33 We commented previously that any thorough historical review should look backwards to build the foundation for a comprehensive review. There is a certain comfort level to view design innovation from named design houses and the prototypes and concepts of major manufacturers. Walt Woron, the first editor of Motor Trend magazine, warned of dismissing independent efforts of creative individuals: Part III: Young Designers Lead The Way Walt Woron’s Words Echo Today Above & Below: Walt Woron Walt Woron, Motor Trend Magazine: November, 1951 “There’s something great taking place in the automotive world today, but too few people – to our way of thinking – realize it. It’s a transformation, being brought about by an active group of individuals whose very life is wrapped around its automobiles. … They’re expressing themselves in their own individual ways, and in the best manner they’re capable of. There’s a lot to learn from these imaginative designers and experiments – some good, some bad – but it all has a fresh, new approach…. This group, however, is pointing the way – to a truly American design. It has been freely admitted by top Detroit automotive designers that many innovations on production cars are the result of watching the developments of these enthusiasts who build their own custom cars, sports cars and hot rods. … Ordinarily, people are prone to accept things as they are – and to shy away from radical ideas …One way for us to give credit where it is due is to encourage these creative enthusiasts in the pursuit of their goal. This not only benefits them, individually and collectively, but in turn helps to provide us with a better endproduct. And this, without a doubt, is what it will do”. Walt Woron concluded that when you see an individual design or one-off car: “Take another look. Chances are you’ll be looking at the prototype of tomorrow’s car, or at least at “an experimental laboratory on wheels from which may be borrowed styling, design, or engineering features for Detroit’s newest creation”.
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