EYES ON DESIGN: AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN INSPIRATION AND INFLUENCES 2018

A contribution from Ed Garten.  thank you, Ed!

Sight Impaired Judges

Roadster powered with a 49 Ford V-8

Edsel Ford Mansion

EYES ON DESIGN: AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN INSPIRATION AND INFLUENCES 2018 

While I'm attended many high-end and concours level automobile events over the years, I'd have to say that this one was something special and held each year in a spendid venue -- that of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate at Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, overlooking Lake St. Clair. Vehicles are chosen based on the year’s theme by invitation only, and between 200 and 300 vehicles are at the show on Father’s Day. In addition, Eyes On Design features special exhibitions and concept and production vehicles which debuted during the previous year’s auto show circuit, including ones which were awarded at Eyes On Design at the North American International Auto Show.  Quite a few current and former stylists and designers were present this year and I met a couple of them.

Eyes On Design receives its support from both domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers, as well as automotive suppliers and other loyal companies. Judging is facilitated by active and retired exterior and interior designers from leading automotive and supplier companies. Moreover, a few of the judges are folks who are legally blind and judge by feeling, with white archival gloved hands, the contours and lines of the vehicles.  See photo of a few of these judges.

Having lost most of the sight in my right eye fifteen years ago and now only cautiously being able to drive at night due to lack of depth perception and the effects of headlight glare, I've become especially sensitive to those who are either blind or have limited vision.  They too should be able to appreciate what many call rolling sculpture.

The annual Eyes On Design show is the only concours quality event to focus exclusively on styling and design and benefits the state-of-the-art research conducted by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology part of the Henry Ford Health System.  Each year the show recognizes the importance of  of design in the automotive world while raising awareness for the visually impaired.