What is the most beautiful car ever? [Archive]

AgeGap

28th February 2009, 06:12 AM

JihadJane

28th February 2009, 06:30 AM

An old dead one in the woods providing habitat for wildlife.

Bikewer

28th February 2009, 07:28 AM

Well.... Let's just be charitable and say that the Citroen would not have made my top ten.

Or 20, or 50......

Travis

28th February 2009, 07:37 AM

1957 Corvette in cherry red.

hgc

28th February 2009, 08:46 AM

I'm thinking there's a Jag E-type in there somewhere. Now I'm going to click to see...

OK. I looked. Wow! I was so about to say the Citroen. That's been my favorite car since I was about 12.

I see my E-type made it in at #7

quarky

28th February 2009, 11:07 AM

mine, ever since I abstracted its original form with a tree.

Professor Yaffle

28th February 2009, 11:19 AM

You can't beat...http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/coopersport/index_files/mini01.jpg

Jeff Corey

28th February 2009, 11:29 AM

I always liked the Stude Avanti.http://www.stillcruisincarclub.com/images/ClubCars/Pepin1963StudebakerAvanti.jpg

LibraryLady

28th February 2009, 11:32 AM

"Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man. "

Elizabeth I

28th February 2009, 11:40 AM

Don't know about beautiful, but coolest: crackerbox MG in racing green, or TR-3 in yellow (one of which I owned for about 5 minutes, before everything died at once. <<sigh!>>)

28th February 2009, 11:41 AM

Lambourghini Countach. Or however it's spelled.

Personal opinion only.

Darat

28th February 2009, 11:45 AM

Whilst of course they are wrong (it's an E-Type) it is a most remarkable car. Many years ago when I had a car valeting company we had one of these in to clean. It had just been completely restored, new interior, all the chrome work redone and so on and I have to say it is a most remarkable car. Photos do not do justice to its lines and the, well it may sound a tad pervy but it is the only word, sensual curves.

Those very curves also made polishing the solid black paintwork a task and a half!

malbui

28th February 2009, 12:41 PM

My daily driver - 19 years old and still gorgeous.

NobbyNobbs

28th February 2009, 12:56 PM

An old dead one in the woods providing habitat for wildlife.

Ah, a bear in his natural habitat....a Studebaker.

(10 points if you know the reference)

Hokulele

28th February 2009, 12:57 PM

Ferrari 330 GTS.

ETA: What!? They preferred the 250? Heathens. They also preferred the Jag E-Type over the D-Type. Double heathens.

Cainkane1

28th February 2009, 01:02 PM

My jet black 1965 ford mustang.

Cainkane1

28th February 2009, 01:04 PM

On a more serious note I'd pick an Avanti.

RoboTimbo

28th February 2009, 01:12 PM

Ferrari 330 GTS.

ETA: What!? They preferred the 250? Heathens. They also preferred the Jag E-Type over the D-Type. Double heathens.

You were close. Ferrari 308 GTB.

Dunstan

28th February 2009, 01:37 PM

The General Lee.

erlando

28th February 2009, 02:12 PM

You were close. Ferrari 308 GTB.

That has been my dreamcar for ages.

madurobob

28th February 2009, 02:22 PM

Huh - I knew my response without needing to give it much thought.... then I checked the link. Yep, same car.

I'm gonna have to rethink my decision now.

Kittyclaws

28th February 2009, 02:32 PM

1968 Pontiac GTO (yeah, in my dreams)

This is what I drove:

http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/1966_Datsun_PL411_Bluebird_Sedan_Rear_1.jpg

Except mine had the original chrome hub caps. A car-nut buddy had me pull the hubcaps off and shoot the rims red to match the car and put the 'caps back on. He also put pinstripe tape on those weird channels that run front to rear and put a huge stereo in it.

steve s

28th February 2009, 03:06 PM

Though my heart will always be true to the '68 Mustang, I'm forced to admit that the '54 Kaiser-Darrin (http://www.supercars.net/cars/4183.html) is the most beautiful car. A few years back I saw one at a car show in the cream and red scheme and fell in love. The doors slide forward into the fender. How cool is that?!

Steve S.

Roadtoad

28th February 2009, 03:09 PM

Several would qualify for my list.

I would start with a '34 Packard 12. I'd add the '37 Cord 812, and from there, I'd say the 1957 Chevy Nomad.

