A first-class event at the High Museum called “The Allure of the Automobile” showcases some the most brilliantly designed and rarest cars in the world. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview and can attest to this exhibition as being one of the most extraordinary and stylistic collection of cars ever put together anywhere on earth. The Atlanta Classic Car Event will be on display at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta from March 21 through June 20, 2010.
Allure of the Automobile covers a period of time from the 1930′s to the 1960′s considered to be the golden age of cars. Director of the High Museum Michael Shapiro was on hand to provide insight and information on the style, fashion, and history of the custom built motorcars. The 1935 Duesenberg JN Roadster formally owned by Clark Gable is just one of example of the many fine masterpieces of engineering and design that went into creating this “rolling sculpture”.
1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow Photo by AtlantaGAToday
The exhibition traces both prewar and post war evolution of the automobile as well as the contrasts between American and European design and engineering. In total there are eighteen vintage autos that range in today’s market world from just under a million to one that recently sold for 8.5 million. In the first quarter of the century most cars were designed for functionality, the main goal being transportation. After World War I the body on frame construction allowed designers to target the luxury market. The art deco movement inspired vintage classics including American Packards ans Duesenbergs and European Delages, Bugattis, Delahayes and Hispano-Suizas.
American Pre-War Automobiles:
1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
1934 Packard Twelve Runabout Speedster
1935 Duesenberg JN Roadster – built in Indiana
European Pre-War Automobiles:
1937 Merced-Benz 540 K Special Roadster
1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe
1937 Delage D8-120S
1937 Hispano-Suiza H-6C Xenia Coupe
1938 Alpha Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta
After World War II car manufactures did away with opulent and expensive automobiles. Instead they auto builders used lightweight materials and areodynamic design to build stealthier, faster and more practical automobiles.
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray; Photo by AtlantaGAToday
Postwar American Automobiles:
1948 Tucker Model 48 Torpedo
1954 Dodge Firearrow III Concept Coupe
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Postwar European Automobiles:
1953 Porsche 550
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
1957 Jaguar XK-SS Roadstar, formerly owned by Steve McQueen
1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato
1961 Ferrari 250 GT Comp/61 Berlinetta
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Atlanta Classic Car Show Photos
Automobile Design Exhibit
High Museum of Art
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