In the earliest days of the automobile there was a singular emphasis on function rather than form. This newly mechanized contraption was deemed an oddity, a nuisance, a strange diversion from the realm of transportation that was otherwise solidly tied to the reliable horse. The new mechanized contrivance was dismissed as an aberration by many. It was neither attractive nor particularly useful.
But by those who took the motor vehicle more seriously, there was a growing awareness of its potential functionality. Those people most favorably disposed to the whole idea in the beginning saw its future as a serviceable "workhorse" without concern for its appearance.
Yes, perhaps it was a bit like a toy, and yes it was limited. But it was a machine, and machines, particularly the newly invented ones, are functional-not pretty.
Perhaps only gradually there developed a realizaton that the beauty reserved for the more elegant of the horse-drawn carriages of the period might just as well be applied to these machines. When that realization took hold, it was only a short jump to the creation of vehicles with a flair for appearance. After all, these things were being made as individual one-of-a-kind conveyances, and a distinguishing appearance might be a significant means for showing off your building skills. Thus was born the first appreciation for form as well as function in the automotive world. But that awareness was destined to undergo a de-emphasis as Henry Ford focused the world's attention on interchangeability, assembly lines, and a return to functional uniformity.
It is widely known, but just as widely taken for granted, that the automobile is a direct development from the days of horse-drawn carriages. "Horseless carriage" is one of the earliest designations for the automobile. Today, collectors frequently like to group vehicles in various periods or eras based on when they were created.
The earliest of these eras is usually accepted as the horseless carriage years. At the end of this period a popular concept emerged as the norm, and the Brass Era was born. But the beginnings of automotive body design were deeply seated in the well-established industry of carriage building. Those beginnings are rich and profound, and are characterized by a full awareness for beauty and workmanship as well as the functionality of vehicles.
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