# Classic designs **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 6, 2002, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973 "2002-12-06T18:01:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/1 "2002-12-06T18:01:01Z")
This is inspired by a question about [Seven Classic Product Designs](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2678336#post2678336) in the GQ forum. I’m not sure if anyone has found a canonical list but here are my nominations for the list. North American P-51D Mustang Ferdinand Porsche’s _Volkswagen_ Lockeed Super Constellation airliner Samuel Colt’s 1860 army pistol Beechcraft Staggerwing Biplane Les Paul’s Gibson guitar John Browning’s Colt 1911 pistol My own list is changed slightly since I posted in the other tread. I removed the Les Paul guitar becuse it was derived from the shape of the spanish guitar in solidbody form. The Speed Graphic camera was removed because not enough people would know what the hell I was talking about. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/2 "2002-12-06T18:11:55Z")
Argh, what a dumbass. I forgot to edit out the Les Paul guitar. Scratch that and replace it with: … thinking 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two door ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/3 "2002-12-06T18:25:52Z")
1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. ---
**Author:** ![Algernon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a183cd/32.png) [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/4 "2002-12-06T19:32:52Z")
OK. Here’s my (amended) list that was inappropriately posted in the thread linked to in the OP… … the Boeing 747 … the DC-3 … the British Spitfire … the F7 diesel locomotive … the C&O 2-6-6-6 Steam engine … the 1957 Thunderbird (Ah no, I’m _not_ a transportation freak, why do you ask?) ---
**Author:** ![Jayrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/5 "2002-12-06T19:36:19Z")
I’d love to contribute to this list, but could someone venture a guess as to what the criteria are for a classic design? I take it from **Padeye** ’s post that it can’t be something derived from something else? For example, could I suggest the classic swivel desk-chair? ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/6 "2002-12-06T20:14:29Z")
Jay, the criteria can be whatever you decide. Heck, I’m not even completely consistent in my own critieria. IMVHO an excellent design has beauty, function, originality and a long ueful life. Some things have a shorter useful life than others. No need for Mustangs and Spitfires after jets took their place. I think Algernon, like myself, chose things that are very utilitarian and that have beauty that comes out of a functional design. Not everyone can see the beauty in a locomotive as it doesn’t have to be as sleek as a Lockheed Constellation but the beauty of function is there. ---
**Author:** ![Algernon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a183cd/32.png) [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/7 "2002-12-06T20:25:46Z")
(smile) Well said **Padeye**. I was trying to compose an answer regarding _why_ I put the things on my list, but you’ve said it better than what was in my head. As I was thinking about it though, there is one attribute that seems to appeal to my sense of design beauty… a squatty nose. An almost childlike “face”. The F7, the 747, the H-8 (2-6-6-6 locomotive) all share this characteristic. I’ve always liked the P40 WWII fighter plane better than the P51, perhaps for this reason. And as I think about it I’m moved to suggest that the snub-nosed 38 revolver perhaps could be added to my list. And interestingly, I almost added the Constellation to my list, but feel it’s revered more for its rarity than its form. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/8 "2002-12-06T20:48:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Padeye \* > \*\*Argh, what a dumbass. I forgot to edit out the Les Paul guitar. Scratch that and replace it with: > … thinking > > 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two door \*\* Howabout replacing it with a Fender Stratocaster - rounded sides, contoured body, light weight, tremolo… I think the [Aeron Chair](http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/product/0,1469,c201-pss1-p8,00.html) ought to fit the bill. And the Sony Walkman. And the original bondi blue [iMac](http://www.theimac.com/info/iMac_Rev_A_B_8_15_98.shtml), if just for the translucent color scheme. As well as the uni-ball micro. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/9 "2002-12-06T21:32:01Z")
Good point Mack. I like the Les Paul better but the Stratocaster was a more original design. The Broadcaster/Telecaster/Esquire broke from the tradional spanish guitar and the Strat and precision bass were natural evolutions of the new shape. And uni-ball miro pens rock! I buy those &\*@%ers by the case 😃 I have yet to find a pen with a better writing feel though I really like those cheap Shaffer fountain pens. Squatty noses huh Algernon. Hmm. I’ve always been partial to longer noses on my doggies and kitty cats. No pugs, boxers or persians for me. I think that’s reflected in our respective choices. We could have a whole discussion on that aline. Like Freud (should have) said “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar… but usually it’s a penis.” rofl I think the Connie was rare because of it’s niche in history. It came along postwar when there were already a lot of other piston engine planes around and jets were just around the corner. Rare yes but there are at least three in Tucson. Two are at the Pima Air Museum and one you can actually learn to fly if you can pony up the bucks. It like the '60 Army Colt are the epitome of sleek and graceful. ---
