Raymond's Rules!

[mfg]

What were the two stipulations Raymond Loewy gave to his designers before they started work on Studebaker's new (Avanti) sports car?

[r1lark]

I remember this from the Langworth book (Postwar Years), but seems like there were more than two -- no telephone calls, no women, no going to town, no clocks allowed.

[mfg]

I remember this from the Langworth book (Postwar Years), but seems like there were more than two -- no telephone calls, no women, no going to town, no clocks allowed.

No doubt that's right...but you missed the intent of my question. (poor wording on my part no doubt!)

I'm asking about specific design characteristics of the car itself ....

[studegary]

An educated guess - no grille opening and overhead controls.

[r1lark]

OK, attempt number 2:

Shape like zee Coke bottle (gotta read this with a little bit of French accent)

Scoop instead of grille

Wedge shape

Off center raised area on hood (seems like I've seen more specific parameters in some articles like "gun sight lineup with the road" or something to that extent)

[mfg]

Both r1lark and studegary got the "NO GRILLE!!!"....but missed the second one. (so far!)

[63R1388]

I remember reading somewhere about "no straight lines"

[mfg]

I remember reading somewhere about "no straight lines"

'No straight lines' was indeed how the original Studebaker Avanti design turned out....However, I don't believe R.L. insisted on 'no straight lines' going in.

Anyone else want to take a shot at stipulation #2?

[mfg]

ANSWER...The second stipulation by Loewy was...........An ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of chrome!

[abasile]

No applied chrome...

[Geoff]

I recall a few more 'mandates' from RL.

http://www.theavanti.net/design.html and

http://www.theavanti.net/birth_window.html (third paragraph).

And remember, "Above all, think aerodynamics."

Edited September 2, 2016 by GeoffC312

[mfg]

I recall a few more 'mandates' from RL.

http://www.theavanti.net/design.html and

http://www.theavanti.net/birth_window.html (third paragraph).

And remember, "Above all, think aerodynamics."

All true!....However, in a taped interview shortly before he passed away, when speaking about the Avanti design, RL stressed...'No Grille' and 'Minimum applied chrome'.