Autoworld Museum, Brussels, Belgium
Until December 15th, 2024
Autoworld’s “When Automotive Design Becomes Art” exhibition poses an interesting question: can a car really be art? Despite its fabulous performance and seductive lines, isn’t it first and foremost a simple object, designed to transport people or things from point A to point B? Obviously, depending on one’s own position on the automobile, the answer will vary, but it’s safe to assume that readers of this blog will tend to answer “YES” to the 1st question. To help visitors find their answer, Autoworld has gathered together a dozen automotive icons that have become classics.
Each of these cars created an emotional shock when it first appeared, and they continue to amaze us over the years. We never tire of admiring them at exhibitions, shows and museums, and in the streets for some of them a little less rare. They have become timeless references in automotive design. For this difficult selection, Autoworld also received the support of Lowie Vermeersch, Louis De Fabribeckers, Pierre Leclercq and Steve Crijns, four renowned Belgian automotive designers.
The Bugatti Type 35 is the oldest car in the show, the pure and simple line of the car that has won the most races in motorsport history. Unsurprisingly, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing and the Jaguar Type E are among the guests, as are the rarer Pegaso Z102 and Cisitalia 202. The Ferrari 250 had to be represented, a 250 SWB (Short Wheel Base) that combines performance with elegance and simplicity of line. The Chevrolet Corvette type C2 “Sting Ray” is without doubt the most desirable generation of the American sports car.
The Lamborghini Miura, a true revolution at the time of its launch, remains for many enthusiasts the most beautiful car ever designed. The Audi TT, inspired by the Bauhaus movement, was a concept car that went into production almost unchanged, retaining the same general simple design throughout its 25 years in production. So, these are essentially sports cars, which makes sense because it’s always easier to express a strong design on a sports car. But one sedan has slipped into this selection, Citroën’s DS, which also struck a chord when it was unveiled. The DS is a true sculpture, so different from anything else on the market, both simple in line and sophisticated in detail, with an interior as revolutionary as its exterior.
As part of the exhibition, Autoworld also organized an online Concours d’Elégance. For 12 days, each day a car emblematic of the exhibition was presented on the museum’s social networks, enabling members and visitors to rate each vehicle, thus determining the top 3 most elegant and emblematic cars in terms of classic design for Internet users. The Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing topped the poll ahead of the Ferrari 250 SWB, with the Lamborghini Miura completing the podium.
A number of motorcycles are also part of the exhibition and have their own dedicated space within the museum. Visitors can admire the evolution of motorcycle design, from classic models to the most singular and original creations. An exclusive catalog is also available to coincide with the “When Automotive Design Becomes Art” exhibition. Each design masterpiece is meticulously detailed. Under the direction of Bart Lenaerts, a leading Belgian specialist in automotive design, this production harmoniously merges art and the automobile.
During the exhibition, Autoworld launches an automotive design contest. A special area on site is dedicated to expressing automotive creativity on paper, the old-fashioned way. After the event, all drawings, sketches and works of art will be evaluated by a Belgian automotive designer, who will select the three best projects. As is often the case at Autoworld, younger visitors are also invited to take part. The Kids Corner invites younger visitors to give free rein to their creativity by coloring their own Autoworld Art Car, before their work comes to life thanks to a projection.
The photos on this page belong to the Autoworld Museum, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the museum.