Then I'd add the '63 Corvette Stingray split-window coupe, add to that the '67 Mustang fastback, (though if we're including the mechanicals in with the "beauty," I'd change that to the '68 GT500 KR.) I'd add the '69 Camaro, the Z28. Perhaps the '77 TransAm, though my persona preference is the '73 Firebird.

I do have a particular reason for my bias, of course: the American Interstate Highway System. Most of these cars were set up for that particular component of the American roadways.

The Central Scrutinizer

28th February 2009, 03:36 PM

An old dead one in the woods providing habitat for wildlife.

This is an incorrect answer.

The Central Scrutinizer

28th February 2009, 03:39 PM

The General Lee.

Only if Catherine Bach is sitting in it.

Roadtoad

28th February 2009, 04:02 PM

Only if Catherine Bach is sitting in it.

Not even then.

However, one might want to consider the Charger Daytona.

HistoryGal

28th February 2009, 04:32 PM

28th February 2009, 05:14 PM

You are all wrong.

Most beautiful car ever made: 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

The split window sends shivers up my spine. And I was thrilled last summer to discover that a one lives in my hometown. Pics of it below...

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/leftieman/IMGP3823.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/leftieman/IMGP3820.jpg

Runners up:
50's 'vettes.
Boattail Buick Riviera (yeah, I have a thing for boat tails).
1996 - 1968 Lincoln Continentals. Like mine. (pic below)

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/leftieman/IMGP3739.jpg

Images, as always, hosted on my photobucket account.

jhunter1163

28th February 2009, 05:28 PM

God drives a '55 T-Bird.

Biscuit

28th February 2009, 05:38 PM

I have always loved the E type and I have my own version with an XJS. Not quite as pretty but its up there.

Also the Aston Martin DB4 and almost anything made by Morgan

http://www.britsattheirbest.com/images/life_morgan_car.jpg

Blue Mountain

28th February 2009, 06:10 PM

Ah, a bear in his natural habitat....a Studebaker.
(10 points if you know the reference)
Fozzie Bear, The Muppet Movie, 1979

kedo1981

28th February 2009, 08:17 PM

They do seem a little bit jones-n for the Euro cars
I mean come on there are at least 2 years of Vette that should be on the list.
Studibaker Hawk
Shelby Cobra
mid fifties T-birds

fuelair

28th February 2009, 08:54 PM

XKE or Rolls Silver Ghost

Looked.

EEEEeeuuuuwwwwhhhh.

The Central Scrutinizer

28th February 2009, 10:02 PM

You all are nuts.

1974 Gremlin. Like this one, except mine was green.

Cactus Wren

28th February 2009, 10:07 PM

Professor Yaffle is right, there's nothing to beat the '09 Broken Link from Fortunecity.

(sorry.)

HistoryGal

28th February 2009, 10:47 PM

You all are nuts.

1974 Gremlin. Like this one, except mine was green.

Was this your other car?

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd84/myras_photo/pacer.jpg

AMC Pacer - Ugliest American car ever made. Ever.

timhau

1st March 2009, 05:43 AM

I don't know about the most beautiful ever, but if I was rich beyond all measure, I'd have a really, really hard time convincing myself that I don't need one of these babies (http://www.bentleymotors.com/models/continental_series/continental_gt_speed/introduction/default.aspx).

Blackadder

1st March 2009, 05:54 AM

something Italian. Or American from the late fifties, early sixties

Mojo

1st March 2009, 06:07 AM

I'd have gone for the XK120. I'd say the Citroen is a classic design rather than a particularly beautiful car.

Damien Evans

1st March 2009, 06:08 AM

The Ferrari F2000.

Duh.

Shrike

1st March 2009, 06:47 AM

Car designers are full of carp anyway.
At least, they became that way in the 80's and 90's, when magazines started to interview them.
Of course, I'm not talking about the Opron's and Pininfarina's of this world.
Most beautiful car IMO? Aston Martin DB4 Zagato.
http://robson.m3rlin.org/cars/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/aston_martin_db4gt_zagato-_1960-copy.JPG

Bikewer

1st March 2009, 07:02 AM

I'm surprised the classic VW Beetle didn't make the list. I had 5 of 'em.....

quarky

1st March 2009, 07:58 AM

My best buddy in high school had a Studebaker Avanti. His mom had the Lark.
The Avanti had posi-traction and overdrive. The Avanti was very fast, but not much of a looker.

