In 1957, Alex and Syd designed a concept car for Ford called the Gyron, which was a two-wheeled vehicle of the future. However, after only two years with Ford's design team, Syd left Ford's studio to pursue a career in illustrating books and catalogs for other manufacturing companies such as United States Steel, Celanese, and Allis Chambers. In the 1960s, the United States Steel provided books that were very inspiring and had superb transportation design art work for review.
Syd had a futuristic vision and a creative idea for a future world. The design concepts illustrated by Syd were a tool of education, a theater of entertainment, and a symbol of status. Syd's evolution in automotive design and engineering were the proliferation of vehicle types to serve the diverse needs of the market. This added dimensions and opportunities for applying new steels and developing new techniques for utilizing familiar steel products.
In 1975, Syd moved to California where he published his own book titled "Sentinel" which features a collection of his works from various projects. Syd's other work includes motion pictures films such as Star Trek, Tron, and Alien movies. Syd also designed a 747 interior a yacht and the spaceship 2056 pavilion in Japan. Several magazines have featured Syd's art work and designs.
In 1998, Syd relocated his studio to Pasadena where he continues to be involved in a variety of design projects. During May of 2007, Syd completed a documentary of his accomplished work with director Joaquin Matalvan titled "Visual Futurist". As of recently, Syd was honored for his artwork featured on the 2011 EyesOn Design car show poster. Syd's work has inspired so many designers all over the world and will continue to inspire many generations to come.
A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating his story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Images are courtesy of Robert Tate. Please do not use any photographs without the permission of MotorCities/Robert Tate. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org
If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at: lambriez@motorcities.org