Over One Hundred Years of Automobile Design: Three Examples from the Jack B. Smith Jr. Collection
Jul 28, 2015 - Nov 15, 2015 | Snite Museum of Art
Atrium and Mestrovic Gallery
July 28 through November 15, 2015
Visit the Snite Museum of Art to learn the difference over 100 years made in automobile design as seen in three automobiles not likely to be found elsewhere.
The 1905 Cadillac represents utilitarian, affordable, early automobile design. The 1933 Packard is a powerful luxury automobile built for an ultra-wealthy customer. The 2014 Ferrari is a state-of-the-art sports car designed for high performance.
One can easily see how the 1905 Cadillac Model F evolved from a horse drawn vehicle to a “horseless carriage.” It features a nine-horse-power, single-cylinder, engine; two-speed transmission; chain-drive; and it is capable of 25 mph. Frame, body, and wheels are constructed from wood and it is fully loaded with all available 1905 options: oil lanterns and bulb horn. Cost was $950.
The 1933 Packard Twelve is a true “classic” automobile. It exemplifies fine design, innovative engineering, and superior workmanship for an automobile built between 1925 and 1948. This Model 1005 Coupe is one of only five ever produced and it would have cost approximately $4,500 in 1933. With a 445-cubic-inch twelve-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower it was one of the fastest cars of its era: it is capable of 101 mph. In 2014 this automobile received a complete, frame-off restoration by LaVine Restoration, Inc., Nappanee, Indiana. It subsequently took first-place at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and second-place at the prestigious 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The 2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta boasts a 730-horse-power, V-12 engine coupled to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission—tucked into an aluminum chassis and body fabricated from seven unique alloys. The Berlinetta reveals exotic body styling not necessary for the Cadillac or the Packard: air channels sculpted into front fenders increase downward pressure on tires to keep the Ferrari connected to the roadway when traveling at speeds of up to 211 mph. Braking, traction, stability, suspension, and differential are computer monitored and controlled to assist the driver in managing the most powerful Ferrari ever conceived. Price is consistent with its power, speed, and styling: outrageous.
Join us for a public reception to celebrate all of the special fall exhibitions from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Admission is free; all are welcome.