Sex Appeal by CoreyBlack
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Description
This is the gleaming grinning grille, and prominent pointed prow (isn't alleration fun?) of a 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix. I love old American car styling. Especially the machines of the 1950s through 1970s. I love their swaggering, flamboyant self confidence, and animal magnitism that seems to say, "Hey, look at me! I'm a sexy new car! Wanna drive me? You KNOW you do." And boy did we! Nobody ever loved their cars more than Americans. And no country ever had cars as glamorous. Driving home from the dealership in the latest Detroit fashion statement made you feel like a million bucks; like a movie star. And then the gasoline started running out and the party was over. Fuel economy became more important than how a car looked. Thus began the long slow slide into styling Purgatory.
Conmemporary autos are miracles of modern technology and some of the most reliable and trouble free vechicles in the history of motoring. Even the cheapest new econobox has standard features that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago. The present crop of performance cars are actually more powerful than the legendary muscle cars of yore ever dreamed of being, and more eficient with a gallon of gas in the bargin. So, with all these technological advances, why are most new cars so boring to behold? Navigation screens and 500 horsepower in a production car are impressive, but when was the last time you gave the exterior styling of a Toyota Camry a second glance?
In the rush of technological perfection, something has been lost. Like a receipe followed too closely, and repeated too many times, all the flavor has been cooked out of it. The modern auto industry seems to have lost the sense of adventure and simple giddy fun that once seemed to seize it on a regular basis. And the question is why? I'm sure with all the resourses at it's disposal (even now), the automotive world can come up with some kind of mainstream vechicle that doesn't resemble either a half melted bar of soap, or a rolling penalty box. Until that day comes, I'll continue to gaze lovingly at the old dolls I still see occasionally on the street. Automotive works of art that that recall a more creative time, and still make me grin like the grill on this old Pontiac.
Photographed on Halsted Street in the Lakeview area of Chicago on January 31, 2011.
Comments (16)
danapommet
Love this shot Corey! Wednesday mornings is always the same for me. Drop my wife and her girl friend, off at her favorate store. I head to a classic car consignment store, with my best friend. Like being in heaven. Dana
Chipka
This is a cool shot, and I love the in-your-face detailing: those vertical lines, the cleavage-like swoop of the grille. There's no denying the cleavage-and-cars connection, especially in older automotive works, and even for people who aren't too crazy about "da breastises" there's no denying that they're there...I think that's a bit of what makes fine old cars so compelling: there's that really atavistic nod to sensuality, human or otherwise, and that's what makes people so comfortable. Old school designers knew what they were doing...a lot of modern ones do too, but unfortunately, money doesn't dream, and too many present-day companies are out for money first and an exciting product somewhere else down the list. And now that I've gone and rambled about tits of all things, I'll go on and say that this is a really cool shot, especially with that "plunging neckline" implied by the hood-bit between the grille-work. Great details. All in all, a great shot.
bmac62
Great shot. Memory lane for me too Corey. The 30s, 40s and 50s are my favorites. This is a classic giddy, garish, grill from a brand that I loved. Had a white '68 Pontiac Bonneville convertible...lovingly referred to as the White Tuna Boat. It was huge. I could lay flat out in any direction in the trunk:) Can't do that in my Camry:-(
blinkings
And they are all still loved and driven by the Cubans!
beachzz
I drove a 79 Olds Cutlass for nearly 12 years. It was like driving a couch, it was SO comfortable. Unfortunately, it was rusting to death, had huge holes in the side, which my ex tried to plug with plastic bags. One day I was driving on the freeway to see that one of them had inflated as I drove. Looked like I had a big boil about to burst on the side of my car!!! They don't make em like that anymore for sure!!
durleybeachbum
"Styling Purgatory". I do so agree. Mind you I LOVE my 1993 Volvo Estate, and there is nothing else on the road that looks quite like it!
auntietk
In those days you could tell the year of the vehicle by the styling. Now they change the body style every five years whether they need to or not. I agree that something has been lost. This image took me back to the 70s in a heartbeat! The styling is unmistakable.
KateBlack10
Awesome shot Corey! Oh the love we have for our old beauties - this grill is particularly sexy- I love the red of the come hither stare- drawing my eye- oh give me my 68 GTO or 69-70 Charger...oh my I'm getting giddy :)
Meisiekind
I love those old American cars that passed anything except a gas pump! Wonderful and stylish and comfortable. Wonderful image and great narration Corey!
Sea_Dog
I remember these old beauties well. That era was a watershed for car design, I think. Yeah, they were big and noisy and drank gas like a drunken sailor and spewed smog - but MAN those were CARS. Great shot, Corey.
annie5
I like the old cars..the best are 50-60-70, now very different & small! Cool shot, Corey :)
kgb224
Stunning capture of an old beauty Corey.Lol I need a vehicle that is very economic on fuel. the one that i am driving currently is just to heavy on fuel.I drive a Mazda Sting 1300 2000 Model currently.
flavia49
neat photo!! outstanding work!
sandra46
GORGEOUS CAR! GREAT SHOT!
minos_6
reading Chip's comments amused me, because he saw the exact opposite of my impressions. this image is innately masculine. You've perfectly captured a vehicle that is fueled by testosterone, and to hell with the environment! I'll definitely concur that no-one makes impressive cars like you guys on the other side of the pond... Great shot!
jmb007
jolie voiture!!