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Design excesses
History
In 1974 Harry Bradley anticipated the American wagon’s future
(EXPANDED FROM 9/10/2024) A few years ago Dean’s Garage reprinted a prescient essay Harry Bradley (2022) wrote back in 1974 about the future of the American station wagon. His article made a number of important […]
History
1974 AMC Ambassador: Was its styling ruined by bumper regs?
(EXPANDED FROM 7/15/2024) One of Indie Auto’s first harshly negative comments came from someone who was infuriated with my essay about the 1974 AMC Ambassador, where I criticized the car’s looks. “Worst stupid article I […]
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Design Notes
The 1956 Lincoln’s styling proved to be a one-year wonder
(UPDATED FROM 1/6/2023) The 1956 Lincoln was one of the brand’s most-important postwar cars. Almost 54,000 cars left the factory — an all-time record not broken until 1966. The Ford Motor Company was clearly intending […]
Design Notes
Yes, but WHY do today’s automobiles look so similar?
(UPDATED FROM 7/26/2021) A few years ago Peter DeLorenzo (2021) argued that the auto industry had “reached the nadir of design. And it isn’t pretty.” The big reason why: Cars look so blandly similar that […]
Data Dive
Did the odd styling of the 1969 Chrysler two-door hardtop hurt its sales?
(EXPANDED FROM 6/7/2024) Curbside Classic commentator nlpnt (2024) argued a while back that the fuselage Chrysler’s best-looking body style was the wagon. Conversely, I would add that the two-door hardtop was the least aesthetically pleasing […]
Design Notes
2006-2010 Dodge Charger: A cartoonish attempt at rip-roaring nostalgia
(EXPANDED FROM 10/2/2023) The 2006 Dodge Charger’s styling was greeted with mixed reviews when the car was introduced. Perhaps the most pointed criticism came from Car and Driver writer Larry Webster (2005), who stated that […]
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Gallery
Was the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado the most excessive car of the brougham era?
(EXPANDED FROM 1/5/2024) Reasonable people can debate what was the most excessive car of the brougham era, but I would propose the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado for top honors. To be more specific, I would point […]