The biggest thing I was struck with (and I mean that nearly literally) is the Ford Flex. I’ve seen the commercials, witnessed more than a couple on the streets and freeways in Ventura County, and read some of the pro reviews. So here’s my take, from a visual artist’s point of view.
Picture, if you will, a hard-chargin’, ten-gallon hat-wearin’, Texas born-and-bred Ford executive, squeezing behind the wheel of his nephew’s much-ballyhooed Mini Cooper (or, more likely, Mini Clubman). “Say, this is a snappy little car! But you know what would make it perfect for our customers? Billy Bob, tell your mom we’re running this by the McDonald’s to Super Size it!”
Honestly, the white roof, the slab sides, the upright angles…all we need is an option to paint an American flag on the top (a’la the Mini’s Union Jack) and we’ve got the Big Mac of the people movers.
The only Flex I’ve seen that looks remotely pleasing, design-wise, is a one-off commissioned by Galpin Motorsports in the San Fernando Valley. It still retains the white roof, but the rest of the car is slathered in an orange color that goes from dark at the bottom to a bright medium metallic across the beltline. Combine that with a tasteful not-too-dark tint and it comes across as a perfect So Cal beach cruiser. One that could hold much of the beach, mind you, but still tastefully large. If there is such a thing.
Don’t get me wrong, here; I like a big vehicle as much as the next red-blooded American. We used to drive a 99 Yukon Denali (11 mpg); my little sister drives an 08 Hummer H2. But this thing strikes me as big for the sake of big, 24 mpg or not.
Mini did all the design work; Ford's just biting, and hoping that the aftermarket can come through with some taste. Good luck, guys.
