Distinguishing features

[Stichill_imp]

I think LongRanger's topic--as I understand it--is a good one. He's asking about how design (esthetics) and function differ with cars and motorcycles. This is a relevant question for a motorcycle forum. Motorcycles began as bicycles with engines attached; automobiles began as horse-drawn carriages with engines attached. Each then evolved according to their respective (and sometimes shared) technologies and functions, from which their design sprang. But then that functional design allowed new esthetic possibilities. For instance, traditional tungsten-filiment light bulb were relatively weak in light output, so on bikes and cars, they were placed in large circular reflectors to focus their beams and make them more efficient. Circular reflectors work best for the purpose. Both cars and motorcycles of the 60s feature round headlights, and then often other features, like round mirrors, that coordinated with them esthetically--though a round mirror may not always be the most functional. (LED lights don't need to be round, so now we have other shapes; when they are round, it is for stylistic reasons, not functional ones.) In the era of air cooled mc engines, the engine worked best hanging out in the air, and its functional features (like cooling fins), materials, and cylinder configuration became design elements--some of its esthetic derives from reminding us of its function. The fuel tank had to be of certain size to provide range, but that relative size then made it the largest and most conspicuous part of the bike that was also finished and ornamented, and so became a key element of a bike's looks. For those of us who like gawk at our CBs and also ride them--who debate the esthetics of the '17 fuel tank or its round headlamp--the relationship of function and design in other roadgoing vehicles is relevant, as is considering what new technologies (like electric motors) will mean for new combinations of esthetics and function. You don't have to love or hate cars to see that.

Thanks for re-focusing the topic and well stated. I was wondering why some here were responding to LR's straightforward question "What are the key design elements on a car?" by declaring disinterest in, revulsion of, or hostility toward cars or anyone discussing the design aspects of cars in response to the OP's topic.
Here's a vehicle that skillfully blends proper proportions with functional design elements to produce a unique and aesthetically arresting machine.