What Was the Best Year for Car Design?
Perhaps it can be seen in the decadent tail fins of a 1957 Chevrolet. Or the streamlined modernity of the 1936-37 Cord. There’s even a case for the over-the-top engineering of the 2019 McLaren Senna, as beauty comes in many forms. So its now time for us to ask you, member of the Hagerty Community, what was the best year for car design?
I have a curveball to throw you, and here’s my rationale for doing so: Cars can be beautiful, functional, and affordable. Sometimes we get really lucky and one car hits the trifecta, becoming a combination of all three.
Yes, my suggestion is initially half-hearted, but becomes stronger the more I marinate on the concept. Cars in the 1990s came in unique sizes, shapes, and colors (i.e. not just black, white, silver, gray, and the occasional red and blue), and their implementation of computer-assisted design and plastics ensured better performance and superior reliability.
The Dodge Neon is one of those sweet spots that covered the aforementioned trifecta. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Neon was able to appeal to a variety of needs in a fun-to-drive package. The last bit is actually an understatement, as the Neon’s career in SCCA races should not be summed up in just a handful of words.
And the Neon was awfully functional, with plenty of room with its cab-forward design. The $12,000 starting price meant it was great design available to every motorist, but 15 grand got you a Neon that provided performance (ABS brakes, fully independent suspensions) and luxuries (power everything, sport bucket seats with multi-function console, etc.) that vehicles from previous generations would absolutely kill to possess.
With the debut of the Neon and its successful execution of a truly holistic automotive offering, 1995 is the year I’ve chosen for this thought experiment. There are other, perhaps less dark-horse choices (just about any year in the 1960s, for example), though there are plenty of moments across the history of the automobile that could make a good case. With that, what say you, and why?
What Was The Best Year For Car Design?
The total line up of GM cars for 1962
The criteria fits perfectly a 1965 Mustang Pony Gt convertible specially in red with a white top and pony stripes. The car laid the ground for all the cars that followed. To this date, kids can get a base pony and modify it to fit their vision.
Short rear deck
Long hood
The beginning of something beautiful
The 1961 Pontiac Catalina bubble top coupe is perfect.
Pure Poncho
1963-1967 Corvettes.
I love the Dino 246, as well as a good number of mid-late 60s/early 70s designs, but I’m going to nominate early 2000s.
The FD (my obtained obtainable dream), XJR, and others from the late 90s were still in production (think R34 even though the 32 is my preference). Ferrari had the 360 and 575. TVR, Alfa, Volvo, Lotus, and BMW had solid designs like the E46.
Toyota hadn’t gone all “grounded to the ground”. Nothing was really offensive, yet there were striking designs. The FJ Cruiser is oddly popular here in the Phoenix metro, so I think I can win some points offering that up as well. I have this weird soft spot for the Aztek (pre Breaking Bad feelings). And the “modern” design drool-inducing DB9. If I really sat down I think I could name car after car, but I will throw out there as a final nugget even the Neon was still in production (not my jam personally, but someone seems to like them).
My all-time favorite cars are the Chevy Bellaire triple fives with the 57 being the iconic version, next the 58 and 61 (bubble top SS 409) impalas, followed by the 63. The Beach Boys made the 409 iconic in itself. Next the 63 Stingray, 57 vett, 62 vett. I have a soft spot for the 63 Corvair Monza spyder – super fun to drive. I got a 66 Austin Healy 3000 at age 19 in1966 with 6000 miles – WOW. Now I have a restored 65 version – very cool. My first car was a 50 chevy Fleetline – thought it was a POS but now would like to find another one. Did not care for the early mustangs but the late 60’s versions were pretty cool. 57 Buick was a stunner, and the most iconic car ever built was the 59 Cadillac. My 7th grade English teacher claimed the 34-Ford coupe was the most beautiful. The Chevelles from 68-72 are also very nice.
And I love reading these posts, thanks to all who contributed.
I think one thing to consider in this conversation is that a “new” car design takes 2 – 5 years to go from design to a production car. Average is about 3 years. So, as far as the “best” year conversation, regardless of what year someone thinks is the “best”. Think of what the car(s) looked like over the previous three years. Then one can say “WOW, what a change, revelation, revolution!!!” or “Finally, they got it right!!!” or “What a POS compared to the previous years!!!… 🙂 And let’s not get into the Trashing of a car name part of that conversation!!! Well, we already have in another Hagerty article…
Can we all agree 65-71 the greatest car years of our time. Form & Function plus great racing. Have we forgotten the greatest factory competition of the early Trans am series? We had it all for those seven years.
65-72 oops
no you were right 71′ ……however, 1961-1971. imho. sorry bout the typing…disabled army amputee…k?
regards, jd
I couldn’t pick a year because so many come to mind. There are so many beautiful designs to consider. Instead I will toss out four ingredients regarding an automobile: Glass, Medal, rubber, and wood.
Just about any General Motors product from1965.
please include 1961 and up in your thoughts…..example …1961 bonneville or ventura mostly gm however a 64′ sport fury was cool….
regards,jd
1963 was a great year for GM: new Vette, Grand Prix, and the Buick Riviera. The Ford Galaxie and T-Bird looked good that year also.
59 for style above all else. 66 for GM, 68 for Corvette and Charger, 69 for Mustang, Camaro, and GTX, honorable mention to 57 BelAire, 70 Cuda and Chevelle.
harley earl fan i see……yup the 59 imp was a fav of mine, too.
regards, jd
My mom had a 1995 Red Neon. She loved that car she was still driving it like she stole it in her nineties. When she passed away in 2003 we sold it to a youg school teacher who drove it for many many years .
For me – I had a 67 Vette & 71 Vette – my sister in-law had a 69 Camaro — tough to top the 70 Chevelle for styling… and how about 69 GTO — so late 60’s / early 70’s killed it.