Eyes on Design
Written by Keith Fudge

Last June, a host of enthusiasts gathered at the GM Technical Center in Warren , Michigan , for a stunning event: the 16 th annual Eyes On Design Automotive Design Expedition. The show rotates locations yearly and is hosted among the big three automakers, Chrysler, Ford, and GM. This theme for last year's event was 75 years of automotive design, and Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car were lucky enough to be one hand for the celebration!

Dennis had the good fortune to meet up with Wayne Cherry, the Vice-President of General Motors Design. Standing in front of one of GM's newest concepts, the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen, Wayne told Dennis a bit about the show and just what people could expect to see. Wayne commented that there were more than 400 cars on display including 125 concept cars, the largest one-time gathering of these types of vehicles in history! These cars are owned by private individuals and corporations as well, and some of them have not been seen in years! Even with all this excitement about these rare vehicles, Wayne also pointed out that the real joy associated with this event was that it benefited a great charity: The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. With all the great cars to see (hence, “eyes on design”), Dennis turned to the grounds to look at some of these fantastic examples of automotive design.

First, Dennis found Robert Lorkowski and his incredible 1937 Rolls Royce. Built in Robert's own shop and powered with a V-12 engine that is fitted on a Phantom III Chassis, this streamlined beauty has a 142 inch wheelbase! With streamlined styling from the 1930s and all the advantages of modern technology, this rad Rolls was simply breathtaking. With an interior covered in the finest Scottish leather and with black walnut appointments throughout, the car was as plush as anything today. And, this car is no lightweight either! Weighing approximately 6,500 pounds and measuring slightly less than twenty feet, Robert's Rolls Royce is a classic example of a 1930's concept car built today. Thanks, Robert!

Next, Dennis found custom auto designer Chip Foose and his latest creation, a 1935 Chevy Grand Master. Powered by a Corvette LT-4 engine, this car had the looks and power to turn heads everywhere! Finally, Dennis found a car that literally stopped him in his tracks: a 1954 Hudson Italia. Purchased seven years ago by Ed Souers, this car was one of 26 ever produced. The body is constructed from aluminum and under the hood is a 202 cubic inch, six-cylinder engine with dual carburetors. Ed told Dennis that remarkably there were approximately 20 of these cars still in existence! Now that's cool! Ed said that he restored the car during the past two years and the reason that he wanted it is that he had seen one as a child and was captivated. Nice going, Ed!

Dennis and the crew had a fantastic time at the Eyes On Design Automotive Design Expedition. If you would like to know more about this event, go to www.brophy.com/eod . So, until our next road trip, remember, “Honor the timeless classics—Happy Motoring!