MUSE
consistently been a driving force. Who hasn’t at some point been stopped in their
tracks by the polished silhouette of a classic Corvette? The car’s controlled curves
evoke speed, and that speed creates the illusion of power.”
Speaking to the era’s fascination with speed is a model car of the Golden Arrow,
an ultra-streamlined racer that set a record of 231 mph in 1929. And in 1934,
the Burlington Zephyr passenger train made a record-breaking nonstop trip from
Denver to Chicago in just 14 hours, exceeding 100 mph at various points along the
run—the Zephyr proved itself as the fastest train in the world.
Sharf’s charming array of car models along with small-scale replicas of trains and
planes are fascinating to behold. Many of these models were used in wind tunnels,
or served as prototypes, and helped designers make engineering decisions. Some
Above: Concept Gullwing with Stylish Couple, Wayne Kady, 1960/1961; Watercolor on illustration board.
Opposite page (top to bottom): Proposal for a two-door convertible, model year 1950, 1950; Richard Arbib, American, 1917–1995;
Graphite, opaque watercolor. Design Proposal for a Ford Sports Utility Vehicle –
single view blue vehicle, Frederick J. “Bud” Magaldi, January, 1966; Gouache on illustration board.
Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection.
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