3-wheeled Morgan, with wood body, for looks.

Holler Hoojer

1st March 2009, 08:14 AM

The 1938 Hispano Suiza J12. And, perhaps the least fuel efficient prior to the Hummers.

RoboTimbo

1st March 2009, 08:20 AM

The Hummer H2 SUT.

1st March 2009, 01:12 PM

H2s suck.

H1s all the way.

I just don't like the Citroen, but there were a couple of cool commercials out there. I have one on my hard drive at home, plus a cool spoof.

In the original, the Citroen transforms, does a little dance, and transforms back. The tagline: Alive with Technology.

In the spoof, an older model Citroen transforms, does a little dance, and transforms back - dropping a few feet onto the pavement and shattering. The tagline: Zero technology.

I tend to lump the Citroen in there with the Volvo - ugly, ugly, ugly. Car design by someone used to working on furniture.

Give me over-priced, too-fast, over-sensitive Italian sports cars any day. Or American muscle cars.

Actually, for aesthetics, that car the Nazis gave the middle eastern guy in that one Indiana Jones movie. It was beautiful. Or, better still - the car Nemo drives in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I'll take 2.

dtugg

1st March 2009, 01:40 PM

Lamborghini Miura

http://www.verdictoncars.com/features2/Miura_wp0_400.jpg

Biscuit

1st March 2009, 03:13 PM

Actually, for aesthetics, that car the Nazis gave the middle eastern guy in that one Indiana Jones movie. It was beautiful.

In the movie they call the car a rolls royce Phantom II but it was actually a 20/25. Nice cars.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_20/25

gumboot

1st March 2009, 03:56 PM

My penis.

Cobalt

1st March 2009, 04:30 PM

The Nissan GT-R. Pure excellence.

Bob Blaylock

1st March 2009, 05:10 PM

[Hummer] H2s suck.

H1s all the way.

The H1 is the only real Hummer — a civilian version of the military HMMWV. The H2 and the H3 are pretenders, overpriced versions of trucks that GM sells much more cheaply under the Chevrolet and GMC brand names.

Just thinking

1st March 2009, 05:31 PM

Lamborghini Miura

Absolutely ... number 1.

Another favorite of mine was on the list, the Lusso.

But wait ... no mention of the Maserati Ghibli (http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/full/PRERQY3T.jpg)? ... that's certainly number 2!

And let's not forget the 246 Dino (http://www.ayereuropeanauto.com/images/page2-img2_large.jpg).

1st March 2009, 05:48 PM

The Hummer H2 SUT.

Allow me to break down the Hummer lineup for you...

At the top we have the Humvee. A rugged, do-it-all military truck. Which, for some inexplicable reason, a governer of perhaps the most ecologically-forward state thought it would be nice to have as a daily driver.

Next up, we have the H1. It's like the Humvee, but without the spartan utilitarianism. It's a dressed-up pretty-boy with dreams of being a real Hummer. A wannabe, in other words.

Going down the list, we have the H2. It's a wannabe H1. And, frankly, it's kind of pathetic when you aspire to be something that is itself a wannabe. The H2 is a wannabe wannabe Humvee. Just sad.
The SUT version is a confused H2. It doesn't know what it's orientation is. Truck, or SUV? Call it a sexually confused wannabe of a wannabe.

Which brings us, finally, to the H3. The wannabe H2. It being a wannabe of a wannabe is pathetic, what do you call it when a vehicle is a wannabe wannabe wannabe?

Really, the H2 should not be on the list.

I am forced to concede, however, that the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato brought up by Shrike is indeed stunningly, achingly beautiful. I put it right below the '63 Vette in my earlier post. And above all the other cars mentioned.

Roadtoad

1st March 2009, 06:18 PM

If you had to boil it down to one car, though, I think X and I have made it clear:

'63 Corvette Stingray Split Window Coupe. Period. There is nothing as beautiful on four wheels.

hgc

1st March 2009, 06:37 PM

madurobob

1st March 2009, 07:18 PM

OK - I think I'm the only one who approved of the choice of the Goddess (DS) as #1. But, generally, my favorite cars run a bit earlier. this is the kind of stuff I like:

Rolls Royce PII Jonckheere Aerodynamic Coupe (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_i_AovfzNXgQ/SHRGJf0M2KI/AAAAAAAAS7E/UgEWc1EXWkM/s1600-h/Rolls+Royce+PII+Jonckheere+Aerodynamic+Coupe.jpg).
If this one is not bulletproof, it should be. I think my old '62 beetle would fit under the hood.

