The Era of Exner

Book Description

The official biography the man who brought his own personal style to the world of industrial design, from automobiles to powerboats. Some 50 years after his design masterpieces wrested styling leadership away from General Motors' Harley Earl. Thirty four years after his untimely death, Virgil Exner's name still remains inexorably linked to the Chrysler Corporation in the minds of car enthusiasts worldwide. For an all too brief period, Exner's name epitomized all that was great and exciting in America. His thrilling automobile designs from the mid-fifties took the world by storm and put Chrysler at the top. His work was nothing less than a revolution. Exner introduced to Chrysler, first with his "'idea cars" then with production models, vehicles that were wanted for their looks but at the same time, were soundly engineered; automobiles that carried classic proportions and gave the illusion of movement even while stationary. His design of the 1947 Studebaker established the design pattern for all modern cars and was a huge success. With many previously unseen works of art and family photos among the 150 color images throughout, this is a unique and fascinating insight into a pivotal player in the development of the modern automobile.

FORWARD LOOK AUTO DESIGN T H E E X N E R E R A UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME - SOUTH BEND, IN - SEP. 29, 2007
Virgil Exner, Visioneer A Unique Book Signing and Car Show
The biography *Virgil Exner, Visioneer* will be introduced at a book signing by the author, Mr. Peter Grist, along with Virgil Exner, Jr. Book Description The official biography the man who brought his own personal style to the world of industrial design, from automobiles to powerboats. Some 50 years after his design masterpieces wrested styling leadership away from General Motors' Harley Earl. Thirty four years after his untimely death, Virgil Exner's name still remains inexorably linked to the Chrysler Corporation in the minds of car enthusiasts worldwide. For an all too brief period, Exner's name epitomized all that was great and exciting in America. His thrilling automobile designs from the mid-fifties took the world by storm and put Chrysler at the top. His work was nothing less than a revolution. Exner introduced to Chrysler, first with his "'idea cars" then with production models, vehicles that were wanted for their looks but at the same time, were soundly engineered; automobiles that carried classic proportions and gave the illusion of movement even while stationary. His design of the 1947 Studebaker established the design pattern for all modern cars and was a huge success. With many previously unseen works of art and family photos among the 150 color images throughout, this is a unique and fascinating insight into a pivotal player in the development of the modern automobile.

About the Author Peter Grist has been writing about American automobiles for over 15 years. He started with the Chrysler Corp Club UK, which he ran for more than 10 years, editing it’s monthly magazine, TalkFlite. This lead to writing for high street magazines. He currently owns three Dodge vehicles, and has already published a book on Dodge. He is married to Catherine and has three children. Concurrent Auto Show A concurrent auto show will be held by The University of Notre Dame's Art, Art History, and Design Departments, with the Snite Art Museum on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Over 400 vehicles are expected. Mr. Exner was originally from nearby Buchanan, MI and attended Notre Dame in 1926/27. Ten Exner milestone cars are to be shown inside of Notre Dame's geodetic domed, 1956 vintage, Stepan Center. Doors will open at 9:00 AM. and close at 4:00 PM. A large display of Exner fine art and design work will be shown on the stage where the book sales and signings will begin at 10:30 AM. Car clubs from all over the U.S. and Canada are being invited to display their cars in the car show surrounding the Stepan Center. A $15 gated entry fee will allow the driver and 3 additional guests entrance to the Stepan center for the main show. The public is also invited, at $5 per person entrance to the Stepan center, with parking available in other non-reserved areas. Notre Dame Campus Map (Adobe Reader Required) Notre Dame Hotel Comparisons (Adobe Reader Required) Car Display Invitation (Microsoft Word Format) Exner Auto Show Waiver (Microsoft Word Format) Letter to Exhibitors Contact: Paul Down Telephone: +1 (574) 631-6836 Email: down.1@nd.edu