Neon Rides: A Journey Through the Radwood Era's Wild Vehicles
In the world of collector cars, the 1980s and 1990s have emerged as a golden age, captivating enthusiasts and millennials alike. The author, an aging millennial, finds themselves drawn to the allure of these decades, particularly through the lens of Neon Rides, a captivating book that explores the era's wild vehicles and pop culture trends.
The book, a collaboration between Gestalten and the Petersen Automotive Museum, is a stunning coffee table publication. Its large format and high-grade paper showcase 35 carefully curated vehicles, each photographed in a bright white studio setting. The author is immediately drawn to the book's aesthetic, with its minimalist cover featuring a white Lamborghini Countach, a perfect representation of the era.
The chapters are organized thematically, starting with "Zeitgeist," which introduces a diverse range of vehicles, including the iconic Countach 5000 S, the sleek Lotus Esprit Turbo, and the unexpectedly gaudy Gucci-designed Cadillac Seville. The "Motorcycles" chapter surprises with its inclusion of the Krauser Domani, a unique three-wheeler with a BMW engine, reminiscent of racing sidecar technology.
However, the author's personal connection to Neon Rides lies in the "Looking Forward" chapter. This section showcases concept cars from the 1980s and 1990s that inspired the author's dreams of becoming an automotive designer. The Italdesign Aztec and Ford Indigo stand out as iconic designs that evoke a sense of a brighter future.
Beyond the vehicles, Neon Rides offers a unique perspective on the era's pop culture. Non-automotive sections delve into fashion houses like Gucci and Versace, and video games like Hang-On and Daytona USA, providing a comprehensive view of the period's trends. This additional context adds depth to the book, making it more than just a collection of car photographs.
The author concludes that Neon Rides is a must-have for enthusiasts, offering a blend of stunning visuals and cultural insights. Despite its high price tag, the book's quality and content make it a valuable addition to any collection. While it may not provide extensive technical details, it serves as a beautiful time machine, evoking nostalgia and a deeper appreciation for the Radwood era's wild vehicles and cultural significance.
