The Baby Blue was awarded an Honorable Mention and displayed at the 2002-Model California International Auto Show in Anaheim, California.

My heartfelt thanks to Dany for coaching me as I worked on what we ultimately named the Baby Blue. I show it here with shots of the original Arnolt Bristol.

And here is the Design Synopsis:

Past Technology VS. Modern Technical Advancements:

- Engine and fuel source development: In staying true to the essence of the original Arnolt Bristol, the 2002 model would have a lightweight inline 6 cylinder engine. Inline 6 cylinder engines are very responsive and despite trends towards alternative fuel vehicles, I don't think current technology is ready to provide the kind of performance and lightness that this car needs. It would also help to keep development and final costs down.

- Materials: The car would be made with a combination of lightweight metals including aluminum, special alloys, and appropriate composites and plastics for the interior and exterior. Performance, strength, and reliability are the most important factors.

- Vehicle components and momentum source: The car will be front engine and rear wheel drive. This would allow for simplicity in production and easy sourcing of certain materials and components from other manufacturers to keep costs down in a low volume vehicle such as this. The carss light weight and proportions will allow for superior function especially when combined with todayss braking and suspension technology.

- Occupant safety: Structural elements along with changing safety features such as crush zones, unibody construction, air bags, etc. have drastically improved safety since the 1950ss. Pop-up roll bars will protect the occupants in case of a roll over. An anti-lock braking system would be available but may be turned off by the driver when on the track.

- Ergonomics and automotive amenities: the 2002 Arnolt Bristol is a secondary car made for the enjoyment of driving. As a result, luxuries would be limited to power windows, a stereo system, and air conditioning. This allows for a reduction in excess weight and these features would not hinder on the spirit of the original car even though they were not features available on it.

Industry Trends and Motivational Factors:

- Government Regulations: The major change in the exterior of the vehicle versus the original is the use of integrated bumpers. The original car had very limited bumpers on the corners of the vehicle. Air bags would also be provided for both occupants in the car. Otherwise, remaining regulations would not effect the design of the car except by adding to the overall weight.

Social Needs and Lifestyle Trends:

The 2002 Arnolt Bristol meets consumer needs in:

- Safety- Passenger safety is provided with the use of crush zones, pop-up roll bars, air bags, and unibody construction.

- Comfort- As a two seater, the car fits two adults comfortably and provides bucket seats and adequate space for a car its size.

- Function- The car operates in a traditional manner, anyone can drive it and maintain it without having to learn to use new technology.

- Size- The car would be about 160 long and 70 wide making it very maneuverable in todayss busier streets and highways.

- Image- The 2002 Arnolt Bristol, like the original is designed for buyers who want to be different and stand out in a crowd not for excess wealth, but for being original and fun.

- Economy- While this is a sports car, its lightweight and inline 6 cylinder engine would provide for good fuel economy.

- Luxury- The car is designed for pure driving enjoyment but still provides basic luxuries such as A/C and stereo.

- Performance- With a responsive Inline-6, a lightweight body, and performance oriented suspension in a compact package, the 2002 Arnolt Bristol would be quick and nimble and at home as much on the track as it would be on the streets.

Consumer Economic Position:

The cost of the 2002 Arnolt Bristol would be in the range of $40-$55,000 depending on the users preference for more specialized performance features such as ceramic brakes, track oriented wheels and tires, and similar components. It is targeted for the type of young business man or woman who is a car enthusiast, likes nostalgia, wants to have fun on the weekend, stand out in a crowd, and go on the track without having to spend a fortune on a high maintenance exotic car. The potential buyer would see the 2002 Arnolt Bristol as a stylish, high performance car with a tremendous fun factor. It is also the type of vehicle that would have enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts talking about it, much like people used to do back in the 50ss when a car was also the beginning of a conversation with complete strangers.

Design Trends:

The original Arnolt Bristol had a beautifully sculptured body that combined rounded and hard-edge styling into a graceful form albeit with an awkward graphic treatment in the front. I maintained the essence of the form of the original as well as the awkward styling of the lights and grille in order to bring back the feel of the 50ss car and provide a historic connection while allowing the car to stand alone in its distinctive facial expression. Aerodynamics forced a few changes including lowering the vehicle and changing the form of the lower body for improvements in safety and performance especially at the vehicless limits. But they did not hinder the overall design process.

© Joumana Medlej