Drawing, Duesenberg Concept

Virgil Exner created this Duesenberg concept drawing with his son Virgil Exner Jr. after a long career designing automobiles for General Motors, Studebaker, and Chrysler. This design presents a modern day update of the 1932 Duesenberg Sport Phaeton, and Exner Sr. and Jr. published the drawing as part of a set of new takes on vintage automobile designs in the December 1963 issue of Esquire. Rather than completely replicating old car designs, Exner’s designs borrowed key elements of vintage automobiles while incorporating a modern twist in order to create a contemporary vehicle. While this Duesenberg concept sported larger wheels to create a more classic proportion, the modern design also included an electric rear windshield, a lower, wider radiator, and large headlights that folded up under the “noses” of the car’s front fenders.
Though heavy chrome and fins defined the height of 1950s automotive styling, these elements began to fall out of fashion by the end of the decade. Exner was a particular advocate of looking to the past as a way to create new innovative forms that would meet the needs of the consumers moving into the late twentieth century. This revival car design presents an important example of the turn away from the aircraft-emulating dream cars of the 1950s towards a beautiful aerodynamic automobile for contemporary consumers.

Drawing, Duesenberg Concept; Designed by Virgil Exner (American, 1909 - 1973), Virgil Exner Jr. (American, b. 1933); pen and ink, brush and gouache on illustration board; 27.9 × 53.3 cm (11 × 21 in.); Museum purchase through gift of Paul Herzan and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund; 2017-18-18