Instrumentality

Rear-mounted
Air-cooled engine
Portmanteau

Cultural inertia influences advancement and detrimental experiences often reverberate more tenaciously than those more propitious. Although innovative by featuring a number of high tech ideas, several early Corvair design flaws undoubtedly changed the trajectory of GM’s product development towards the risk-averse culture that would dominate future generations of automobile design.

“The Corvair package of elegance, thrift and fun on the road has always been hard to beat.” – 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Brochure

Quarter glass
Articulation
Vent window

Featuring a latch and hinges allowing for an inward pivot rotation to funnel air into the cabin and cool the occupants, the small, triangular, front-side window is a vehicle feature now extinct. Although vent windows were once a central component of the driving experience, by the 1980’s automobile air conditioning gained popularity and front window vents disappeared from production.

“Although the front venting windows provide unmatched ventilation, air turbulence and leakage outweigh the benefits.” – Jim Dunne

Flight fascination
Speed excitement
Style comfort power

Elegant and relatively inexpensive, the Terraplane was nimble, fast, and muscular. Introducing many advanced engineering features, the vehicle engaged popular imagination during the 1930’s. Amelia Earhart owned one, John Dillinger owned one, and Robert Johnson sang about one: ‘Who been drivin’ my Terraplane for you since I been gone?’

“On the sea that’s aquaplaning, in the air that’s aeroplaning, but on the land, in the traffic, on the hills, hot diggity dog, THAT’S TERRAPLANING” – Howard Coffin

Follow desired course
Drivers seat
Steerage

Certain functional aspects of automotive design have remained consistent from near the beginning. The first true automobile was created in 1885/1886 by Karl Benz of Germany. Ten years later, Alfred Vacheron participanted in an automotive race with a custom fitted steering wheel considered to be the earliest deployment on a car. The operational characteristics of a human-steering system must depend on biomechanical arm operation in any potential driving motion.

“The basis of any art is simple, natural, spontaneous sensation.” – Max Weber

Original intention
Adequate functionality
Aesthetic appeal

Creative design must have an objective, even if the sole reason for existing is to be viewed or otherwise experienced. Although many manufactured objects embody specific functionality, if their configuration is visually engaging then they also may be considered as art.

“Design is an expression of purpose, and if it is good enough it may later be judged as art; design depends largely on constraints and it is a method of action.” – Charles Eames

Halo vehicle
Key identifiers
First generation

Roman Red with a white body cove, this iconic 1959 Chevrolet Corvette was designed for those who demand authentic sports car performance, luxury, and convenience. With more importance placed on handling and maneuverability than on power and top speed, the trip is the destination.

“The road goes on forever and the party never ends.” – Robert Earl Keen

Chrome plated
Complex substantial
Rigid construction

During the 1950’s, automobile bumpers were heavy, stiff, elaborate, and ornamentally decorative. Such resistant construction offers much more protection to the car itself rather than to the car occupants.

“There’s a difference between a philosophy and a bumper sticker.” – Charles M. Schulz

Ponton appearance
Modern precursor
Envelope styling

Defunct automobile brands live on as object artifacts.

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.” – Robert L. Peters

Uniquely distinguished
Particular interest
Unusual quality

This art deco detail is extracted from the streamlined Buick Special produced in 1937. Sleek and rounded to defined speed and power, such functional objects matched the new needs of new times. New times quickly become old times.

“I love to take something ordinary and make it really special.” – Ina Garten

Surface return
Reflected impression
Lingering trace

At an interface between two different materials, continuously curved polished surfaces divert a wavefront of light in heterogeneous specular directions. Radiation remains symmetrical under bent contact conditions.

“The way these pictures were taken show a great deal of systematicity, reflecting a culture that is systematic in its approach.” – Josh Rogin