Saturday, June 15, 2013

2014 Biarritz: Bringing Formal Back

The Next Fleetwood Biarritz—I don't see any reason why today's angular and flamboyantly styled cars couldn't include a bit of last century's formality, too. This rendering takes Cadillac's maturing Art & Science design language, which is softening on its new sedans, and reinvigorates it with a stark new brushed stainless steel-capped, limousine-like rear window. Interior would be sumptuous, with seating for four on fine fabrics and leathers. The elegant mid Fifties Brougham is recalled inside as well, with silver vanity and tumbler set, as well as umbrella and Arpége by Lanvin in a cut crystal atomizer.

8 comments:

  1. Really love this car Casey! Your unusual treatment of the stainless steel roof is striking. And the taillights recall tailfins of the past. Well done!

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    1. thank, PX! I was so surprised when this one came into shape. I really like it too! Happy summer to you!

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    2. YES! I was one of those folks that longed for the aero look for a long time. Now that it is here I think way too many cars look very similar in silhouette. I hope Cadillac's coming super sedan will look more traditional than aero. Thanks. This one is great.

      BobF

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  2. I like this one a lot. So much better than the bizarre CTS coupe -- I wonder if the new CTS of which we've seen the sedan will be as extreme as the current one. I hope the rumored super sedan will follow this look -- it really needs to stand out from the crowd! And I like that you mention fabrics -- what's the last luxury sedan that used anything but leather? They should all look to you for inspiration!

    Paul, NYC

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    1. I'm envisioning a modern usage of classic Cadillac brocades and shirred fabrics... Some of their choices in the '60s and '70s were gorgeous. Imagine them being used as the seating inserts instead of leather. Or perhaps as the bolsters for suede inserts. I really think fabrics could make a comeback!

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    2. I think one of the reasons for the disappearance of fabrics such as you describe is increasing safety legislation regarding things like fire-retardant fabrics. I'll bet some of those from te 60s would burn like an oily rag! However, if someone really wanted to do it, I'm sure that fire-retardant principles could be applied to anything -- it might cost more, but this is supposed to be a super sedan!

      As an aside, in the 60s when Imperial used fabrics, they all had names beginnign with I. Have I mentioned that I love Imperials?

      Paul, NYC

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  3. Awesome concept! The thing I really like the best is the name and not some awful three letter label... (PS- When I bought my STS my Mother told relatives I got myself an STD) Thanks Mom. LOL

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  4. I see the old Mercury Cougar's roofline stretching to the rear pillar. Very cool!

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