This year promoters of the event would like it to become more than the best kept secret of Michigans many automotive exhibitions
EyesOn Design Automotive Design Exhibition
Earlier today at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (believe us, it's more than a house) in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, the annual media preview was held for the 27th EyesOn Design Automotive Design Exhibition.
During remarks made to the assembled members of the fifth estate, Bob Ashton, General Chairman of the event, noted that of all the car shows taking place this summer in and around Detroit, the EyesOn Design exhibition is probably the area's "best kept secret."
He was, in fact, absolutely right. But he also wants to change that and we here at Lot Pro are determined to get the word out.
2014 EyesOn Design
Perhaps people are put off by the fact that it's called an "automotive design exhibition" rather than a car show or concours. Another reason might be the intimidation factor: the event is held on the grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a 20,000 square foot manor of 60-plus rooms inspired by cottages in the Cotswolds and surrounded by an estate of 87 acres that includes such amenities as a man-made lagoon, rose gardens, a swimming pool and an eight car garage that features a turntable to rotate cars, making backing out unnecessary.
Be that as it may, the 2014 edition of the exhibition promises to be a memorable one. As in years past, vehicles are chosen based on the current theme and by invitation only, with approximately 200 to 300 vehicles on display this Father's Day.
In addition, the event typically features special exhibitions as well as concept and production vehicles which debuted during the previous year's auto show circuit, including ones which were awarded at EyesOn Design at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January.
Among this year's categories are:
• 50th Anniversary of the GTO – Goats from the original 1964 to 1974 era as well as 2004 to 2006 models
• Classic Era – Vehicles from the 30's – think The Great Gatsby or The Godfather
• Dodge Centennial – 100 years of Dodge cars including the 1955 La Femme and the 1969 Charger made famous by the Dukes of Hazzard
• Color, Chrome and Fins – Celebrating cars from the 1950s
• 1964 New York World's Fair – Highlights include the Chrysler Turbine car and one of the actual Ford vehicles from Walt Disney's Magic Skyway ride
• 50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang – its 50 years and counting for Ford's iconic pony car
• Tuners – Celebrating tech-savvy youth who tune their cars with the computer as much as with mechanical components
• Muscle Cars – Celebrating those vehicles of the ‘60s and ‘70s that added cruising Woodward to popular culture
• Working Class Cars of 1928 – Affordable vehicles that helped manufacturers survive the great depression
• Cars of Flint – Celebrating the cars that made the Vehicle City famous
• Personal Luxury Coupes – Starting with the 1955 Thunderbird it includes such icons as the Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado
• Movie & TV Cars – Such movie "classics" as "Herbie", the Green Hornet's "Black Beauty" and the "Monkeemobile" GTO
• Maserati – Maserati is also celebrating its 100th birthday
• Stock to Rock – Last year, this category featured such vehicles as "The Little Deuce Coupe" featured on a Beach Boys album cover, so expect more of the same this weekend
• Military Vehicles – Military vehicles produced from 1942-1945 that influenced the modern automobile industry
• Indian Motorcycles – Classic motorcycles produced between 1901 and 1953
Event Information
2014 Theme: Automotive Design's Influence on Popular Culture
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
General Admission: $20.
Children under 12 free with adult. Active duty military free with ID.
A benefit for Henry Ford Health System's Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, EyesOn Design is a major source of funding for the DIO's research, education and support group programs for the visually impaired. The DIO is a division of the Department of Ophthalmology of the non-profit Henry Ford Health System.