'29 Auburn Boat Tail Roadster (http://auto.indiamart.com/cars/photo-gallery/gifs/vintage10.jpg)
A cool car, and almost affordable even today.

Horch 853 (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i_AovfzNXgQ/SHRE5SVWE6I/AAAAAAAAS5M/q3VHU3hQbqI/s1600-h/Horch+853+A+Erdmann+&+Rossi+Sport+Cabriolet.jpg)
For nights at the opera, I guess

Bugati 57C (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_i_AovfzNXgQ/SHRBFFj0f2I/AAAAAAAAS1k/W6NQslB9ovE/s1600-h/Bugatti+Type+57+C+Vanvooren+Cabriolet.jpg)
Art Deco on wheels

50 Healey Silverstone (http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/282081,1669,0,0/1950-Healey-Silverstone_Photo.aspx)
I love the dual-function rear bumper

TsarBomba

1st March 2009, 07:28 PM

You all are nuts.

1974 Gremlin. Like this one, except mine was green.

I beg to differ, Sir. The 1974 Fiat 128 four door was much more beautiful (it was also the first car I ever owned, so I am partial).

http://fiat.modeles.free.fr/Web_albums/annees/1975_fiat_128_special.jpg

One sweet red beauty!

Thunder

1st March 2009, 08:22 PM

Read an article that had car designers vote on the most beautiful car ever. Not going to say what it is to avoid influencing any opinions.

Don't click. (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/car-designers-name-citroen-ds-most-beautiful-car-ever/)

Anyone have an opinion on what the most beautiful car ever is?

This is the most beautiful car in the history of cardom.

http://www.japancar.ru/data/images/_baseauto/001328/HONDA_CIVIC_1999_in1161365438-44775_drtxt.jpg

steve s

1st March 2009, 08:36 PM

AMC Pacer - Ugliest American car ever made. Ever.

Except that the Pacer had the It's-so-ugly-it's-cute factor going for it. I think the AMC Matador was uglier. The ugliest IMO was the VW Thing.

Steve S.

hgc

1st March 2009, 08:51 PM

Except that the Pacer had the It's-so-ugly-it's-cute factor going for it. I think the AMC Matador was uglier. The ugliest IMO was the VW Thing.

Steve S.

Gotta agree. The Matador was Earth-shattering butt-ugly. I assume you're talking about the 74-78 model years. Because the 72 Matador is the Adam-12 patrol car for the last 3 seasons of the show, and that's a righteous black-and-white!

Damien Evans

1st March 2009, 08:57 PM

The Nissan GT-R. Pure excellence.

Godzilla? A great car yes, but I wouldn't call it beautiful.

Elizabeth I

1st March 2009, 09:01 PM

Roadtoad

1st March 2009, 09:43 PM

Gotta agree. The Matador was Earth-shattering butt-ugly. I assume you're talking about the 74-78 model years. Because the 72 Matador is the Adam-12 patrol car for the last 3 seasons of the show, and that's a righteous black-and-white!

Probably true, but IMHO, the one car that qualified as Butt-:rule10-ugly is the 1978 Trans Am. I mean, the '77 was a great looking car, but for some warped reason, some pinhead at GM decided it needed a face lift. WHY?

Then, there was the Ford Pinto. Not only was that car ugly, but it was dangerous to boot. (No one had to add rocket motors to anything to prove it, either.)

Still not enough to give you nightmares? Try the rebadged Mitsubishis that Chrysler was selling back in the late '70s and early '80s. Then there were the K-cars. I had an '81 Aries. The damn thing kept falling apart. I mean, after a while, you began to ask yourself, "Why did I buy this damn thing? For the same money, I could have had a Jetta!"

RoboTimbo

1st March 2009, 09:47 PM

Probably true, but IMHO, the one car that qualified as Butt-:rule10-ugly is the 1978 Trans Am. I mean, the '77 was a great looking car, but for some warped reason, some pinhead at GM decided it needed a face lift. WHY?

