Richard A. Teague (1923-1991), as
this biographical sketch indicates, spent most of his career working for automobile firms struggling to stay in business. This meant that he had to worry more about development and production costs than did styling directors of large companies such as General Motors and Chrysler (where he also worked at times). Despite this handicap, he was able to style noteworthy Packard and American Motors products.
One of his best American Motors designs was that of
Hornet sedans, produced for the 1970-77 model years.
Gallery
A 1970 Hornet four-door sedan with a fashionable vinyl-covered roof.
This is a sales photo for a used 1970 two-door Hornet. It is either an entry-level model having little ornamentation, or a slightly customized car where ornamentation was stripped off. I include this image because it shows rear styling. Note the non-stock wheels.
Side view of an entry-level 1972 Hornet two-door showing off its clean, nicely proportioned lines from the pre-aerodynamic era.
This is one design that, intentionally or otherwise, follows Del Coates' theory that a car has a solid stance when features point to the axle hubs. Observe that the A-pillar points toward the front hub and that the leading edge of the C-pillar points to the rear hub.
A circa-1974 Hornet four-door (sales photo). I include this mostly because, unlike the car in the first photo, it lacks vinyl roof covering. Note the re-styled grille.
A pleasing photo of a 1974 Hornet two-door sedan. Other Hornet models (a hatchback and station wagon) had their quirks, but I see little wrong with Teague's design (from the pencils of Bob Nixon and Vince Geraci).
1 comment:
My mother had a 1970 Hornet, green with black vinyl roof, just like the one in the first photo. The upholstery was orange and green plaid, some kind of synthetic like the sofas of that time. I learned to drive in that thing. Very simple, but a great car, really.
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