Not Just For Show
My ‘66 Mustang Convertible, Photo Credit:: Luca Mariani
What Still Inspires
At local car shows, I often find myself observing the spectators as much as the vehicles. Surrounded by beautifully restored automobiles from many eras, the Mustang consistently attracts attention. Some visitors recall their first car. Others remember a family member who owned one. Younger attendees are often just as interested. This experience raises an interesting question: why do certain designs continue to attract people long after fashion changes?
More Than Nostalgia
It's easy to assume such reactions are driven entirely by nostalgia. Certainly memories play a role. Yet what continues to intrigue me is the number of younger people who are drawn to designs they never experienced firsthand. Good design seems capable of crossing generations. It remains appealing even when the original cultural context has faded.
Learning to Notice
Long before I became involved in planning, preservation, or community development, I was interested in design through cars. I didn't use words such as aesthetics, proportion, or visual character. I simply noticed what people thought was “cool.” Cars became my first introduction to the idea that design influences how people respond to things around them.
From Cars to Communities
Over time, that interest expanded to include architecture, public spaces, neighborhoods, and streetscapes. Recently, I enjoyed reading Witold Rybczynski's “Design History of the Car” which reminded me how automobiles have often reflected broader cultural values. The same design principles that make a vehicle attractive—proportion, balance, simplicity, and character—can also be found in memorable buildings and successful public places.
What Endures
Design trends come and go. Yet certain creative styles continue to attract attention. Whether it is a classic convertible, a historic downtown, or a beloved neighborhood location, people respond to places and objects that feel thoughtfully and authentically planned.. This invites us to slow down, notice, and connect.
Looking Ahead
My interest in design eventually led toward Scenic Illinois, community planning, and a lifelong appreciation of beautiful places. Looking back, I can see that the Mustang was one of my earliest examples. It demonstrated that design is not merely decoration. Good design attracts, inspires, and endures.
