Elizabeth Carmichael: The Visionary Behind The Dale Car And Her Controversial Legacy

Elizabeth Carmichael's story is one of ambition, deception, and the quest for acceptance. Born around 1928, she became a notable figure in the automotive industry during a tumultuous period in American history. Her venture, the Dale car, promised revolutionary fuel efficiency amid an oil crisis, captivating the interest of investors and consumers alike. However, Carmichael's journey was marred by fraud and her struggle with her identity as a transgender woman, which she publicly embraced during her legal battles.

Despite the excitement surrounding the Dale, the vehicle never saw production. Instead, Carmichael became embroiled in legal issues that saw her go on the run, ultimately leading to her arrest and conviction. Her life story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of personal identity and the impact of societal expectations. As we delve deeper into her life, we will uncover the various facets of her biography, her ambitious automotive project, and the lessons learned from her tumultuous life.

Throughout her life, Carmichael demonstrated resilience and ambition. She aimed to "revolutionize personal transportation" but faced significant challenges that ultimately defined her legacy. Her story is not just about a failed business endeavor; it's also about the very human struggles of identity, acceptance, and the consequences of one's actions. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Elizabeth Carmichael, from her early beginnings to her controversial impact on the automotive industry.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• The Dale Car
• Arrest and Trial
• Unsolved Mysteries
• Gender Identity
• Personal Life
• Death
• Documentaries
• Quick Facts
• Quotes

Biography

Elizabeth Carmichael, originally known as Jerry Dean Michael, was born around 1928. Her journey was marked by significant personal and professional transformations. In 1974, she founded the Twentieth Century Motor Car Company in California, aiming to produce the Dale, a three-wheeled vehicle boasting impressive fuel efficiency. However, her ambitious plans were soon overshadowed by allegations of fraud, which led to her becoming a fugitive.

The Dale Car

The Dale car emerged during a critical time in the 1970s when gas shortages were prevalent. Carmichael, with her background in automotive design and engineering, pitched the Dale as a solution to the energy crisis. It was designed to be a lightweight, economical vehicle that promised 70 miles per gallon. The marketing campaign was aggressive, featuring bold claims and eye-catching promotional materials.

Despite the hype, the Dale never made it to production. Carmichael managed to produce a few prototypes, but they fell short of operational standards. Potential buyers and investors were left disappointed as it became clear that Carmichael's promises were not backed by tangible results, leading to allegations of fraud and deception.

Arrest and Trial

In 1974, as investigations into her operations intensified, Carmichael fled to evade arrest. Law enforcement uncovered her past and the fraud allegations, which included conspiracy and grand theft. After several months on the run, she was apprehended in Miami, leading to a highly publicized trial.

During the trial, Carmichael represented herself, arguing that she was a pioneer challenging the automotive giants. However, the evidence against her was overwhelming, and in 1977, she was convicted on multiple counts of fraud. The trial highlighted not only her business missteps but also societal attitudes toward her gender identity.

Unsolved Mysteries

After serving time, Carmichael's story gained renewed interest when it was featured on the television show Unsolved Mysteries in 1989. This exposure revealed her whereabouts and led to her being remanded back to California to serve her sentences. The show depicted her life as a fugitive and the challenges she faced as a transgender woman during a time of limited societal acceptance.

Gender Identity

Carmichael's journey as a transgender woman was complex and fraught with societal challenges. She faced significant hurdles in her quest for recognition and acceptance. During her trial, she successfully petitioned to be referred to as a woman, a pivotal moment in her fight for identity.

Personal Life

Carmichael's personal life included multiple marriages and the responsibility of raising five children. As she transitioned, her children affectionately referred to her as "Mother Liz." This aspect of her life highlighted the personal sacrifices and challenges she faced amidst her public persona and legal troubles.

Death

Elizabeth Carmichael passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with both ambition and controversy. Her life story continues to resonate today, reflecting the ongoing struggles for acceptance and the complexities of identity in society.

Documentaries

In recent years, Carmichael's life and legacy have been explored in various documentaries, most notably The Lady and the Dale, released in 2021. This four-part series delves into her life, the rise and fall of the Dale car, and the societal context surrounding her experiences as a transgender woman.

Quick Facts

• Name: Elizabeth Carmichael
• Birth Year: 1928
• Best Known For: The Dale car and her legal battles
• Death Year: 2004

Quotes

• "I don’t want to sound like an egomaniac, but I am a genius."
• "I’m going to build the public exactly what they’re looking for and I’m going to knock the hell out of Detroit doing it."
• "My full intention and expectation is to become the biggest automobile manufacturer in the world."
• "I will run the auto industry like a queen."