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The Driving Machine: A Design History of the Car
Witold Rybczynski’s exploration into automotive history began in his own garage, narrating the evolution of the automobile through the diverse range of cars he has owned. As a renowned architecture writer, Rybczynski presents a unique perspective on car design, focusing on functionality and engineering.
Rybczynski’s Automotive Journey
Throughout his life, Rybczynski has owned 15 cars, with each vehicle contributing to his extensive narrative on car design. His collection included models such as a 1960 Volkswagen Beetle, a 1962 Mini Cooper, and a 1969 Citroën 2CV. He reflects, “Most of the cars that I admire were designed by engineers. They were logical and solved problems rather than merely following stylistic trends.”
Broadening the Scope of Car Design
Initially focused on iconic national vehicles like the Ford Model T and VW Bug, Rybczynski recognized the need to expand his narrative to incorporate various other significant cars in history. This included models from his past experiences, such as a 1968 Volvo 145 wagon and a 1993 Mercedes 300E, illustrating his diverse automotive journey.
Exploring Automotive History
Rybczynski navigates almost 150 years of automotive history, discussing key developments that shaped the industry. This includes the rise of mass production, influences from the military and aviation sectors, as well as the recent shift towards electrification in vehicles.
His research process involved various unconventional methods. Finding traditional car museums less informative, he turned to YouTube for driving insights and revisited vintage car magazines, which enhanced his understanding of past automotive narratives.
Rybczynski’s work is not a comprehensive volume on automotive history; in fact, it deliberately omits discussions on trucks and sports cars, acknowledging the complexity of trucks and his unfamiliarity with high-end sports cars.
Conclusion
With his background as an architect and educator, Rybczynski provides a compelling lens through which to examine the automobile, offering insights drawn from his personal experiences and historical context. While he may not design cars, his exploration of their history is both enlightening and thought-provoking.
For those interested in an accessible yet profound glimpse into automotive history, Rybczynski’s narrative is an engaging place to start.
Brett Berk, Contributing Editor
