GROSSE POINTE SHORES, Mich. — The 2017 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday. It returned to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. “Body Styles” was this year’s official theme.
Today we explored unique vehicle architecture that thrived during various eras. Many things drove the evolution of the automobile. The automotive designer played a significant role in the transformation of the motor vehicle as we know it.
This year’s unique exhibit was the Crosley line of cars and tractors. My favorite car was the 1942 blue and white Crosley Liberty Sedan. I talked with the owners, Alan and Sharon Calvin, from Ohio. Alan stated they only made 30 of this vehicle. All 30 of them were blue and white, no other color. There were two at the show today. The vehicle is 11 horsepower and has a two-cylinder engine. It goes 30 mph with a top speed of 40 mph. He stated he was the second owner of the vehicle.
“The guy who designed it was six foot, four inches tall. It seats four passengers fairly comfortable. The car was made before the war started and has no chrome, except the “Crosley” hood ornament and the “Crosley” wording on the side of the car,” added Alan Calvin. His wife says they still drive it around town today.
Also in the Crosley exhibit was a 1943 snowmobile which doesn’t look anything like the snowmobiles of today. Also displayed was an Aristo Craft boat with a Crosley engine.
There were also a selection of motorcycles including a 1919 Triumph which won the EyesOn Design “Design of Distinction” Award.
Another featured exhibit were concept cars from years past. The 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept and the 1954 Mercury XM-800 were among them.
The Roadsters and rumbleseat roadsters were also on display. There was an orange 1923 Jordan–Playboy Model MX Roadster and also the 1923 yellow Kissel which won the EyesOn Design “Design of Distinction” Award.
“Today’s car show represents the continuation of a dream to bring together cars in a celebration of world-class design quality, with the support of the automotive industry, for the benefit of an organization whose noble purpose is to bring some level of useful vision to those who today cannot see,” said Kathy Pecar-Lightbody, EyesOn Design Chairman. “We are truly honored that you have made the decision to spend your Father’s Day Sunday with us.”
The EyesOn Design car show is like no other. It is all about the visual delight these vehicles provide us. Innovation and design is an integral part of this show. The beautiful colors, contours, sleek lines and interiors are a sight to see. Save the date of June 17, 2018 for next years’ show. You will be happy you did.
For more information about the EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show, visit http://www.eyesondesign.org/carshow
