If you are fascinated by streamlined cars of the Depression era and in the Portland, Oregon area this summer, you may enjoy seeing the “The Shape of Speed: Streamlined Automobiles and Motorcycles, 1930-1942.” The Portland Art Museum is presenting this exhibit from June 16 through September 16.
Guest curator Ken Gross selected 17 rare American and European cars and two motorcycles. In addition to the vehicles, engineering drawings and period photographs show some of the aircraft, railroad, ship and yacht designs that influenced the automakers. Go here for three multimedia takes on the exhibit and streamlined cars in general.
A few of the automotive marques featured in The Shape of Speed include Mercedes-Benz, who have restored one of the carmaker’s Stromlinienwagens (streamlined cars) from 1938, along with Bugatti, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Voisin, Talbot-Lago, Delahaye, Cord and Chrysler. In addition, The Shape of Speed includes two motorcycles: a radically streamlined Henderson KJ and a BMW concept R7 motorcycle that was developed in the mid-1930s, lost for decades in a missing crate, recovered in 2005, and completely restored.
“The Shape of Speed celebrates great design that moves us,” said Brian Ferriso, The Marilyn H. and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Director and Chief Curator of the Portland Art Museum. “During the Great Depression, the forward-leaning, beautiful designs of streamlined vehicles were aspirational, inspiring a sense of hope for the future. We look forward to bringing that excitement to Portland again.”
The Portland Art Museum is located at 1219 SW Park Avenue in downtown Portland. Go here for ticket information and here for directions.
