Ralph Lysell

Ralph Lysell at his office in Stockholm, Sweden. A visionary industrial designer, engineer, and adventurer, Lysell led a life filled with innovation, ambition, and bold ideas. From his early days in the United States, where he designed a futuristic automobile that never reached production, to his pioneering work at L.M. Ericsson, where he helped shape the early design of the iconic Ericofon, he was always ahead of his time. In 1945, he established AB Industriell Formgivning, Sweden’s first industrial design firm, creating forward-thinking concepts for major companies such as Volvo, Electrolux, and AGA. His restless spirit eventually led him to Norway, where he built the Rally sports car, an ambitious attempt at producing a Norwegian-made performance vehicle. Throughout his life, Lysell remained an enigmatic figure, rumored to have been involved in everything from Hollywood film projects to daring smuggling operations. Whether designing automobiles, phones, or futuristic boats, he constantly pushed boundaries, leaving behind a legacy as one of Scandinavia’s most intriguing industrial designers.

Ralph Lysell’s visionary automobile as featured in Daily News Sun, November 4, 1934. This newspaper article introduced Lysell’s radically streamlined car, a teardrop-shaped vehicle that embodied cutting-edge design principles of the era. Engineered to run on either crude oil or gasoline, the car featured a rear-mounted engine, gearless transmission, and a one-piece stamped frame, unheard of innovations at the time. Lysell planned to offer three versions with power outputs ranging from 40 to 160 horsepower, promising 40 miles per gallon on crude oil and 28 miles per gallon on gasoline. Though the article suggested that the first prototype was nearing completion on Long Island, the car never made it into production. Various accounts claim that the U.S. auto industry forced Lysell out, a flood destroyed the factory, or he simply ran out of funds. Whatever the truth, this ambitious project remains one of the great "what-ifs" of early automotive history.

Order from: Sweden - Norway - Rest of the world

A photo of Ralph working on his streamlined, rear-engined car that was published in the Daily News Sun, December 2, 1934. This rare article highlights Lysell's ambitious automotive project, featuring Celia Villa, daughter of Pancho Villa, who was designing the car’s interior. Lysell’s futuristic vehicle was promoted as a radically different auto, though it never reached production.

Ralph mentoring a group of young Swedish engineers. Taken from Lysell’s personal scrapbook, this photo reflects his role as both a designer and an innovator who enjoyed sharing his vision with the next generation. The handwritten note suggests that some of his trainees went on to hold prestigious positions, a testament to his influence in Scandinavian industrial design. At this time, Lysell was running AB Industriell Formgivning, Sweden’s first industrial design firm, shaping concepts for companies like Volvo, AGA, and Electrolux. His forward-thinking approach and ability to inspire others left a lasting mark on the field, despite the financial struggles that ultimately led to the company’s downfall.

Ralph’s early prototype (left) and the final version (right) of the iconic Ericofon. In 1941, while working for L.M. Ericsson, Lysell helped develop the first-ever 3D model of the Ericofon, shaping its revolutionary one-piece design. His futuristic vision laid the groundwork for one of the most recognizable telephones of the 20th century.

Ralph Lysell’s "Car of the Future" was featured in Teknik För Alla, No. 34, August 21, 1942. This Swedish technology magazine revisited Lysell’s streamlined automobile, which he had designed in the U.S. before the project was abandoned. The article suggested he was forced out by the American auto industry, fearing his radical design. By 1942, Lysell had returned to Sweden, where he became a key figure in industrial design, working with L.M. Ericsson and founding AB Industriell Formgivning.

A model of Ralph's streamlined car, featured in Teknik För Alla in 1942.

A drawing of Ralph's streamlined car that was printed in Teknik För Alla Nr 34. 21 aug 1942.

A rear-engined automobile designed by Ralph in the 1940s. Showcasing his passion for streamlined, futuristic vehicles, this concept featured an aerodynamic body and an innovative rear-mounted engine. Lysell’s automotive designs often pushed boundaries, blending efficiency with bold, unconventional styling.

A futuristic tourist bus designed by Ralph in the mid-1940s. To maximize passenger visibility, Lysell placed the driver in a cockpit on the roof, creating an unobstructed panoramic view. His designs often challenged conventions, blending aerodynamics with bold, unconventional solutions.

A sleek boat designed by Ralph in the mid-1940s. Reflecting his passion for streamlined, futuristic design, this concept features an aerodynamic cabin and a unique hull shape for improved stability and speed. Lysell’s innovative approach extended beyond automobiles, influencing marine design as well.

A modernist house designed by Ralph in the 1940s. Showcasing his futuristic design language, this concept features curved corners, large glass windows, and an elevated structure. Lysell’s architectural vision mirrored his work in industrial and automotive design, blending functionality with sleek, forward-thinking aesthetics.

A Ralph Lysell design from 1944. This streamlined control panel showcases Lysell’s futuristic industrial design approach, combining functionality with sleek aesthetics. His ability to blend technology and style made him a pioneer in multiple fields, from automobiles and telephones to industrial equipment.