**Author:** ![Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac8455/32.png) [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/10 "2002-12-06T22:56:07Z")
A vote for Macintosh Chair, Sydney Oppera House, Concord Paperclip Katana (Japanese long sword) Bugatti Type 51 The Beefburger Cheers, Keithy ---
**Author:** ![cj\_finn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@cj\_finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cj_finn)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/11 "2002-12-06T23:04:09Z")
I can tell that I’ve been in my profession too long when a simple question about designs raises all kinds of questions of functionality vs. aesthetic qualities. Without getting into criteria, i’ll just add that exotice wood and brass woodworking tools have to be some of the coolest objects around. Ulitmatum marking guage Spear & Jackson brass back dovetail saw Spiers infill smoother in naval bronze and ebony ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/12 "2002-12-06T23:45:07Z")
The Coke bottle. The Bowie knife Mag-lite flashlights The Space Shuttle ---
**Author:** ![stockton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@stockton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stockton)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2002, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/13 "2002-12-06T23:59:59Z")
From my cite in the other thread: The Chrysler Building From my top drawer: Victorinox Swiss Army Knife From Hasbro(?): Rock’em Sock’em Robots ---
**Author:** ![Jayrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/14 "2002-12-07T02:08:05Z")
> [@](#): > > Mag-lite flashlights Thats a good one. How about: a tumbler glass (coctails etc.) Ray-Ban sunglasses Snake lamp/light Crescent Wrench CaseLogic-style CD book ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/15 "2002-12-07T02:23:03Z")
Do they have to be name brands? If not, I’d suggest: The spring-loaded mouse trap The QWERTY keyboard The toilet paper roll The Penn State football uniform Happy ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/16 "2002-12-07T02:59:07Z")
I’ll nominate the 1957 Chevrolet. It is second behind the VW Beetle as the most recognizable automobile ever made but is much more a classic design then the Bug. The Campbell’s Soup can label. Hasn’t changed much in 70 years. The classic hamburger. A round white bread roll sliced in two, a slab of beef, a lettuce leaf, catsup, mustard, and don’t forget a pickle. And it has probably been the one food item that has changed the way man eats more than any one food product ever devised. ---
**Author:** ![racinchikki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@racinchikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racinchikki)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/17 "2002-12-07T03:01:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Padeye \* > \*\*The Speed Graphic camera was removed because not enough people would know what the hell I was talking about. \*\* They would once they saw it! The Speed Graphic is one of those things that nobody knows the name of but you know it when you see it. Kinda like the tunes “The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down” and “Powerhouse.” For those of you who don’t recognize the term: [A picture.](http://www.gibbes.com/images/1974.12.155.JPG) Handsome Dan there is the photographer Weegee, who is apparently famous even though I’ve never seen a picture by him that I recognize. ---
**Author:** ![annieclaus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5a626/32.png) [@annieclaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/annieclaus)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/18 "2002-12-07T04:13:52Z")
I don’t remember the name of the book I read on this topic, but it included the Green Bay Packers Uniform as an example of classic design. As an inveterate Cheesehead, I would agree! ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/19 "2002-12-07T04:28:13Z")
Classic design remains classic whatever the time period. Rather than throw everything into one list, I decided to categorize them. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far: **Aeronautical, military** Fokker Triplane Supermarine Spitfire Mitsubishi Zero B-17 Flying Fortress F-86 Sabre SR-71 Blackbird B-2 Spirit **Aeronautical, civilian** Wright Brothers’ Flyer 1 Hindenberg Spirit of St Louis Douglas DC-3 Lockheed Constellation Boeing 747 Rutan Long-EZ **Automotive** Ford Model T Volkswagen Beetle Rolls Royce Phantom II Aston Martin DB5 Porsche 911 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air [Thanks to **racer72** for this one] **Buildings, modern high-rise** Empire State Building Chrysler Building World Trade Center ☹ [I could list seven from New York alone, but in fairness to other places] Sears Tower Hancock Building Transamerica Pyramid Bank of China Tower **Buildings, pre-modern** Stonehenge The Great Pyramid The Parthenon The Colloseum St Peter’s Basilica Notre Dame The Taj Mahal **Bridges** Brooklyn Bridge Golden Gate Bridge Firth of Forth Bridge Campo Volantin Footbridge Sunshine Skyway Bridge Tower Bridge Tacoma Narrows Bridge [a classic failure] ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2002, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973/20 "2002-12-07T04:41:29Z")
1. Absolutely anything designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. 2. Blue Blazer [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-designs/140973.md?page=2)