GTC #114 SOLVED: Werner Bührer's modular sports car proposal

[pnegyesi]

did he became an automotive industry executive?

[DHoffmann]

did he became an automotive industry executive?

Not nearly so successful.

[pnegyesi]

did he start his own company which failed?

[DHoffmann]

did he start his own company which failed?

Not to my knowledge, from what I can find his work was for other people.

[pnegyesi]

was he a modeller?

[DHoffmann]

was he a modeller?

Not as far as I'm aware, but closer to the line of work he did end up in.

- I daresay most people have seen at least some of his work, knowingly or not.

[oko94]

Was he an illustrator ?

[richard cuyler]

Enough Shakira, more professionals!

There is never enough Shakira. 

[DHoffmann]

Was he an illustrator ?

Yes, yes he was! (Is? I can't really find any biographical information about him for some reason...)

Enough Shakira, more professionals!

There is never enough Shakira. 

[oko94]

Was he an American illustrator of German descent ?

[DHoffmann]

Was he an American illustrator of German descent ?

No, that's not quite the correct 'use' of the clue.

[pnegyesi]

Mark Stehrenberger?

[oko94]

Is it an illustration of an imaginary German car made by an American illustrator ?

[DHoffmann]

Mark Stehrenberger?

Not him.

Is it an illustration of an imaginary German car made by an American illustrator ?

I don't believe this car to have ever been made, no, but I do have some more images with proof of concept.

He was not American.

[oko94]

I rephrase my previous question : was it an illustration for an imaginary car from an existing German brand (like "NSU Graf" or "BMW 508") or an imaginary car from an imaginary German brand (like "Müller Sport" or "Schröder RS"), or something else entirely ? I'm trying to figure out that German hint...

[DHoffmann]

I rephrase my previous question : was it an illustration for an imaginary car from an existing German brand (like "NSU Graf" or "BMW 508") or an imaginary car from an imaginary German brand (like "Müller Sport" or "Schröder RS"), or something else entirely ? I'm trying to figure out that German hint...

Ah sorry misinterpreted that. It was an imaginary concept - no brand name attached - for this vehicle with a specific purpose that would appeal. See the image I've attached here for a hint at what it would be for.

The German hint is that German is a language as well as a country....

[pnegyesi]

So the illustrator in question came up with these nice pictures to advertise a product from a German-speaking country, like Switzerland?

[DHoffmann]

So the illustrator in question came up with these nice pictures to advertise a product from a German-speaking country, like Switzerland?

Not to advertise a product, but rather himself.

Yes, he is Swiss.

[oko94]

Werner Bührer ?

[DHoffmann]

Werner Bührer ?

Yes! So, held for you, using the two available images what do you think the purpose of this design study was?

[oko94]

Should be a modular car that can be converted from roadster to shooting brake pretty much like a Nissan Pulsar EXA.

[DHoffmann]

Should be a modular car that can be converted from roadster to shooting brake pretty much like a Nissan Pulsar EXA.

And coupe, but absolutely that is correct, very well done!

The text accompanying these images:

This idea for different combinations of basic panel and structural elements to produce a range of vehicles at minimum tooling cost comes from Werner Bührer, a 25-year old Swiss student body designer working in Stuttgart. The basic model is a two-seater sports car which can be changed into a convertible or a hard top coupe, retaining the same panels below the waistline. Suggestions are also made for producing an occasional four-seater station wagon by removing the rear deck and fitting a different roof and for a Gran Tusimo coupe with four seats.
The sketches, worked in perspective, show a good feeling for line and balance of masses, although the basic idea is not entirely new. Apparently the intention in this scheme is that the owner should have a stock of sufficient different parts to provide him with a range of body types to suit all his motoring needs. With garage space often impossible to find, the question arises where he would store the parts not in use. The scheme would certainly fail unless sufficient rigidity could be obtained to prevent leaks and rattles.

'Sports car with interchangeable body sections' is as close as this comes to receiving an official name.

[oko94]

Thanks for the point !

A nice case of "How to solve a puzzle without finding the solution anywhere".

[Carnut]

Any idea when this work dates from?

A rendering for the Innocenti 1100 Spyder?

I can see why Zerk asked this, as the upsweep of the grille at the sides leading to the position of the headlights is very similar to the Innocenti, which was of course by Tom Tjaarda.  Which came first?

For what it's worth I think the design looks great!

[DHoffmann]

Any idea when this work dates from?

A rendering for the Innocenti 1100 Spyder?

I can see why Zerk asked this, as the upsweep of the grille at the sides leading to the position of the headlights is very similar to the Innocenti, which was of course by Tom Tjaarda.  Which came first?

For what it's worth I think the design looks great!

Agreed, I think it's a fantastic looking proposal.

This dates from 1960, so actually about a year prior to the Innocenti!