I first learned of him many years ago while stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. One of my Army buddies had got hold of a U.S. Steel publication featuring Mead's illustrations and let me leaf through it. Years later, I bought the book "Sentinel" by Strother MacMinn that contained much of Mead's work up to 1979. I still have it in my library.
I find Mead's illustrations and designs interesting, though not always quite likable. "Impressive" might be my best word for his work. Other folks might disagree regarding likability.
Below are some examples of his car designs pictured in futuristic/fantasy settings. Few of these designs are practical, but that's the nature of far-out thinking and styling. Note the imaginary creatures found in some of the backgrounds.
Click on images to enlarge.
Many Mead designs feature smooth frontal profiles. Even those he made before aerodynamic efficiency became a prime design matter.
One of his most practical designs, this from circa 1966.
I don't understand the reason for the huge rear fender zone.
Interesting appearance, but impractical from the perspective of a driver or passenger.
Impossibly low, given comparative size of the humans depicted. Huge amounts of overhang, but other 1960's stylists were drawing dream cars with similar proportions.
Tiny wheels. Must also have a tiny motor. And tiny luggage space.
Now an extremely low and long limousine. An interesting design that's impractical for ordinary needs.
Nice rendering, nice car shape. But how is it powered? Electric motors might do, but I don't see much room for batteries.
1 comment:
I knew Syd when he lived in Indian Village here in Detroit and often watched him as he created these masterwork and even modeled for him in some of his illustrations
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