Chevrolet Malibu vs Chevy Bel Air 1959

OK, so different security criteria were in effect then (how the Bel Air driver gets totally obliterated is quite terrifying), but I still wish new cars would at least have a hint of that old aesthetics. I am in the market for a small SUV and its one ugly design after another, e.g. check out the Honda CR-V from the back. Why does security/mpg/utility and beauty have to be either/or?