This paper describes a method for achieving a novel design within a class of 3D objects that would create a preferred impression on users. A morphable 3D model of car bodies that describes the variations in appearance using a smaller number of parameters was obtained. The physical parameters of the 3D objects that might strongly contribute to their visual impressions are sought through computational investigation of the impression ratings obtained for learning samples. “Car body” was selected in this work as the class of 3D objects to be investigated. Based on quantification of higher order impressions by the SD method, visual impression of the car body shape was transformed by manipulating the parameters defined in the morphable 3D model. The validity of the proposed method for impression transformation was confirmed by assessment made by the method of paired comparison