Miguel Sánchez
1954 DODGE FIREARROW II PHOTOS: MECUM
We well know that function dominates form. In that sense, the first thing to produce a quality car is engineering. However, the truth is that the hand of a designer is necessary to provide the latest visual finishes. Those that are necessary for a body to enter through the eyes. After all, beyond the aerodynamic coefficients and other technical data, the truth is that the first impression is given by the pure and hard aesthetics. Something that many models proudly wear when wearing the emblems of Pininfarina, Zagato, Bertone ...
However, if we put ourselves within the North American context, there is a proper name that we cannot ignore: Virgil exner. Trained in the offices of design myths like Harley Earl or Raymond loewy, this designer from advertising is an essential character when it comes to car design. So much so that we have all seen his creations many times. And no, we are not referring so much to their vehicles as to their best hallmark: the fins.
Yes, those retro-futuristic chrome accents essential to define XNUMXs design in America. All from a design program known as Forward Look. For all this, this 1954 Dodge Firearrow II it is one of the most interesting concepts devised by Virgil Exner in his entire career. Mainly because its measured shapes, even with well-integrated fins, are characterized by an unusual prudence and style. within the gleaming designs that our protagonist elaborated during the fifties.
DODGE FIREARROW II: A CONCEPT CAR ASSEMBLED BY GHIA
Ghia is one of the Italian historical bodybuilders. Founded in 1916, the Turin house's relationship with the United States is very intense. And no, we only mean your acquired by Ford in the early 70s. And it is that, during the fifties, he maintained an intense relationship with Virgil Exner, finishing almost twenty prototypes of the designer in the Ghia workshops. Some as crazy as him Lincoln Future, but others as elegant as this 1954 Dodge Firearrow II.
Designed as a convertible vehicle for areas like California, the Dodge Firearrow II featured such attractive elements as its frameless windshield. A success when it comes to not breaking the smooth lines of its body, in which there are chrome but without becoming as dominant as in other contemporary models. And it is that new times were coming, since a few years later the increasingly excessive fins would come out of the game labeled as unjustified and even a little tacky.
In fact, the Firearrow prototype series was one of Virgil Exner's most influential creations, impacting other brands that quickly started down their new path. A path that had four chapters, since the Dodge Firearrow four units were built with differentiated functions and development. The first was a display model without an engine. The second - this one - was already operational. The third was the coupe variant, and the fourth the version with all the provisions designed to enter the assembly line.
DODGE FIREARROW: A HEMI WITH 150 HP
Despite the fact that Virgil Exner focused the prominence on the designers over the engineers, the truth is that most of his creations were ready to circulate. Only in this way could the qualities of their designs be adequately tested beyond the visual, achieving an efficiency that many times I use the wind tunnel intensively. That is why the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II was equipped with a 150CV mechanics based on a Chrysler V8.
Specifically in one of the legendary Hemi, which were in production from 1951 to 2003 with different stages of development. Regarding the transmission, this is a four-speed automatic. In short, a mechanical set designed to go quiet but with a certain touch of power if necessary. The behavior that is expected of a car with the aesthetics that we are seeing, designed to enjoy the sun with an open hood with more relaxed than competitive whims. A good business idea that, had it come out, could have had some success.
Anyway, beyond its possible sales capabilities in the past, the truth is that the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II is for sale today thanks to the auction house mecum. But beware, this time it is an offer with a fixed price. A one piece rara avis in a time of excess.
