The Unlikely Inspiration Behind Modern Car Design: A Case Study in Innovation

The Unlikely Inspiration Behind Modern Car Design: A Case Study in Innovation

When we think about car design, our minds often wander to sleek modern models with their angular lines and futuristic features. But have you ever stopped to consider the humble beginnings of this aesthetic? The answer lies in a 1953 exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where Ten Automobiles showcased some of the most iconic cars of the era, including the Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe.

The Starliner was more than just another pretty face - its design would go on to influence generations of car manufacturers. 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 Citrogn unveiled the DS two years later.”

So what made this particular car so special? For starters, its sleek lines and streamlined shape were a departure from the boxy, utilitarian designs that dominated the automotive landscape at the time. The Starliner’s futuristic look was not just aesthetically pleasing - it also hinted at a new era of performance and innovation in the world of cars.

Fast forward to today, and we can see the lasting impact of this design on modern car manufacturers. From sleek sports cars like the Porsche 911 to family-friendly sedans like the Toyota Camry, the influence of the Starliner’s knife-edge aesthetic is undeniable.

But what about the people behind these designs? What drove them to create something so revolutionary and ahead-of-its-time?

In an era where innovation was key, car manufacturers were willing to take risks and push boundaries. The Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe was just one example of this - a bold experiment in design that would go on to shape the course of automotive history.

As we look back at the evolution of car design over the years, it’s clear that innovation is key. Whether it’s the sleek lines of modern sports cars or the futuristic features of electric vehicles, the spirit of experimentation and creativity that drove designers like those behind the Starliner continues to inspire us today.

So next time you’re cruising down the highway in your favorite ride, take a moment to appreciate the unlikely inspiration behind its design. The Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe may have been just one car among many at MoMA’s 1953 exhibition, but its influence on modern car design is anything but ordinary.