In its 30th year, the annual EyesOn Design fundraiser will take place Father’s Day weekend, June 16 – 18. Nearly 300 invitation-only vehicles from all over the globe will be on display to showcase innovation in automotive design. Festivities also include a tour of two impressive collections: the eclectic collection of Larry Smith, celebrating all things automotive; and the Lingenfelter Collection, one of the top rated car collections in the world. Money raised from the events supports the work of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO), the research arm of Henry Ford Health System. The DIO helps the visually impaired and blind of southeastern Michigan and organizes two leading world research congresses.
The 30th annual EyesOn Design Automotive Design Exhibition will highlight vehicles which represent era-defining body styles and illustrate the critical role design plays in the creation of automobiles uniquely suited for various lifestyles and purposes. The exhibition is open to the public for browsing and individual vehicles will be judged by experts using professional design criteria: emotional appeal, execution, artistic excellence, and design character and continuity.
Special collections on display include:
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- Pure Michigan: Built in Ypsilanti and Willow Run Examples of three famous automobiles created or built in Ypsilanti’s Willow Run Assembly facility following the cessation of World War II aircraft production; Tucker, Kaiser-Frazer and General Motors' Corvair.
- Crosley: An American Original A collection of petite Crosley's including 5 prototypes - from the very first one produced to the end of production in 1952.
- Traditional Hot Rods A group of vehicles demonstrating the early flatheads contribution to the birth of hot rodding, the evolution of the hot rod as overhead valve engines became the new choice for a new generation of young hot rodders and finally, a depiction of today’s “Race Of Gentlemen”, the celebration of traditional hot rod competition on the beach race tracks of the East and West coasts..
- Convertible Coupes of the 1930s Stylish and powerful twist on the roadster, including medium to premium priced automobiles with rumbleseat and roll up windows making a more comfortable space for the driver and passenger.
- Designs for the Farmer This collection of tractors highlights the aesthetically pleasing and functional designs created during the last 100 years in the United States, but primarily between 1937 and 1966.
“EyesOn Design is one of America’s premier automotive events,” said Kathy Lightbody, EyesOn Design Chairman. “Unlike other shows where cars are judged on restoration and/or authenticity, the exterior of each vehicle at EyesOn Design is judged. This unique event attracts members of the transportation design community, collectors, and the public. It is such a treat to see cars of this caliber showcased at one event.”
One of the extraordinary cars on exhibit will be an 800HP 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 from the Lingenfelter Collection.
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“We are proud to be a part of such a renowned event,” said Ken Lingenfelter, owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. “This show has always been one of the highlights of our year and we are very pleased to bring additional attention to the exhibition and increase donations to the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology by opening the doors to our collection.”
Although the main exhibition will open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 18, enthusiasts may begin several days of automotive browsing and education by attending any or all of the events listed below. Proceeds from all of the activities will benefit the Henry Ford Health System's Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO).
Saturday, June 3 Tour the Collection of Larry Smith, Founder of Autometric Collision
11:00 am – 3:00 pm 888 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac
Rarely open to the public, the collection is an eclectic celebration of all things automotive. Get up close with cars that range from an über rare 1936 Stout Scarab, to classics, hot rods and more.
Suggested Donation: $15 at the door
Friday, June 16 Vision Honored: Black-tie Gala and Silent Auction
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms
A gala affair for automotive and design industry insiders, honoring Lifetime Design Achievement Award recipient visual futurist Syd Mead. Mead also created the artwork for the 30th annual EyesOn Design Automotive Design Exhibition commemorative poster.
Tickets: $175/person; $1500/table of ten
Reservations: Judi Dara (313)824-4710, jdara@dioeyes.org
Saturday, June 17 Tour the Lingenfelter Collection
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Lingenfelter Collection, 7819 Lochlin Drive, Brighton, MI
One of the top rated car collections in the world will open its doors to the public. The Lingenfelter Collection is the private collection of Ken and Kristen Lingenfelter. Over 200 distinctive vehicles, comprised of Corvettes, Muscle Cars and Exotics, fill the large facility in Brighton.
Suggested Donation: $15 tickets at the door.
Sunday, June 18 Automotive Design Exhibition
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
Tickets: $25 per person. Children 12 & under free w/adult, at the gate
Sunday, June 18 Private Eyes Champagne Brunch
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Front Lawn, 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores
Tickets: $85/person; $800/table of ten; $25/children 12 & under
Reservations: www.eyesondesign.org or Judi Dara (313) 824-4710,
Through the above events, EyesOn Design remains a major source of funding for the DIO's research, education and support group programs for the visually impaired. For more information on the EyesOn Design and reservations visit: www.eyesondesign.org.