A futuristic ship designed by Ralph in 1944. This sleek, submarine-inspired vessel reflects Lysell’s passion for streamlined, aerodynamic design. Featuring a low-profile hull and a futuristic command tower, the concept showcases his ability to merge naval engineering with bold, modernist aesthetics.

Ralph at work at AB Industriell Formgivning, Stockholm, 1945. Photo from Svensk Industridesign - En 1900-Tallshistoria.

A full-page ad for AB Industriell Formgivning, published on the front page of Svenska Dagbladet on April 20, 1945. The ad promoted Ralph Lysell’s pioneering industrial design firm, showcasing innovative products ranging from electronics to household appliances. It marked a key moment in Swedish industrial design history, highlighting Lysell’s impact on shaping the future of product development.

An electric drill designed by Ralph in the mid-1940s.

A bathtub designed by Ralph in the 1940s that merged functionality with sleek, modern aesthetics.

Ralph Lysell’s 1945 design for the Electrolux L730 refrigerator. Sleek and modern, this concept reflected Lysell’s streamlined industrial design approach, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and futuristic aesthetics. Photo from Nationalmuseum.

Ralph with the prototype for the Rally sports car, built at Norwegian Aircraft Industries in Oslo, 1951. After moving to Norway in 1949, Lysell aimed to launch Norwegian automobile production, envisioning a sports car, a taxi, and a truck. The Rally, with its futuristic aluminum body, was his attempt to create Norway’s first sports car. Photo provided by Eirik Bøle.

Ralph's original designs for a Norwegian sports car and taxi, featuring both Swedish and German text. After working in Germany as a consulting engineer for Mercedes-Benz, Adler, and BMW, Lysell moved to Norway in 1949 with plans to establish local automobile production. His futuristic concepts, seen here, emphasized lightweight aluminum construction and innovative chassis designs. The German influence in his work fueled rumors that he had been involved in Hitler’s automobile division during World War II, though no evidence confirms this. Photo provided by Eirik Bøle.

A bubble-topped camping boat designed for production in Norway and Sweden. This streamlined vessel features a cockpit strikingly similar to the one he designed for the Rally sports car, reflecting Lysell’s signature futuristic aesthetic. Blending automotive and marine design, the boat was intended for high-speed cruising with a sleek, aerodynamic form.

Ralph in 1953 during an interview with Teknikens Värld. At this time, Lysell had shifted his focus from automobiles to maritime innovation, developing the unsinkable lifeboat "Svelvik."

Ralph's unsinkable lifeboat "Svelvik," as featured in Teknikens Värld, November 1953. After abandoning his automotive dream, Lysell focused on designing a revolutionary lifeboat that wouldn’t tip or sink. This project showcased his commitment to safety and innovation, applying his streamlined design principles to maritime engineering.

Rolf Åke Nystedt (1907 - 1987), later known as Ralph Lysell, was a Swedish industrial designer, engineer, and adventurer. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Lysell led an extraordinary life, marked by innovation, ambition, and a series of remarkable career shifts across multiple countries. He played a pioneering role in industrial design, worked for major European automakers, and even attempted to build one of Norway’s first sports cars.

Early Life and Move to the United States

Born in 1907 in Stockholm, Sweden, Rolf Åke experienced a difficult childhood after his mother moved to the United States when he was seven years old. Longing to reunite with her, he emigrated at the age of 16. Upon arrival, he encountered hostility from his stepfather and was forced to fend for himself. To better integrate into American society, he changed his name to Ralph Lysell, adopting his mother’s maiden name, and lied about his age.

At just 17, Ralph married for the first time, an early start to what would become a string of seven marriages. Driven by a relentless ambition to excel in everything he pursued, he took pride in his physical strength and distinctive full beard, which he considered his signature feature. According to his sixth wife, he even slept on his back to avoid disturbing it.

Lysell was determined to succeed. While taking night classes at Columbia University, he trained as a heavyweight boxer in underground gyms, aiming for a professional career. A polyglot, he mastered seven languages fluently, and at some point during the 1920s or 1930s, he obtained a pilot’s license. His adventurous spirit also led him to South America in the 1930s, where he was involved in a film project.

The American Dream and the Lost Automobile

Ralph Lysell’s technical education at Columbia University fueled his passion for innovation, leading him to design a streamlined automobile in the 1930s that was far ahead of its time. This revolutionary vehicle featured a rear-mounted engine, a gearless transmission, a stamped one-piece frame, and doors that slid along the bodysides. Its teardrop-shaped body was designed for maximum aerodynamics, offering unobstructed visibility from all angles, features that made it stand out in an era dominated by more traditional automotive designs. According to an article in Daily News, Sun, Nov 04, 1934, Page 52, the car was engineered to run on either crude oil or gasoline, with a 50-horsepower engine capable of 40 miles per gallon on crude oil and 28 miles per gallon on gasoline. Three versions were planned, with 40, 80, and 160-horsepower options and wheelbases ranging from 90 to 120 inches. Lysell reported from his retreat “somewhere on Long Island” that the first prototype would be completed within two weeks.

