021C 0125

A Standard Orange Marvel

I know this concept car design is dated to new eyes, but it is an unmistakably brilliant design, which is why Wikipedia notes that it has been repeatedly used at conventions and shows since it’s 1999 debut. Oddly, it was repainted in green, despite its name (which happens to also mean 21st century, apparently).

Just look at those ‘suicide’ rear doors wide open. Fantastic.

Industrial Designer Marc Newson was asked to create this concept vehicle by J Mays at Ford and named it after the Pantone color code for Orange: P 021C (C is for ‘coated’). J Mays, the designer of the famously distinctly attractive Audi TT in the late 1990s, as well as VW’s New Beetle. I remember when that TT was announced and I grabbed the extravagant dealer launch packet when it was available. I’ve always loved that car design.

Newson has created objects that have won awards and record sale prices for decades, was known for his non-angular design aesthetic and a very humanistic, yet futuristic, curve on his works.

We managed to see Mr. Newson’s “Lockhead Lounge” recliner at the AGSA Art Gallery in Adelaide, South Australia recently and it was very curious to behold.
https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resources-educators/resources-educators-australian-art/marc-newson/

Most recently you might have known that Newson worked with Jonny Ive at Apple and moved with him to Ive’s new company loveFrom,.

It is quite possibly the most unique automotive concept and one that could spawn from a wide range of eras, including George Jetson’s future retro/modern era, all the way up to the present day. That is truly ubiquitous design.

Call it rounded, call it cute, call it perfect, whatever you think applies, but it is an instant classic and quite timeless.

While playing:
Mondo Bongo by Joe Strummer
https://music.apple.com/us/album/mondo-bongo/1494055363?i=1494055372