reading cars
When sitting outside eating lunch, I noticed an old Cadillac drive by. I’m *sure* there is a ton of literature on this (a cursory look didn’t find any, however), but I was thinking: isn’t it interesting how one can “read” car body styles and, in doing so, gain some understanding of the times from which the design came? In the 50’s, cars were big and used thick steel–the features were rounded and soft, suggesting attention to quality, no concern in regards to fuel consumption (i.e. no oil crisis) and an optimistic outlook (I think soft features are “optimistic”?).
Today, cars are very utilitarian. Especially looking back at cars still on the road from the 80’s. Cars today use thin metal and plastic, and we are more obsessed with fuel economy (and that’s not a bad thing). Except for SUVs. They aren’t fuel efficient, and sort of embody the desire for “safety” and security in this “dangerous world” coupled with the “me first” attitude of our society.
These observations are not too novel, I know, and I’m also not sure whether I’m ascribing these properties to the cars “post mortem” or if they really are reflected in the cars’ style. Like most other interpretation, I’m sure the truth probably lies somewhere in between.
hmmm I think a lot of cars from the 90’s look inflatable…pre dot-com bubble burst, maybe?
don’t you think the fins on the fifties cars are supposed to make them look like rockets? even thought now we call them “boats”?
now, the style i see (okay, i’m not a car girl really) is “luxility” - the luxury utility vehicle. that armored-car mercedes, that’s tough (looking) on the outside but coddles whomever is lucky enough to be on the inside.
i also see cars getting bloated, like their fast-food nation drivers. we consume gas like we consume burgers and fries.
i’d like an escalade with that shake!!