ACD Museum hosts retired designers

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum embraced the opportunity to display some concept drawings by members of the League of Retired Automotive Designers as they designed their own modern versions of Auburns, Cords, and Duesenbergs. This display is in the Gallery of Classics and will be closing after the presentation.

On Wednesday, April 20 at 6:00 pm, collections manager Sam Grate will host a panel discussion with some of the designers that comprise the League of Retired Automotive Designers as they discuss their ideas, concepts, renderings and inspiration for their drawings. 

Designers present will include David McIntosh assistant chief designer for GM Design from 1964 – 2003; Richard Beck, designer for Ford Motor Company from 1968 – 2007; Paul Down, retired industrial design professor from the University of Notre Dame; and Darwin Hawthorne, auto design executive for Ford Motor Company from 1964-2002. 

Each year the League of Retired Automotive Designers chooses a project and in 2015, the “League of Retired Designers Project” was to create new Cord, Duesenberg, and Auburn designs. Twenty-three designers participated in the project. 

“This will be an interesting way for visitors to interact and learn from some automotive designers that were a part of shaping current automotive design,” said Sam Grate, collections manager. “These professional designers will be available to answer questions, have conversation, and tell stories about their careers. You do not want to miss this unique and exciting opportunity.”

The presentation begins at 6 p.m. in the Gallery of Classics at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. The presentation is free with paid admission. Museum members can attend free of charge. For information, visit www.automobilemuseum.org