Dietrich was a German singer and actress that came to fame about the same time Ronald Reagan did in his first career. While she was in a lot of films that I personally have never seen, it is this one song that conjures up some sort of emotion in anyone that listens. What emotion? There are as many answers to that question as there are people on this planet. To me, her voice and that song say one word. Elegance.
Do the lyrics scream elegance? Nope. Is the music particularly elegant? No, especially considering most recordings one would find of this song sound like they were recorded when Gone With The Wind was new in theaters. And then there is the German born Marlene. A stunning, blonde woman that belted out a tune years ago that still resonates with people today – no matter who tries to cover it. From Billie Holiday to Christina Aguilera, none have come close. It’s that timelessness that is Elegant.
As a car guy, I try to find elegance in cars. Only problem, it is really hard to find elegance without opulence. Think an old Deusenberg in a black and white film and you see elegance. Think a modern day Rolls Royce in a hip-hop video and you see opulence. That is the difference. But does elegance exist today in the car world?
Yes! I found it in a very unlikely place. One not unknown to the lovely and gracious Dietrich. Germany.
Before you banish me as blind or the village idiot, I will admit that car design coming out of Germany since 2002 has been no where near elegant. It hasn’t even been attractive. Certain designs from Munich would be better classified under the heading brick shithouse. However, there is one car that I can hear Marlene singing in my ear every time it goes down the road. The Audi A5.
There is no other way to put it. The A5 and its sportier sister, the S5, are stunning to look at. They are a classically beautiful not unlike Ms Dietrich. But it is what makes this car so attractive that is unique. Its proportions.
Looking at the pictures don’t really tell the whole picture. The A5 is just a tad bigger than most other coupes on the market. As such, there is a bit more room for the lines to flow over the body. Kind of like putting an evening gown on your best girl. Yes, she may look great in jeans and baseball cap, but in the dress everyone wonders what she is doing with you. At least those are the comments I got during my week with the A5. Even though it has been on the road some time, it still stands out.
I’d like to think I appreciate beauty that is more than skin deep. The A5 does have an inner beauty.