The 75 & 76 TA's had round headlights, the 77 & 78's had the new rectangular ones, right? I never liked the rectangular ones. In 1979, they updated the nose again to separate the headlights. That was marginally better.

Hokulele

1st March 2009, 09:49 PM

If we are talking about the ugliest cars, the Pontiac Aztek wins hands down.

Roadtoad

1st March 2009, 09:50 PM

The 75 & 76 TA's had round headlights, the 77 & 78's had the new rectangular ones, right? I never liked the rectangular ones. In 1979, they updated the nose again to separate the headlights. That was marginally better.

True, but the '77 took the square headlights and made them work well with the design.

Not only that, the square headlights were the first major improvement in headlights in America since the advent of sealed beams. That was the beginning of halogens, which since then have steadily improved. (Further evidence those jokers at DoT DON'T KNOW WHAT THE :rule10 THEY'RE DOING!!!

Roadtoad

1st March 2009, 09:52 PM

If we are talking about the ugliest cars, the Pontiac Aztek wins hands down.

Sorry. But we're talking about cars.

The Aztek is junk.

Hokulele

1st March 2009, 09:55 PM

Sorry. But we're talking about cars.

The Aztek is junk.

Ah, right.

Sorry.

;)

1st March 2009, 09:59 PM

The H1 is the only real Hummer — a civilian version of the military HMMWV. The H2 and the H3 are pretenders, overpriced versions of trucks that GM sells much more cheaply under the Chevrolet and GMC brand names.

And while HMMWVs are nearly perfect, I would like that touch of luxury offered by air conditioning and doors that actually close.

RoboTimbo

1st March 2009, 10:01 PM

True, but the '77 took the square headlights and made them work well with the design.

I don't even like to say the words Trans Am when speaking of the 1982-1992 models. I had a 1999 that I quite liked.

BenBurch

1st March 2009, 10:48 PM

My opinion? The Dymaxion Car.

YlLZE23EJKs

IhSonPwM8zE

Cobalt

1st March 2009, 10:59 PM

Godzilla? A great car yes, but I wouldn't call it beautiful.

To each their own. I find simplicity excellent. Especially when it's functional simplicity.

logical muse

2nd March 2009, 12:24 AM

I think you'll find the answer is the 1948 Ferrari 166 MM (http://www.supercars.net/Pics?viewCarPic=y&source=carGal&carID=485&pgID=1&pID=796881). Take a look.

H3LL

2nd March 2009, 04:53 AM

The OP link goes to the wrong place.

I clicked on it and it had one of the ugliest cars in the world shown. ;)

Seriously, have the voters actually seen one of these in real life?

It looks much better (ugly) in photos whereas it's actually worse (hideous) on the road.

I must give credit where credit due as IMHO Citroen have failed to make an attractive car ... ever.

They do seem to be a little stuck in the overturned pram/jelly-mould school of car design with the occasional venture into 'frightened-amphibian' for good measure.

I've looked at Citroen's before, attracted by some innovative technology, but have always gone elsewhere as their appearance actually does make me ever so slightly nauseous.

Terrible choice.

ETA: Can't decide on the "most" beautiful but something from Aston Martin and Jaguar would fill the top five.

And, of course there can only ever be one Supercar (http://mikecane.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/supercar02.jpg). :D

wmadoss

2nd March 2009, 05:45 AM

Audi R8

http://www.myride.com/images/vehicle/2008/audi/r8/oem/R8060005_large%5B1%5D_(400x300).jpg

Damien Evans

2nd March 2009, 06:39 AM

http://tyrepower.speedywheels.com.au/images/showroom/ba-gt-envy.jpg

The just re-launched BA Falcon GT, one of the worlds only 4 door Grand Tourers. I love it.

Here's the icon of the original run, the XY GTHO Phase 3, at the time the fastest 4 door car on the planet:
http://xr8ute.com/images_cars/gt_history/xy_07.jpg

Ove

2nd March 2009, 07:12 AM

Sorry guys this ione is #1 on my list allways, It is from the days when cars were drawn by real paople and not computers. Since the computers took over the cars have gotten more and more uniform looking and BOORING....

malbui

2nd March 2009, 11:02 AM

The just re-launched BA Falcon GT, one of the worlds only 4 door Grand Tourers. I love it.

Here's the icon of the original run, the XY GTHO Phase 3, at the time the fastest 4 door car on the planet:

Two things struck me on my first day in Australia. Fit women and ugly cars.

