I love cars as objects. Old cars were so much more artfully designed than new vehicles — not that new cars aren’t designed with the beauty of efficiency, it’s just the primary purpose isn’t appearance, as is so evident in old rides. I came across a 1971 Fiat 500 around the corner. The 2012 model suddenly seems to be everywhere. But the 40-year old’s mirror alone proves my point. Look at this beautiful object, comme gli seni di Venus de Milo.
![IMG_1909_lo](http://www.peterferko.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_1909_lo.jpg)
![venus_de_milo_louvre_crop](http://www.peterferko.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/venus_de_milo_louvre_crop.jpg)
Here’s the whole car, with its 2012 update below Even the Hipstamatic distortion can’t help the youngster look hip.
![IMG_1913_lo](http://www.peterferko.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_1913_lo.jpg)
![IMG_1906_lo](http://www.peterferko.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_1906_lo.jpg)
I keep lusting after those older models (I’m forever in love with the 1960’s Porsche 356 roadster), but the last time I owned a 70’s vehicle, my sedate Mercedes sedan, repairs almost broke the bank.
But it’s not the same to look at these in photos; thank god I still get to see them sometimes, like rare birds and beasts.