I found this article about retro designs and thought I'd share my thoughts.
"Retro as a design theme has failed. There are two success stories, but four failures. Take a look: Ford's Thunderbird, clearly a failure."
NoOp comment: Yes, it did fail, but I think it had more to do with its nearly 2-ton curb weight and $40G price tag.
"Volkswagen's New Beetle, sinking every year."
NoOp Comment: The main reason is the Bug's shoddy workmanship. The new Beetles aren't screwed together worth a damn!
"Chevrolet's SSR, never reached sales targets."
NoOp Comment: Again, too fat and too high a price tag, plus a flexy frame.
"Chrysler's PT Cruiser, not really a failure but far from the success it should be."
Sales have cooled lately, but then it hasn't been revised in years. I'd say the PT has done well.
"On the success side, we have the MINI."
NoOp Comment: Because it was done right. Cars that are done right succeed.
"Of course, that Mustang is running strong, although it is new so we don't know how long she will prance."
NoOp Comment: Again becuase did it right. And as long as gas prices stay reasonable the new Mustang is going to prance for a long time.
"And there's a new one, the Chevy HHR, which looks like it might have arrived late to the party."
NoOp Comment: It's do great as long as it's priced reasonably, it's screwed together well, and the details are done right.
"It's also possible to take a bit of the past without going retro: The Chrysler 300 is like that. There's something about it that points back, but it's not retro."
NoOp Comment: But without those retro touches it would be just another Mercedes product.
What are your thoughts?
Patrick '93 Cobra '03 Focus ZX3