These are the highlights of automotive design from each continent, according to Vittorino.
Nothing captures an era or feeling in history as vividly as a car. From the front fenders to the rear wheels, every inch of many cars is meticulously considered and created to appeal to a certain segment of society or perform a function with relentless efficiency. And soon after the first cars began rolling off the production line, automotive companies quickly realised that style could drive sales of their products.
With over 100 years of this type of design, it's time to celebrate. The automobile has become an ‘overwhelming symbol of emancipation, power and, yes, attraction,’ as automotive journalist Jason Barlow describes in his new book, ‘The Atlas of Car Design: The World's Most Iconic Cars,’ which highlights 650 of the greatest car designs from every continent.
With so many options to choose from, here are our picks for what we consider to be the best...
From North America... Cadillac DeVille
Nothing embodies the era of excess and fascination with the future of North America quite like the Cadillac DeVille. With its imposing presence, smooth lines and luxurious chrome details, the DeVille marked the pinnacle of automotive elegance. Its refined design and exceptional comfort made this Cadillac model a symbol of prestige, defining an era of refinement and sophistication.
From South America... Volkswagen SP 2
Despite the continent's large population, South American car brands are few and far between. Surprisingly, one of the most important names in personal transport in the region is Volkswagen, which has been manufacturing cars in São Paulo since 1959. One of its most successful design efforts was the short-lived SP 2, created in 1973 to revitalise VW's conservative image in the region.
From Europe... Maserati A6GCS-53
Europe is known for its beautifully styled cars. After the war, Italian design houses and manufacturers went into overdrive, designing some of the greatest designs the world has ever seen. Although the Ferrari 250 GTO became the benchmark for beautiful car design, it was cars like the Maserati A6GCS-53 that set the pulses of Europe's elite racing in the early 1950s.
From Oceania... Ford Coupe Utility
With few native automotive companies to choose from, Ford has certainly made its mark in this part of the world over the years. Establishing a factory in Melbourne as early as 1925, the car manufacturer created the Coupe Utility after Hubert French, general manager of Ford Australia, received a letter from a farmer's wife asking why the company had not yet produced ‘a two-in-one vehicle [that] we could go to church in on Sundays and take our pigs to market in on Mondays?’
From Asia... Suzuki Jimny
Japan has an unrivalled ability to incorporate practicality and efficiency into incredibly small packages. Consider the Suzuki Jimny, which sparked the small 4x4 movement in the early 1970s. Less than 3 metres long, functionally styled and powered by a valiant 359cc engine, the Jimny was as light as a pocket city car and as nimble as a mountain goat.
From the Middle East and Africa... Sabra Sport coaches
Better known for its spectacular landscapes and wild nature than for its automotive trade, there is a small but perfectly formed selection of cars unique to the region. One particular curiosity is the 1960s Sabra Sport, from Israeli manufacturer Autocars.
This is our selection, each representing the unique essence of their continents, making us reflect on the rich history and influence of the global automotive industry.
Now, the question is: which of these fascinating vehicles has won your heart?
Share your favourite and the reasons that make it unforgettable on our Instagram Direct. After all, in the automotive universe, passion is always heading in the right direction!