Tribute to Indiana-built Automobiles
Carmel , Indiana is well known to locals -- and to traffic engineers worldwide -- for having 138 roundabouts and fewer than a dozen remaining intersections with traditional traffic signals . Love ‘ em or hate ‘ em , roundabouts in this city of 100,000 save gas and have cut the number of accidents almost in half .
I ’ m delighted about the latest addition to four roundabouts that share a border with Indianapolis — once king of auto production , before that title migrated north to Detroit . Four “ classic cars of Indiana ” are being recognized with giant sculptures in the four 96th Street roundabouts on Carmel ’ s southern edge .
Anderson , Indiana artist Arlon Bayliss -- known for his sculpture and glass work -- is creating salutes to the Marmon ( winner of the first Indy 500 ), the Cord , Stutz , and to Studebaker , all significant players at one time to automotive circles .
The Studebaker spires are meant to symbolize the “ Lazy S ” Studebaker logo first introduced in 1935 and later updated in 1963 with red and blue fields — just before the automaker folded .
Since I only live about three miles from this landmark , I thought my Studebaker Avanti should celebrate the installation . The sculpture is in place . Lights are up . Straw is down to grow grass . Say what you will about Carmel and its roundabouts , but the addition of public art is a marvelous salute to the Hoosier state ’ s rich automotive tradition . — Dave Arland
2 AVANTI Magazine Summer / Fall 2023 Issue 203