We've had several posts regarding Don Lee and Don Lee Cadillac Corp. located at W. 7th Ave. and S. Bixel St. in downtown Los Angeles. but there is a lot more to that story.
In 1919 Don Lee Cadillac Corp. purchased the Earl Automobile Works plant at 1320 S. Main St., and with it came a young Harley J. Earl, the son of the Earl Automotive Works founder. Harley Earl was hired away from Don Lee in 1927 and went on to become head of the GM Design Studio in Detroit. No single individual had as great an influence on automotive designs in the 20th Century as Harley Earl who ran GM's Design Studio until he retired in 1958. His first design for GM was the 1927 LaSalle. His last came out in 1959 after his retirement and was perhaps the most flamboyant Cadillac ever with it's aircraft rudder like fins. (side note: Several European countries actually outlawed the 1959 Cadillac after several bicyclist managed to impale themselves on the fins)
Below is what appears to be a drawing of the Earl Automotive Works building at 1320 S. Main St.
from
http://www.coachbuilt.com
.
This building was purchased by the John B. Brokaw Auto & Body Co. in 1922 and operated as a Coach Works until Brokaw's death in 1926.
As it appeared when auctioned 10/9/2012