Automotive enthusiasts see automobiles as art. Cars are avatars; cars are an expansion of your self that multiply emotions, thoughts, and how we perceive ourselves to be. They are sculptures that are originally created by hand, out of clay, just like fine artists mold their art from clay.
Art is truth, beauty, passion and love.
The artists Vincent van Gogh said “I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” I suspect this is why automotive enthusiasts become frustrated with boring car design. Poorly designed, boring cars lack any truth, beauty, and passion. Great design has soul. Great cars have soul. Enthusiasts know this.
Finding form that is more than just function is essential to great cars.
Art is discovery and finding yourself through that art. Automobiles are the same. You can often find yourself through an automobile. Especially in the way that automobile looks. Which leads me to this self-reflective question.
If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?
The question isn’t what kind of car do you want to be. Which car are you really? It is about how you see your true self. How you see your true art form. What’s your answer?
My art form has changed over the years. My lines have softened and I see myself as a Mercedes….perhaps the sleek curves, sofistication and sportiness of the CLA 250 coupe…
Love this article Mark! That Delahaye is so beautiful. It is pure sculpture on wheels. The1930s were such a high point in automotive design!
I have to say I am probably much like my 1983 classic Mercedes turbo-diesel coupe. She is old but has character, like her owner. She has been very reliable over the last 25 years I have owned her, and evolved from just being old, to being a classic that people admire. I am reliable and loyal, and like to think I have a classic elegance about me too…. 🙂