Things have come a long way since this “good old boys” photo of an AMC design team working on a clay model was released in the early 60’s. Maybe American Motors would have had better success if their cars were actually made out of clay. Products such as the Gremlin, Pacer and Javelin while innovative, all had major holes that eventually lead to AMC falling through one, and finally shutting its doors in the 80’s.

Fast forward to 2007 where visitors to the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show will be able to watch a life-size “concept car” being sculpted out of clay. The final model will be completed on November 24^th.

Mallory McMorrow of Notre Dame beat out nearly 300 contestants to win the Mazda Design Challenge hosted on Facebook. McMorrow’s 150-word description of the 2018 MAZDA3, combined with the talent of Mazda designer Jacques Flynn, led to this sketch that will be transformed into the model. McMorrow will work with Mazda designers on the stage to complete the full size project.

In Mallory’s own 150 words - “A decade from now, I want a car that doesn’t believe in falling into a category. A car that makes sure sedan and hatchback are no longer four letter words. A chassis made to handle every s curve that comes its way. Fast. I want a car with the body and soul of a sports car, but a car that knows that sometimes I want to bring my friends, my things, or my dog. I want a car that has a sunroof that’s actually a sunroof, not a sun-one-quarter roof. I want a car that causes heads to turn – even before the first rev of the engine. I want a car that went from concept to showroom without meeting muted for the masses – unapologetically. I want a MAZDA3 that gets me – the everyday sports car, the 5-door that makes me forget I own a 5-door.”

Nice job Mallory!