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Gordon M. Buehrig is probably best known for developing the Cord model 810
Rolling Sculpture: A Designer and His Work
By Gordon M. Buehrig and
Rolling Sculpture: A Designer and His Work offers a thorough look at one of the distinguished auto designers of the 20th Century. Gordon M. Buehrig is probably best known for developing the Cord model 810 in the mid 1930’s. Some of his most famous Duesenberg designs are the Beverly Berline, and the Torpedo Phaeton, both designs had many copies built by different coachbuilders. The Twenty Grand, which was designed for the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, is probably his pinnacle Duesenberg design. He was car crazy from an early age. An anecdote from early in his life illustrates his passion. His college chemistry teacher expelled Buehrig because the future designer's notebook contained sketches of automobiles. The teacher thought Buehrig was neglecting his chemistry work. Buehrig's personal life is examined a little, but the book primarily traces his industrial design legacy from 1924 through 1965. A few days after the 1929 Indianapolis 500 mile race, the 25 year-old Buehrig was hired by Duesenberg Incorporated of Indianapolis as the chief body designer. The company desired to design exclusive bodies to be built by custom coachbuilders. As part of his design process, after the initial design sketch was approved, Buehrig would develop the scale body draft. This draft ensured the fidelity of the body contours no matter which coachbuilder was used. In early 1933, he formulated ideas for a four-door sedan with an enclosed engine compartment without the traditional front grill. He further refined this concept as a small Duesenberg in September 1933. A concept car was finished in February 1934, but economic conditions were not right for Duesenberg to commence production. Buehrig was called up to the Auburn Automobile Company in 1934 to design the 1935 models. His most famous design for 1935 was the Auburn 851 boattail speedster. The popularity of this model was much greater than anticipated. After making about 600 of the handmade beauties, there still was demand when production ceased. Production of this model continued in 1936 with the only change being the 852 model designation. Next, the company decided to revive the small Duesenberg as new front wheel drive Cord with a V-8 engine. This unique auto incorporated a number of styling innovations, such as disappearing headlights, concealed door hinges, rheostat-controlled instrument lights, variable speed windshield wipers, and Bendix Electric Hand (steering column-mounted electric gear pre-selection unit). The Cord Model 810 was also the first automobile in this country to adopt unit body construction in its full sense. The Cord won numerous accolades for its design. Fifteen years later, it was selected for an exhibit at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Curator Arthur Drexler commented, “we all regard the Cord as the outstanding American contribution to automobile design.” In the early 1950’s, during his time as manager of the Body Development Studio with Ford Motor Company, management proposed to build the new Continental Mark II. The 1956 Mark II’s contribution to automotive art was its low stance, long hood, and short deck. The car was three inches lower in height with no reduction of interior headroom. Like its predecessor, the Mark II was an instant classic. Despite early waiting lists, low long-range demand condemned the $10,000 auto. Buehrig’s custom-bodied Model J Duesenbergs, 1935 Auburn Speedster, Cord Model 810, and the Continental Mark II are all recognized as automotive design icons. The designer’s own words provide insight into his thought process. He details the process from concept to clay model and the transition to finished product. In addition to the Auburn Automobile Company and Duesenberg Incorporated, Buehrig’s links to Indiana auto manufacturers include stints with Stutz and Studebaker. The book was first published in 1975 and sought after ever since in the collectible book market. The volume is well-illustrated with vintage drawings and black and white photographs. This second edition has been digitally enhanced with color photos by the notable automotive photographer Dennis Adler. This reprinting is a project initiated by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in celebration of a new permanent museum gallery entitled The Gordon Buehrig Gallery of Design. Thanks to the museum for making this book available to new audience. Rolling Sculpture is great resource for any auto buff, as well as aficionados of Buehrig’s designs. Rolling Sculpture is only available through the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. To order your copy visit www.acdmuseum.org or call 260-925-1444. Back to: Book Review – reviews of current and other auto-related books
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