The Starliner Effect: How Studebaker's Iconic Coupe Shaped European Car Design
- OLT-1
- Cars and automobiles
- January 3, 2025
The Art of Design: How Studebaker’s Starliner Coupe Paved the Way for European Car Culture
In 1953, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City hosted an exhibition that would change the course of automotive history. Ten Automobiles featured some of the most iconic cars from around the world, including the Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe. Little did anyone know at the time, this sleek and stylish coupe was about to influence European car design for years to come.
The Europeans had always been known for their flair for the dramatic when it came to automotive design. From the curvaceous lines of a classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing to the futuristic shapes of a Citroën DS, European cars have long been synonymous with style and sophistication. But what many people don’t realize is that this aesthetic was heavily influenced by American car culture - specifically, the Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe.
The Starliner’s knife-edge design, which featured sharp lines and a distinctive “fin” at the rear of the vehicle, caught the eye of European designers who were looking for inspiration. And when Citroën unveiled its revolutionary DS model just two years later, it was clear that the influence had been felt. The DS’s futuristic shape, with its swooping curves and pop-out headlights, owed a debt to the Starliner’s bold design.
As Witold Rybezynski so aptly put it: “It was the Europeans who would adapt the knife-edge aesthetic of the Starliner, as would become evident when Citroën unveiled the DS two years later.” The impact of this influence can still be seen today in European car design. From the sleek lines of a BMW 3 Series to the futuristic shapes of a Tesla Model S, you can see the legacy of the Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe.
So next time you’re cruising down the Autobahn or strolling through the streets of Paris, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that went into designing those sleek and stylish cars. And remember: it all started with a little American coupe named Starliner.
