Best Automotive Design of All Time - Page 3

Cal Metal · #41 (**permalink**) 02-08-2003, 09:12 PM

The Scarab was my second choice; however, the design of the Gullwing really has no historical peer. It is about as original a design as one can imagine. Pretty different from the rest of the crowd in '56. The general shape--long front, short deck is what inspired the design of the '56-'57 Corvette.

Excaliber · #42 (**permalink**) 02-08-2003, 09:28 PM

Objection Your Honor! This was for "street" cars not race cars! "Over Ruled".

OK,,,,,,carry on,,,,,,,,

Ernie

TerrysSPF · #43 (**permalink**) 02-08-2003, 09:38 PM

How about the Volkswagen "Thing".....remember those! (wish I had a scanner!).

I gotta go with a '63 Split window Vette. It was ahead of it's time and still looks good today.

'56 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing is up there too along with a '54 Jag XK 120 and '62 Ferrari 250 GTO. Always been partial to the Cobra's too.

As far as "new" cars go, I think the new Jag S-Types are pretty sweet - especially from the front! Get the type "R" and you have a 400HP 4-door family car!

Gordon Claunch · #44 (**permalink**) 02-08-2003, 09:50 PM

speed220mph, I'm with you, the Duesenbergs are beautiful!!!
I went to a show at Petersons automotive museum there was a gorgeous red model J, prettiest car I have ever seen, I think it may belong to Bruce Meyer, oh to be rich!!!

Jamo · #45 (**permalink**) 02-08-2003, 10:31 PM

BinB, Oinie

One sits at the Blackhawk (might be a different year) across the floor from a Royale. Between these two cars, the rather small Atlantic and the one that only an elephant could serve righteously as the hood ornament, you see the genius that was Bugatti (father and son)--everything in relationship to the size so that you never know how big (or small) it is until you stand next to one--that to me IS design.

I love the spine of the Atlantic--a row of rivets that Evan would have an orgasm over. The droop of the side window--not to mimic the slope of the teardrop roof, but certainly emphasizing it--again, pure design for design's sake.

I rate the Atlantic up there with the paper clip, Wright's "Falling Water", the Panerai crown lock, etc.

Steve Kirkham · #46 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 12:16 AM

Dusie and the NSX or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Probably Chitty, though the front suspension is downright frightning..

The bodywork was all either polished metal or polished cedar (red cedar with white cedar).

The exhaust on one of the Chittys was polished copper. My most favorite car color ever.

Steve.

Cal Metal · #47 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 08:55 AM

Speaking of the Atlantic, Chrysler, a few years ago, had a concept car based on a design very similar to the Atlantic. I think they called it the Atlantis and then changed the name to something else. It resembled the new concept car that Cadillac debuted in Detroit.

computerworks · #48 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 09:07 AM

Don · #49 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 10:13 AM

The one I owned:

1967 Jaguar XKE Coupe 4.2 w/ covered headlights using an Abarth exhaust system

Excaliber · #50 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 10:39 AM

Does it count if you "owned" it? lol

Ernie

KobraKarl · #51 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 10:57 AM

Cal/Ron,

I guess you could call it an atlantic or an atlanta or atlantis, but all I hear it saying to me is..............BUICK RIVIERA

Steve Kirkham · #52 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve Kirkham

..blah blan Chitty ...

Steve. [/b]

.

Sorry, didn't think about the question very well. I shouldn't post past midnight. Thanks for not riding me about it.

Chitty was undoubtedly the best execution I've seen, but not the best design. But then, when you throw that kind of cash at a hollywood project, it better be good.

I'd have to say the best design would have to be the vw bug. Accidentally aerodynamic, designed from the get-go to last forever, instead of planned obsolescence. I think theyre up in the mid 30's of millions produced, and still going strong in mexico. (the new bug does not count, totally different car).

I guess a good follow up question is:
What car would you most want to have, if everybody else could get one too? In other words, what car would still be great even if it were mass produced?

btsai · #53 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 12:18 PM

With all of the Lamborghini replicas running around these days, I'm surprised no one has done a Miura. Originals are certainly expenive enough now a days... Check this one out -- incredible restoration.

http://www.miurasv.com/5064/index.html

Seems like you could start with a GT-40 chassis...

Ben

Steve Kirkham · #54 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by btsai

With all of the Lamborghini replicas running around these days, I'm surprised no one has done a Miura. Originals are certainly expenive enough now a days... Check this one out -- incredible restoration.

http://www.miurasv.com/5064/index.html

Seems like you could start with a GT-40 chassis...

Ben

Thanks for helping me take a fresh look at the Muria. I've never liked the headlights, and I haven't looked any farther. That is really a good looking car.

On the other hand, starting with a GT40 chassis ignores the fact that most americans are overweight. The GT40's have huge internal pontoons to get over, leaving little room for seats. The one here is unbelivably beautiful, but I can't fit in it. So I wouldn't buy anything based on that chassis.

btsai · #55 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 01:10 PM

Okay Steve -- I see I've whetted your appetite for the car. I'm not married to the GT-40 chassis idea. And at least one of use has the resources to produce a car... Whaddya think? LOL

Ben

Bob Parmenter · #56 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 01:43 PM

Ben,
Though not an accurate replica, the Fiberfab Co. of the late '60's produced a kit car called the Jamaican that very closely resembled the Miura body style. They produced it in three iterations: 1) a body to drop on any of three Brit chassis, Healy, TR, or MG, 2) the ever popular VW bug chassis, 3) a version on their own , front engine, rectangular tube chassis.

btsai · #57 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 02:42 PM

Hey Bob -- Yup, I'm old enough to rememer the Jamaican. I almost mentioned it in my earlier post. I always found it to be sort of a cross between the Ferrari Daytona and the Miura. Those old kit cars sure did have thick window frames. Not an elegant design in my opinion.

Here's one that is in need of some repair - but at least you can see the general shape...

Ben

BigEasy · #58 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 03:59 PM

I think it's been said already, but in my eyes, it has to be the '67 E-Type Coupe, Series 1, 4.2 liter, tri-SU's. For 1967, hard to beat the sexy lines.....made such an impression on me, that I've owned one for almost 20 yrs.

Too bad their value is way off these days, but since I have blood, sweat and and way too much $$ in mine, it's to be enjoyed.

I have to say though, when it comes to thumbs up from other drivers, the Cobra is far and away the winner.

BigEasy

Back in Black · #59 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 05:40 PM

Why does the "atlantis" look so much better than the new Viper ? ?

Why didn't they use the Atlantis for the redesign, it looks very Viperish. Oh well, I suppose the rareified air in Detroit fashion circles cuts the oxygen content

STG · #60 (**permalink**) 02-09-2003, 06:00 PM