SirPhilip

2nd March 2009, 11:40 AM

Anyone have an opinion on what the most beautiful car ever is? Depends on sensibilities. Personally, the Lamborghini Miura has all the looks, performance, driving quirks and intrigue I could ever want in a car:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/Lamborghini_Miura_P400SV.jpg

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 11:48 AM

My opinion? The Dymaxion Car.

YlLZE23EJKs

IhSonPwM8zE

Thanks for the reminder, Ben. The only problem is the Dymaxion wasn't built to be beautiful, but to be exceptionally well engineered. That's beautiful in and of itself, but I think beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Wish like hell I had the plans for one, though. And the green to build it. That's a car I could actually afford to drive.

Piscivore

2nd March 2009, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the reminder, Ben. The only problem is the Dymaxion wasn't built to be beautiful, but to be exceptionally well engineered. That's beautiful in and of itself, but I think beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Wish like hell I had the plans for one, though. And the green to build it. That's a car I could actually afford to drive.

Although the Dymaxion cars did not enter production, it was influential on several subsequent designs. The VW Transporter van of the late 1940s resembled the Dymaxion, being a multi-seat mini-van with an aerodynamic body.

Hmm... what do you know. :D

Kilaak Kommander

2nd March 2009, 12:11 PM

Pick a Miata, any ol' Miata.

Galaxie

2nd March 2009, 12:27 PM

1960 Ford Starliner (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1960_Ford_Galaxie_Starliner.jpg)

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 12:55 PM

YOU! Out of the gene pool!

Telluride

2nd March 2009, 12:57 PM

A 1968 Shelby Mustang GT 500KR gets my vote.

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 01:00 PM

You can still get one, only built new.

http://www.brandnewmusclecar.com/images/944_67Shelby500.jpg

Talk to these guys. (http://www.brandnewmusclecar.com/mustang.html)

Telluride

2nd March 2009, 01:10 PM

You can still get one, only built new.

http://www.brandnewmusclecar.com/images/944_67Shelby500.jpg

Talk to these guys. (http://www.brandnewmusclecar.com/mustang.html)

Can't afford. :(

Telluride

2nd March 2009, 01:13 PM

I just clicked the link in the first post. I actually like old Citroens, but it's not even close to being the most beautiful car ever, in my opinion.

Basilio

2nd March 2009, 01:13 PM

Hands down, The Karmann Ghia !

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_775949ac3d82cd837.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=15475)

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_775949ac3da0c476d.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=15476)

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 01:21 PM

Can't afford. :(

Me either. But I still get a stiffy just thinking about driving one.

Prometheus

2nd March 2009, 01:44 PM

Almost any classic Bugatti beats just about anything else. Even after 50 years gathering dust in a garage:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bugatti_57502_discovery.JPG

Hokulele

2nd March 2009, 01:53 PM

Thanks for the reminder, Ben. The only problem is the Dymaxion wasn't built to be beautiful, but to be exceptionally well engineered. That's beautiful in and of itself, but I think beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Well heck, if it is about more than simple appearance, I would throw the Jaguar C-Type into the mix (the one that won the Le Mans 24 hour race).

Piscivore

2nd March 2009, 02:01 PM

No love for the Delorean?

Galaxie

2nd March 2009, 02:01 PM

YOU! Out of the gene pool!

Who? Me?

:duck: :p

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 02:15 PM

No love for the Delorean?

Let's see: An underpowered, poorly engineered gimmicky auto with gullwing doors and a stainless steel body which was overpriced, ill considered, and whose manufacture was founded on the worst principles of Detroit, that was badly financed, which wound up smearing the reputation of Colin Chapman and left Northern Ireland absent jobs, and whose creator's jailhouse "conversion" was as believable as the silly plots from the movies which turned said joke of a car into an automotive celebrity, but still not worth owning.

Nope.

Piscivore

2nd March 2009, 02:23 PM

Let's see: An underpowered, poorly engineered gimmicky auto with gullwing doors and a stainless steel body which was overpriced, ill considered, and whose manufacture was founded on the worst principles of Detroit, that was badly financed, which wound up smearing the reputation of Colin Chapman and left Northern Ireland absent jobs, and whose creator's jailhouse "conversion" was as believable as the silly plots from the movies which turned said joke of a car into an automotive celebrity, but still not worth owning.

