Not Just For Show

My ‘66 Mustang Convertible, Photo Credit: Luca Mariani

How Good Design Still Inspires

Earlier this summer, I exhibited my ’66 Mustang above in the Glenview Luxury Car Show, a great local event with an impressive variety of collector vehicles. Dozens of cars were polished to perfection, yet I noticed something familiar: people kept gathering around the Mustang. Maybe it was the clean lines or the friendly nostalgia; but I think it’s the interest that design still evokes!  This low-angle photo, taken by a young local photographer seemed to captures it.

Mustang as a Design Symbol

The original Mustang was more than a car - actually an icon of American design. Its long hood, crisp proportions, and confident stance marked a turning point in accessible sporty style. But what continues to strike me ( and at shows like this one) is how its appeal isn’t just about the past. People of all ages are drawn to timeless color and design.

From Cars to Civic Design

Long before I was involved in planning and preservation, I interested in design through cars. I didn’t yet use words like “aesthetics” but I noticed what looked cool. And I noticed that cars seemed to excite more people than artsy stuff. Recently, I read Design History of the Car by Witold Rybczynski which reminded me how cars have long reflected culture and fashion!

Over time my interest expanded to streetscapes, public spaces, and neighborhood character. Yet cars can still be an entry point into a broader appreciation of how combinations of beauty and function shape how we live. And I’ve come to see how beauty can attract, connect and inspire.

What Still Attracts

Everyone seems to have a Mustang story or fond memory. That says something. People respond to design that’s attractive and engaging — whether it’s a vehicle, a building, or a walkable street. When something is thoughtfully shaped, it tends to get attention. My mission now is to share how quality endures and why it matters.

Not Just About Looks

Some discount “the eye of the beholder,” but there’s more to it. Good design isn’t just decorative — It helps us feel comfortable and rooted. Whether it’s a civic plaza, a residential street, or a classic convertible, the impact is the same: it’s inviting. That’s what I’ve been advocating in my broader work — the places and things that make life more interesting and thereby more meaningful.

Looking Ahead

This post is part of my ongoing advocacy, whether through Scenic Illinois, Chaddick Institute or Glenview events. Design isn’t frivolous luxury. It’s an invitation to notice, connect and reflect!