"DuckDraper" (jjkiger93gmailcom)
06/26/2014 at 16:40 • Filed to: None
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"DuckDraper" (jjkiger93gmailcom)
06/26/2014 at 16:40 • Filed to: None | 0
| 0 |
Let me preface this article by saying that my favorite period of car design is the late pre-war era; which is more commonly known as the streamline or art deco era. I'm specifically referring to the period of time that had its start in the 1920's and saw its best designs in the latter half the 30s. This golden age of automobile design corresponded with what many airplane enthusiasts consider to be a golden age in aeronautical design as well. I believe this is the period where car design and engineering made its first big leap towards modernity. Coachbuilders began experimenting with highly organic and naturally beautiful designs. Thus, ditching the upright horseless carriage look that was seen in the early 20th century. I'm here to rank my 5 favorite examples of road-going streamliners. Whether it be for their engineering, or simply because I find them drop dead gorgeous here they are in no particular order. Tell me what are some of your favorite examples.
5. Rumpler Tropfenwagen
I simply can't talk about road-legal streamliners without talking about the Tropfenwagen. Engineered by Austrian Edmund Rumpler in 1921 this is the daddy of all road-going streamliners. Rumpler was also an aircraft designer which is apparent in this design. While from the side it may look upright, the key to this brilliant car's superlow CD of 0.28 is its thin fuselage-like body.
That drag coefficient of 0.28 is the genius of the Tropfenwagen. Most modern cars are either on par or worse than the slipperiness of this odd motor. With a mid-engined layout and a top speed of 70mph (fast back then), the Tropfenwagen was an early 20th century supercar. However, it achieved those speeds with only 36hp! An amazing leap forward and a good example next to many Lotuses and Miatas that show power can only get you so far. Sadly Rumpler was Jewish and was imprisoned in a concentration camp when the Nazis took power. He died in 1940 and his records were destroyed.
4. Avions Voisin C27 Aerosport Coupe
To me Voisins seem to be underrated when people discuss this era of streamliners. Most people bring up the Bugattis of that era, but as a self-admitted automotive hipster, I think Gabriel Voisin's cars deserve more attention. Here's a classy video of the C25 Aerodyne with some Verdi (I think.)
2. Tatra 87
A car so good the Nazi's copied it only to have T-87s take revenge on Nazi officers due to it's rear-engined layout. Torch gave it a nearly perfect review. I love Tatra's as much as he does. Especially the early pre-war cars with their rear fins.
They really don't do anything for aerodynamics nor, stability. Tatra's signature rear almost survived on the post-war T-603 as seen here on the prototype.
The T-77, T-87, T-97 and the post-war T-603 rock. End of discussion.
2. Delahaye 135MS Cabriolet by Figoni & Falaschi
These next two come in the making my heart skip a beat kind of beauty. Figoni & Falaschi are probably my favorite pre-war coachbuilders. An organic sensation this Delahaye Cabriolet is sex.
1. Hispano-Suiza H6C Dubonnet Xenia Streamliner by Saoutchik
It's the Batmobile in 1938 and also a mouthful. Saoutchik was another prominent prewar coachbuilder. The surface design seems to have an emphasis on being flush and smooth. It may seem like an insignificant detail nowadays but in an era of big braggadocious grilles and other archaic design features, this Hispano-Suiza looks uniquely modern.
Dat ass.
Honorable Mentions
Talbot-Lago T150C 'Jeancart Teardrop'
Rolls-Royce Phantom Jonckheere Aerodynamic Coupe
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic