For my 2015 new year’s resolution, I have resolved to be more brave: I will admit in writing that I like the FIAT Ritmo. I understand that this is not necessarily a popular position because the Ritmo most of us have in our collective memory is a dusty, sun-bleached rust-bucket. Furthermore, it is likely that our recollection of the Ritmo has been clouded by two unfortunate facelifts (1982 and 1985), which weakened the original design considerably. That is why I want to be very specific: I am fascinated by the shiny new compact car that graced the FIAT stand at the 1978 Turin Automotive Show.
This column first appeared on January 13th, 2015 on Autoblog España. When writing an opinion column on cars, leading off with a piece on the A-pillar might seem counterintuitive. After all, the A-pillar is easily overlooked and often forgotten in car design criticism. This, however, is precisely why it interests me: I have spent years examining iconic pieces of design, yet I have always found the unremarkable worthy of closer study. I am fascinated by the cornice of a building, the frame of a famous painting, and the violas in a symphony.
I am fascinated by the A-pillar because I have never once said, “What a beautiful A-pillar! I have never seen its shape before!” Why not? Why should an A-Pillar not be dramatic, fascinating, and artful? |