I watched the movie "American Beauty" this past weekend. It was the first time I'd seen it in several years, but it was just as powerful as I remembered after my first viewing.
What was more interesting to me this time, on a personal level, was the specific car Kevin Spacey's character -- "Lester" -- goes out and buys as part of his rebellion against his too-ordinary life: a 1970 Pontiac Firebird (a red one). The scene where his wife first spots the car in the driveway includes one of the best lines from the movie:
At the end of the movie Lester describes the images he sees as his life flashes before his eyes when he dies, and along with his wife and child he talks about the first time he saw a Pontiac Firebird.
That a car would be worthy of mention alongside your wife and daughter in your final moment makes for a pretty poweful statement, and I don't think there are many automotive designs that could pull it off. But the second generation Pontiac Firebird was produced for 12 years -- a good run for any vehicle without a complete redesign, and an incredible run for a sport coupe when you consider how long most of them remain viable in terms of style.
There are plenty of people out there (not just automotive enthusiasts) who still view the second-generation Firebird as a viable, timeless design. Sure, many folks have specific years they like the best (I'm particularly partial to the 1977-1978 models, with what I call the "hawkeye" lights), but as a group the 1970-1981 cars have aged quite well.
And if you're looking to define the word "iconic" I think timeless, ageless design is probably the most important ingredient. Iconic is not necessarily synonomous with "beautiful" or "perfect," though these three traits do often overlap. But to me iconic design is something that makes a powerful statement; powerful enough to have a lasting impact.
Here's another way to describe iconic: you may or may not like it, but an iconic automotive design leaves a strong impression that, once you've seen it, is instantly recognizable forever after. Maybe even when you die...
That's my definition of iconic automotive design. What's yours? And please include examples.
By estreka
on May 25, 2010
04:02 AM
So the Aztek is iconic?
No, I'd say iconic means a specific design that represents something, whether that be a brand, an era, a class of automobile, or a company. A Mustang might symbolize muscle cars or the Caravan might symbolize Chrysler or the Supra may symbolize the 90's. Those are iconic.
I do agree that "iconic" doesn't necessarily mean "good."
By pushrod
on May 25, 2010
05:13 AM
estreka: by your definition, the Aztek would be iconic, since it does represent something.It could represent good intentions with poor results. The goal was a general purpose vehicle that tried to be all things to all owners. But, the result was compromised by conflicting goals, meddling by accounting, and participation by GM's less-than-astute marketing people. The Aztek could also represent all that was wrong with GM: not really paying attention the the details, excessive use of body cladding, designs driven primarily by accounting, bringing it out under the wrong brand (seriously, a Pontiac?). It's not pretty, it flopped, but its still iconic. As you said: "iconic" doesn't necessarily mean "good".
By blueguydotcom
on May 25, 2010
08:04 AM
Sadly, the 60s mustang is one such iconic car. It's recognizable by the entire populace and it's actually screenwriter shorthand to lend a character easy cool. Like petting a dog or helping an old lady, the Mustang appears to indicate a grounded personality with traditional values and a taste for things that look nice without being gaudy. I hate movies the moment they show the main character in one (save for Bullitt which was decades before it became a lazy screenwriter trick).
Obviously, the 911. The design is timeless and recognized the world over.
Countach. It was such a radical car for its time and even today a late design prior to the Diablo is still a rather stunning design.
63-67 Vette. A shape and style that will forever have sway over sports car design. Long hood, short cabin and aggressive/angled features.
By yankeez
on May 25, 2010
12:44 PM
Ahem, look again - that was actually a '70 Formula that "Lester" brought home, not a T/A (note the 2 forward-facing scoops). But aside from that, I agree that the 1970-81 GM F-bodies were a true iconic design for a number of reasons. They were for me when my uncle bought new a Brewster Green '73 T/A, only year that color was offered. Subsequently I've had 3 2nd gen Camaros and most recently a '78 Formula.
The other car design that was truly iconic from me was (and still is) the '68-'70 Dodge Charger, long before the DOH. When I was in grade school in the early 70s, a neighbor of mine had one (a drak green one), and when he turned his headlights on one night and the doors flipped up, I had the same look that Arnie had when he told Christine to "show me". Later I actually saw Dirty Mary Crazy Larry at the movies. Been hooked ever since.
By yankeez
on May 25, 2010
12:47 PM
D'OH! That was "dark green", sorry (you guys really need to get an "edit" feature!)
By editor_karl
on May 25, 2010
02:27 PM
Yup, you're right. Forward scoops mean Formula (can't believe I missed that).
By dscain
on May 25, 2010
02:28 PM
Another example of an iconic design is the '75 VW Rabbit/Golf. Talk about a lasting design that made an impact! It absolutely changed the rules for what economical cars should be. You can still see traces of the Rabbit/Golf design in many of today's European small cars.
Of course, you could make the claim that the Rabbit/Golf traces its roots back to the original Mini. Talk about another iconic design...