AN ICON IN THE MAKING

“Certain car brands are more than mere steel, plastic and glass, but a metaphor that breaks all conventionality. The Mustang was one such car.”

- Clive Branson

If the car’s emblem was hidden, could you tell the difference among the current models of BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Lexus? It’s even harder with SUVs and hatchbacks, which are almost indistinguishable. As I see it, modern production techniques have removed much of the character from new cars. Mass production “systems” complete with soulless computers and robots on the production lines producing identical parts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, are focused on one thing: meeting the targets and quotas set by car manufacturers to maximize efficiency and shareholder profit. Whether hotly contested or not, everyone has an opinion about cars, even those who say they pay little regard to them.

For the most part, cars are designed as an identity, a resonant of the era, on par with music and fashion. They reflect the tone of social values, desires and vision. In very rare cases, certain car brands are more than mere steel, plastic and glass, but a metaphor that breaks all conventionality. It surpasses the rudimentary role of transportation and embraces an opiate love affair with the people. These cars force the world to take notice. The Mustang was one such car.