Despite its promising design, the car never made it into production, and the reasons for its failure remain unclear. Conflicting reports attempt to explain its fate. One version, published in Teknik För Alla Nr 34. 21 aug 1942., claims that the American auto industry forced Lysell out, fearing his modern design would pose a threat to established manufacturers. According to this account, he was paid off and made to sign a contract prohibiting him from working in the American automotive or aviation industries for five years. Another explanation, detailed in the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten in 1951, suggests that a flood destroyed the factory where the car was being built, halting production entirely. A third theory holds that Lysell ran out of funds, unable to secure enough backing to bring the vehicle to market. Some even speculate that angry investors forced him to flee the country.

Whatever the true reason, Lysell left the United States and returned to Europe, abandoning his dream of revolutionizing the automobile industry.

The Rise and Fall of AB Industriell Formgivning

Back in Europe, Lysell worked as a consulting engineer in Germany, collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, Adler, and BMW. He also served as a test driver for Mercedes-Benz. In 1939, while on a promotional tour in Stockholm, Sweden, World War II broke out, prompting him to stay.

Lysell was soon hired as an industrial designer at L.M. Ericsson, where he played a pivotal role in early designs for the Ericofon, one of the most iconic telephone designs in history. In 1941, he and Knut Hugo Blomberg filed a patent for an early Ericofon prototype. However, Lysell felt creatively stifled at Ericsson, describing himself as a “trapped lion.”

By 1945, he had established his own design firm, AB Industriell Formgivning at Katarinavägen 22 in Stockholm, backed by advertising agency Günther & Bäck. His work, inspired by aviation and space design, attracted major clients like Volvo, AGA, Electrolux, Kockums, Sandvik, and Svenska Amerikalinjen. One of his notable contributions to Volvo was the “Takgök” for the PV models.

Despite his artistic brilliance, Lysell struggled with business management. By 1947, his firm employed eight people, but financial difficulties mounted. He began arriving late to work—or disappearing entirely. The company lost its contract with Ericsson, and by winter, AB Industriell Formgivning went bankrupt.

Desperate for a new opportunity, Lysell and former employee Erik Olsson developed a machine for manufacturing wooden clothespins, securing funding from optimistic farmers in Torsby, Sweden. The venture collapsed financially, leaving the investors furious. Facing legal threats, Lysell and Olsson fled to Paris, France.

The Rally Sports Car

After a few years in Paris, Lysell relocated to Norway in 1949, where he married a Norwegian woman named Carlmeyer and had a son, Gösta.

In Norway, Lysell set out to build a futuristic sports car, the Rally. Designed with an aluminum body and a bubble-top canopy, it was intended to be Norway’s first sports car of the 1950s. His vision extended beyond the Rally, he also had plans for a Norwegian-produced taxi and a truck.

The sole Rally prototype was built at Norwegian Aircraft Industries LTD at Fornebu, Oslo’s main airport. However, the project never progressed beyond this single model. According to a 1953 article in Teknikens Värld, Lysell abandoned his automotive dream to design an aluminum lifeboat called "Svelvik"—intended to be unsinkable.<ref name="tv">

To prove its capabilities, Lysell sailed the Svelvik from Norway to Gothenburg during winter. Battling fierce winds and snow, he endured three days at sea before arriving safely.

Later Years and Legacy

After 11 years in Norway, Lysell returned to Sweden in 1960, settling in Hjo, where he worked as a designer at Hjo Mekaniska Verkstad. He was later seen at Electrolux in Alingsås, inquiring about design work, though he was turned down. According to his son Gösta, he also served as a guest professor at a London university in the 1960s.

A devoted gearhead, Lysell spent the 1960s traveling across Europe in an Austin Healey. In the 1970s, he embarked on a trip to Africa, during which he disappeared for a prolonged period and was reported missing before eventually resurfacing.

In his later years, he retired in Sweden, dedicating much of his time to painting abstract art. Ralph Lysell passed away in 1987.

Ralph Lysell: The Man and the Myth

Lysell’s larger-than-life persona gave rise to numerous myths and rumors. A charismatic and eccentric adventurer, he had a knack for convincing people to believe in his visions—sometimes to their financial detriment.

One unconfirmed rumor suggests that while living in the U.S., Lysell helped Al Capone smuggle alcohol across the Canadian border using small airplanes. Another unverified story claims that in 1942, after leaving L.M. Ericsson, he went to Germany and worked for Hitler’s automobile division.

Despite the embellishments and speculation surrounding his life, Ralph Lysell remains a fascinating figure in industrial design and automotive history, remembered for his unorthodox ideas, relentless ambition, and the bold, futuristic concepts he pursued.