The most iconic car shapes and what makes them stand out
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 12:16 am
Distinguishable by their features and outlines alone, these cars need no introduction. Here we discuss what it is that makes them so instantly recognisable.
"What do two Brits, two Germans and one Italian have in common? The answer: individuality on the grandest scale. There are countless thousands of cars that look undistinguishable from one another. Without wanting to name names, the list of hot hatches, cheerful compacts and sports saloons that could all pass for one another is never-ending, a giant pool of substance over style.
And then there are those examples of automotive excellence that combine style and substance to great effect, the ones that blazed a trail and spawned waves of imitators in their wake. The ones made famous and paid tribute to throughout all forms of popular culture.
So iconic are these examples that the vast majority of people with even a passing interest in cars can recognise them simply by viewing a silhouette or rough sketch of them. Be it their entire shape or specific parts such as a wheel arch, headlights, front grille or spoiler that make you say, ‘ah yes it’s a…’, these cars are true icons that will always be remembered for being unmistakably unique."
Mini
Years of production: 1959-2000
Number produced: 5,505,887
"More gatherings, conventions and rallies have been dedicated to the humble Mini than perhaps any other car throughout history. Voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, the distinctive two-door machine was originally designed for the British Motor Corporation. A space-saving front-wheel drive layout influenced a generation of car makers and the sheer individuality of its shape has meant that manufacturers dare not copy it. While Porsche undoubtedly once again borrowed from the design of the headlights for its 911, the Mini’s truncated rear, flattened windscreen and overall box-like shape mark it out from any other automobile."
More on AROnline:
http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/adverto ... uly-stand/
"What do two Brits, two Germans and one Italian have in common? The answer: individuality on the grandest scale. There are countless thousands of cars that look undistinguishable from one another. Without wanting to name names, the list of hot hatches, cheerful compacts and sports saloons that could all pass for one another is never-ending, a giant pool of substance over style.
And then there are those examples of automotive excellence that combine style and substance to great effect, the ones that blazed a trail and spawned waves of imitators in their wake. The ones made famous and paid tribute to throughout all forms of popular culture.
So iconic are these examples that the vast majority of people with even a passing interest in cars can recognise them simply by viewing a silhouette or rough sketch of them. Be it their entire shape or specific parts such as a wheel arch, headlights, front grille or spoiler that make you say, ‘ah yes it’s a…’, these cars are true icons that will always be remembered for being unmistakably unique."
Mini
Years of production: 1959-2000
Number produced: 5,505,887
"More gatherings, conventions and rallies have been dedicated to the humble Mini than perhaps any other car throughout history. Voted the second most influential car of the 20th century, the distinctive two-door machine was originally designed for the British Motor Corporation. A space-saving front-wheel drive layout influenced a generation of car makers and the sheer individuality of its shape has meant that manufacturers dare not copy it. While Porsche undoubtedly once again borrowed from the design of the headlights for its 911, the Mini’s truncated rear, flattened windscreen and overall box-like shape mark it out from any other automobile."
More on AROnline:
http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/adverto ... uly-stand/