American Automotive Design Trends / The Couture Car: High Style for High Society

Book excerpt: Paperback: People like shiny things. Few things are shinier than cars: paint, trim and chrome. And people like soft things, like pillow-top beds, sofas and recliners. Cars interiors followed this home trend. Yet, people wanted to make more of a statement as it related to their cars and they got it in generous doses of style via the Couture Car. Ask anyone what automotive brand is associated with designer cars and the reply is likely to be Lincoln. To say that Lincoln dominated the field of Couture Cars would be an understatement. From 1976 through 2003, Lincoln had one or more designer series models. But it wasn't Lincoln that started the rage. They just executed on the theme better. This book is a compilation of the automakers' media kits and brochures on the Couture Car. Included in quotes are the materials' descriptions of the packages and trim specifications which entice shoppers with glowing terms and promises of superb driving, touring and living.