Nope.

But it's pretty.

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 02:34 PM

But it's pretty.

Knock yourself out.

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 02:53 PM

Then, of course, there's THIS smartass' assessment... (http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html)

El Greco

2nd March 2009, 02:56 PM

I'm not a big Mercedes fan but I'd probably have to vote for some pre-1989 SL model.

Piscivore

2nd March 2009, 02:57 PM

Knock yourself out.

How about Checker Cabs?

RoboTimbo

2nd March 2009, 03:10 PM

I nominate the Nash Metropolitan.
13124

Just thinking

2nd March 2009, 08:55 PM

Hey ... you want to talk Nash (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/1950-nash-001.jpg/800px-1950-nash-001.jpg)?

And don't forget that Clark Kent drove one on the Superman TV series.

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 09:19 PM

Truly, the most beautiful vehicle designed for the road:

http://www.trucker.com/extimages/paper%5C11761%5C75799731.jpg

The Kenworth T2000.

Blue Mountain

2nd March 2009, 09:38 PM

Truly, the most beautiful vehicle designed for the road:

http://www.trucker.com/extimages/paper%5C11761%5C75799731.jpg

The Kenworth T2000.
How many Nash Metropolitans per mile does it get?

gumboot

2nd March 2009, 09:52 PM

And while HMMWVs are nearly perfect, I would like that touch of luxury offered by air conditioning and doors that actually close.

Doors (http://www.neguard.com/units/2135-companyb/Images/images/HMMWV%20Sling%20Prep2_jpg.jpg)? You pampered hippie! Next you'll want a roof (http://www.warwheels.net/images/m1114HMMWVbelue2.jpg), boot space (http://www.armyrecognition.com/europe/Turquie/exhibition/IDEF_2007/pictures/Humvee_Shelter_IDEF_2007_001.jpg) and phat rims (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Humvee_equipped_with_four_snow_treads.jpg/800px-Humvee_equipped_with_four_snow_treads.jpg).

Next you'll be demanding a quality sound system (http://www.iwar.org.uk/psyops/resources/9th-psyops-bat/psy_ops_full.jpg) and a GPS unit (http://www.defense-update.com/images/ADS_usaf.jpg).

Roadtoad

2nd March 2009, 09:55 PM

How many Nash Metropolitans per mile does it get?

I'm not sure. It tends to eat them and spit out the bumpers as it rolls down the highway.

bruto

2nd March 2009, 10:41 PM

I gotta give a hat-tip to ...

1) Old Bugatti > 57SC Atlantic (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/RL_1938_Bugatti_57SC_Atlantic_34_2.jpg)

2) New Bugatti > Veyron (http://www.exoticcars.ws/cars/bugatti-veyron.jpg)

I went to a museum exhibit a few years ago in Montreal on the art of the automobile, and they had one of those Bugatti Atlantics there. It's even more impressive up close. What the pictures don't convey is that it's very small.

In case it's not obvious, it's also made of aluminum, with standing seams joined by rivets. This is the car that Captain Nemo would have driven when he visited the City of Lost Children.

One-offs probably shouldn't count, but there were a number of gorgeous art deco cars, especially French ones, done by a company called Figoni et Falaschi, which I find particularly appealing.

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/coachbuilder.aspx?cbID=29&carID=9206

I have a fondness for the "coffin-nose" Cord, too.

I forgot to add, I also think that one of the most harmoniously and beautifully designed mass produced cars was the 1939 Ford.

Foolmewunz

3rd March 2009, 06:24 AM

Several have already mentioned the best of the best.... The old Bugati 57SC.

I was also real fond of the postwar European look.

As to the American cars - aside from the classic Cord 810 which I just like 'cuz I like it, I think the '56/'57 Corvette (before they went to dual headlamps) were the best.

ETA: I knew I'd seen something recently about someone coming up with a Bugati that was to be auctioned.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rare-bugatti-on-show-ahead-of-auction-1251737.html

SirPhilip

3rd March 2009, 01:38 PM

The Veyron looks like it was designed by a first year automotive design major getting a grip with Catia with a gun to his head. In other news, technically, the two most beautiful modern cars in the world:

The Mercedes/McLaren Stirling Moss

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/12/thumb1280x1280_3119151435_289c584aa6_o.jpg

The Mercedes/McLaren SLR
http://www.thecarfinders.co.uk/images/Mercedes-Benz-SLR-McLaren-FA-Doors-Open-1920x1440.jpg

SphereGuy

3rd March 2009, 07:02 PM

Oh, you can't get better than this...

http://www.starthinker.com/images/100_4802.JPG

wardenclyffe

3rd March 2009, 07:51 PM

Starthinker, I'm guessing that's a '70. How close am I?

