Design Notes
A curve from nowhere
The Jeep CJ may have one of the boxiest automotive bodies ever produced, but its front end is visually dominated by curves. Note how the rounded fender edge emerges from an exposed gap between two pieces […]
1960s
Current Events
Should VW’s design chief fear civilization’s end?
(UPDATED 12/15/2022) Volkswagen Group’s global design chief Walter de Silva is worried that optimizing aerodynamics in order to meet tightening emissions standards could hurt aesthetics and branding. In an Automotive News question-and-answer piece, he complained […]
Drive-By Musings
Saab hung onto two-stroke engine far too long
In the April edition of Collectible Automobile (2014), Patrick R. Foster noted that Saab was the last European automaker outside Warsaw Pact countries to produce two-stroke engines. The Swedish automaker switched to a modern four-stroke […]
Multimedia
The 1960 Saab: ‘It’s here!’
This Saab commercial highlights a number of design changes made to the 96 model for 1960, such as flow-through ventilation and a larger rear window. The commercial was filmed in Europe but spoken in English. […]
Media Analysis
Does the Internet dumb down auto history?
In some respects the rise of the web has been the best thing that ever happened to American automotive history. Just click on Google’s “images” tab and you instantly have access to far more pictures […]
Readings
Saab Cars: The Complete Story
Information is hard to find for minor imported brands such as Saab. Thus, any book on this automaker is helpful. Saab Cars is an oversized hard-cover book with a nice balance between text and large, full-color […]
Readings
The Complete Book of Mustang: Every Model Since 1964 1/2
This is an oversized soft-cover book that covers the Ford Mustang’s history through the 2011 model year. The Complete Book places an emphasis on large, mostly color pictures accompanied by product specifications. However, author Mike Mueller […]
Readings
Over 100 Years: The American Auto
This is another oversized coffee table book by Consumer Guide that emphasizes color photos and brief analysis. The editorial tone can at times be quite critical of the American automakers, as the quote below about […]
Readings
Studebaker: The Complete History
This a visually appealing and well-balanced Studebaker history for those who don’t already have one on their shelf. For those who do, the main appeal of Studebaker: The Complete History may be its generous supply of large […]
Readings
Standard Catalog of Jaguar, 1946-2005
This 224-page paperback book by John Gunnell is useful if you need specific product information or annual sales data, organized by year. Nestled amidst the full-color photos and data are short bursts of analysis. Standard […]