Robert Cumberford has done many since the '80s on production vehicles. Are there any design analyses online for H.A.M.B.-friendly custom cars? I'm talking about a professional designer giving a critique of the entire car's styling -- not just a comment or two from some guy who likes (or doesn't) something. Here are a few examples from a Cumberford review of a 1964 production car to give you an idea of what I'm looking for: "Starting exactly at the edge of the headlamp-surround molding, the fender peak recapitulates the profile of the great 1961 Lincoln Continental." "Notice the exemplary way the creases fade into plain surfaces." But for a custom, I would expect that there would also be critiques such as these (that I've just made up) that praise or tear down the customizing: "The unfortunate top-heavy look of the production car was skillfully corrected by a slightly angled chop that enhanced the body lines." "Replacing the ungainly headlights and overdone grillework with a pair of floating lamps and a simple bar grille make the car look much sleeker. By tunnelling the lights into the fender, the builder added a sophisticated appearance that flush-mounted lamps could not have acheived." I would especially like to read reviews of famous customs that we are familiar with so we can see what "works" to a pro designer and what doesn't. Of course, it's all opinion but it might provide some valuable insight.
Kind of like wine reviews. Too pretentious for my taste. If it looks good, it looks good, if it tastes good, it tastes good. Ahh, hints of raspberry and sage oak with just a touch of banana, sphagnum moss, and kiwi fruit. A finish not unlike a blue spruce, but more peppery and sweeter. Goes well with Cuban Cohibas and St. Louis BBQ ribs.
That's the problem ... regardless of the pedigree of the "professional" critic, their opinion remains subjective. We have several very highly educated art and design school graduates here on the HAMB, but good taste can still remain elusive.
The Jalopy Journal
