NYC taxi: study for MoMA, New York 1974

NYC taxi: study for MoMA, New York 1974
Design colour drawings prodiced by Volvo. Mixed media on paper. Various views. Frame sizes:
16.54 x 23.23 in.
"The taxi project: realistic solutions for today" was an exhibition inaugurated at the MoMA in New York in June 1976: it showed the prototypes of two American manufacturers, American Machine and Foundry (AMF) and Steam Power System, and two other Europeans, Volvo and Volkswagen. A third manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, presented its prototype modern taxi out of competition. In 1973 the New York MoMA had invited four builders to propose their ideas, creating prototypes not only static, but functional and marching enough to be able to face a test drive. The intensive use of taxis, especially in American metropolis, had not produced a specific vehicle for this purpose until then. It had happened in England, where the iconic Austin FX4 - produced since 1958 - was "the" taxi par excellence, but in the United States the concept of "sedan", that is a traditional 6-seater sedan thanks to the unique front bench, was a winner. In the bid were clearly indicated some specifications to be respected without derogation, related to transport capacity and volume (including the ability to load strollers or wheelchairs without problems), but also some techniques on acceleration, maximum speed and, for the first time in the new world, fuel consumption. Volvo built a van inspired by series production, driven by the traditional 6-cylinder diesel engine, with passenger safety aspects that are very accurate as is the tradition of the brand. These 8 tables by two different designers fully summarize the spirit of the Northern European style project. In hindsight, there are so many innovative elements that unfortunately were not included in the “timid” final proposal of the Swedish house but which have now become the rule for all minivans on the market.

Errata corrige: Lot in process to be declared of Italian cultural heritage.