by Patrick Malins, contributor
One exhibition, 17 cars and a roomful of excited visitors brought back to their childhoods, the High Museum of Art’s “Dream Cars” is full of imagination and innovation.
“Dream Cars” opened to the public on May 21, featuring some of the most influential cars that have broadened our creativity. These amazing designs, truly works of art, range from the 1930s all the way to now. In addition to the displayed cars, being a designer, I appreciate the displayed process work (a small model or sketch was shown beside almost every car). Visitors can access more information through a small headset attached to an encased iPod.
This exhibition would be enjoyable for any car lover or designer, and for any others whom enjoy beautiful machinery or imagining our automobile future. There was a specific car that I was most excited to see: the brand new Porsche 918. It is a limited edition electric-hybrid that has not been released yet, a car the world has been waiting for. This automobile has been designed for a consumer highly interested in green technology while still having that feel of a performance car. People thought it couldn’t be done, and now Porsche has a response. A truly stunning car with a smooth flow from front to back, and a more modern look than Porsche has ever had before. It is like the Carrera GT’s little sister who cares more about the environment. Unlike all the other supercars out there, it causes less pollution and is a blast to drive, making heads turn as it battles the road for distance. The exhibition emphasizes this car with a private side room, and a full wall designated to its design process.
Another amazing feature of this exhibition is the one-of-a-kind “Electric Egg,” (the first bubble car) also hiding in its own little room, right past the 1955 Chrysler Gilda, (a whole separate spaceship looking phenomenon). The “Electric Egg” is an amazing little car designed by French industrial designer Paul Arzens in 1942. Although it may not be that appealing to look at, it is an astonishing little machine: Running on electricity, “The Electric Egg” could travel over 60 miles on one single charge, and could reach up to an amazing speed of 37 miles per hour. It was an alternative to petrol vehicles and what an extraordinary car it was. Arzens used it to drive around Paris.
These two vehicles, let alone the other 15 incredible cars featured in this exhibition have given me a massive amount of inspiration and I cannot wait to design my own car one day. “Dream Cars” is a remarkable exhibition, showing only in Atlanta from now until Sept. 14. To view more photos from the exhibit click here.
