Context:
With the launch of Sputnik and the subsequent space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the world is gripped by a sense of excitement and possibility.Vidar, a US domestic automotive manufacturer, finds itself navigating the changing landscape of 1958 against the backdrop of a world captivated by the Space Race and the dawn of the Jet Age. The success of Vidar is intimately intertwined with the dynamic events shaping the world, and decision-makers in the company finds themselves infatuated by the futuristic concepts emerging in automotive design.
Business has gone well for Vidar and the company is now in the enviable position of being able to afford to take a risk and try to find their time in the spotlight. This means that they won’t settle on something staid and boring, but will want something that not only reflects the spirit of progress and innovation but also embodies that sense of style that will become iconic with the Space Age.
Design Brief:
- Year is 1958. Place is the USA. Company is “Vidar” (a US domestic manufacturer).
- You are a junior in the company, tasked with designing a car for evaluation by the company’s head of design.
- Vidar’s approach to cars is usually based around: Affordability, Comfort, Performance, Practicality (in that order), but obviously depends on market segment demands.
- The design should reflect the ‘zeitgeist’ at the time - be inspiring and optimistic, and have “space-age” and/or “jet-age” influences.
- Your design should be based around a ‘sedan/coupe-like’ body
- Wheelbase should be between 2.70m and 3.20m (inclusive, rounded to the nearest 0.01m)
1958 Design Rules:
I’m not from the USA and I don’t really have much familiarity with the rules back in the 50’s, but apparently 1958 was fairly liberal, so I’ll be forgiving but reserve the right to 1) penalise if unrealistic/non-functional and 2) bin for something that is completely daft.
(Details thanks to @Knugcab)
- Needs headlights, taillights, indicators, bumpers. etc.
- Single or twin headlights allowed - single should be ~7" circular lamps, twin should be ~5.75 circular lamps (I wont be measuring exact sizing, but keep it reasonable).
- Headlight cover glass is allowed.
- Hideaway headlights are allowed (but still not common in this era).
- Parking lights allowed to be combined with turn signals (and allowed to be white).
- Side markers not required (but obviously still allowed).
- Rear indicators allowed to be red.
- Combined rear indicators and brake lights allowed.
Other Rules:
- The “Model” and “Trim” Year must be set to 1958.
- Usage of Advanced Trim to change any wheel / tyre stats is banned.
- Usage of Advanced Trim to change other stats - please request.
- Interior won’t be judged, but if it exists I will comment on it.
- Engineering is not judged, but may be commented on…
- Only 1 entry per person.
- IMPORTANT: Your vehicle must be able to fit this engine within its engine bay (as this is the largest engine that might be fitted by Vidar to this model):
CSC64_-Vidar__proto__engine-must_fit_in_your_car.zip|attachment (5.9 KB)
Engine stats in case the download doesnt work:
90 degree v8
2v DA-OHC
102.8mm bore
99.4mm stroke
2x2bbl carbs
Std mid intake
Cast low headers
Dual 2" exhaust
Submission:
The deadline of this challenge is April 17th 9am UTC/GMT
Model & Engine Family: CSC64 - Username
Trim & Engine Variant: (free)
