Sep 16
1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS ‘Goutte d’Eau’ Coupe
Look at the shape of this thing. The long, flowing fenders, the teardrop body, the way the roof and rear quarters all seem to melt into one continuous line. There’s nothing that feels like it was added just for the sake of adding something.
And honestly, I think there’s a automotive design lesson here: know when to stop.
Modern cars can sometimes have ten different character lines, vents that aren’t really vents, fake trim, aggressive details everywhere you look. The designer keeps adding things until there’s nowhere left for your eye to rest.
This Talbot-Lago does the opposite. The basic shape is so good that it doesn’t need much else.
That’s probably one of the hardest things to do in design...knowing that the next detail might actually make the whole thing worse.
Nearly 90 years later, this still looks beautiful. That’s not an accident. That’s restraint.
Share your favorite example of well-executed automotive design. I'd love to hear what you think represents good design execution.
And honestly, I think there’s a automotive design lesson here: know when to stop.
Modern cars can sometimes have ten different character lines, vents that aren’t really vents, fake trim, aggressive details everywhere you look. The designer keeps adding things until there’s nowhere left for your eye to rest.
This Talbot-Lago does the opposite. The basic shape is so good that it doesn’t need much else.
That’s probably one of the hardest things to do in design...knowing that the next detail might actually make the whole thing worse.
Nearly 90 years later, this still looks beautiful. That’s not an accident. That’s restraint.
Share your favorite example of well-executed automotive design. I'd love to hear what you think represents good design execution.
