Art Deco and the Automobile – first in a series

During the late 1920s changes in automobile design began to be seen. After the stock market crash, even Henry Ford – whose disregard for art was very public – had to give up his Model T and allow a little style to creep into his designs in order to encourage sales. The move was a clear signal that something had changed in the fledgling world of car marketing—design was important. As automakers struggled to stylistically define their motorized buggies to attract buyers, a new look emerged. The elements of streamlining and the defining look of the style now known as “Art Deco” were incorporated into automobile body lines and into interior details. The result was the beautiful vintage cars that today claim some of the highest prices and greatest admiration in the automobile world. They have even been featured in museum displays, such as “Allure of the Automobile,” which is currently touring the country. Cars such as the Cord 810 designed by Gordon Buehrig (above) and the Delahaye 135M bodied by Figoni et Falaschi (below) emerged in that era when the Art Deco look exploded.

A New Look