, including the new 'eagle beak' on the Thunderbird nicknamed the 'Bunkie Beak' by many T-Bird enthusiasts. It was similar to the V-nose grille found on the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix, a sporty/luxurious model whose addition to the 1962 Pontiac lineup Knudsen had ordered prior to his move to Ford. Further evidence of Knudsen's styling cues can also be seen on the front-end of the completely restyled 1971 full-sized Ford line-up. Knudsen was also credited (and criticized) for ordering the design of a larger Ford Mustang from a sporty compact ponycar to a heavier and almost-intermediate sized car for 1971, with much of the enlargement reported to be necessary in order to fit Ford's large 429 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 under