Ward

RoboTimbo

3rd March 2009, 07:59 PM

Odd bumper for a 1970. I like the dual mirrors, though. Turn signals look like 1970.

Gravy

3rd March 2009, 08:06 PM

Plenty of beauties here. I particularly like the '54 Kaiser-Darrin (http://www.supercars.net/Pics?v=y&s=c&id=4183&p=1954_KaiserDarrin_Convertible1.jpg) that Steve S posted. Never seen it before.

IMO a few dozen cars from the thirties are among the most beautiful ever. The 1937 Talbot Lago "Teardrop" is devastatingly sexy.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3326725579_2140977ed6_o.jpg

HistoryGal

3rd March 2009, 08:28 PM

Then, of course, there's THIS smartass' assessment... (http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html)

I wonder what it means that my mother owned two of the cars on that list.

She still misses the Edsel. . . .

rsaavedra

3rd March 2009, 08:30 PM

Aston Martin has made one of the most beautiful cars ever, the Aston Martin Vanquish V12:
http://www.autocity.com/img/actualidad/galerias/Aston_Martin_Vanquish_S_1426_1.jpg

The Shelby Cobra is also among the nicest ever, imho:
http://www.snuffledopple.com/images/100bl02.jpg

bruto

3rd March 2009, 09:01 PM

ElMondoHummus

3rd March 2009, 09:15 PM

Doors (http://www.neguard.com/units/2135-companyb/Images/images/HMMWV%20Sling%20Prep2_jpg.jpg)? You pampered hippie! Next you'll want a roof (http://www.warwheels.net/images/m1114HMMWVbelue2.jpg), boot space (http://www.armyrecognition.com/europe/Turquie/exhibition/IDEF_2007/pictures/Humvee_Shelter_IDEF_2007_001.jpg) and phat rims (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Humvee_equipped_with_four_snow_treads.jpg/800px-Humvee_equipped_with_four_snow_treads.jpg).

Next you'll be demanding a quality sound system (http://www.iwar.org.uk/psyops/resources/9th-psyops-bat/psy_ops_full.jpg) and a GPS unit (http://www.defense-update.com/images/ADS_usaf.jpg).

Whaddevah. Here's the only HMMWV option that matters:

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_1238649adfff1ee299.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=15494)

;)

Gravy

3rd March 2009, 09:25 PM

Then, of course, there's THIS smartass' assessment... (http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html)

Oh, man, there's some funny writing there. An excerpt:

Malcolm Bricklin, he of the Bricklin SV1, wouldn't be satisfied until he had forced every American to walk to work. To that end, in 1985, he began importing the Yugo GV, which turned out to be the Mona Lisa of bad cars. Built in Soviet-bloc Yugoslavia, the Yugo had the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint. Interestingly, in a car where "carpet" was listed as a standard feature, the Yugo had a rear-window defroster — reportedly to keep your hands warm while you pushed it.

ElMondoHummus

3rd March 2009, 09:31 PM

Time to talk about the redheads. :)

I've always had a thing for the Ferrari F40.
http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_1238649ae02ed95cbd.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=15495)

But in new cars, the Ferrari California looks pretty damn good:
http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_1238649ae031e13864.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=15496)

... as well as the F430 Scuderia:
http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_1238649ae037d1c592.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=15497)

Man, those are some awesome lookin cars. I sooooo need to discover that I have a secret billionaire relative looking for someone to inherit. Either that, or strike oil or a gold mine or somphin like that. Damn great cars.

malbui

3rd March 2009, 11:17 PM

Slight derail on the Ferrari front... last year I was channel-hopping in a foreign hotel room when I chanced upon an artistic film featuring two young ladies pleasuring each other on the bonnet of a car. I realised I was old and a car nerd when my first reaction was "that's an F355" and my second was "they're going to destroy that paintwork".

AgeGap

4th March 2009, 08:03 AM

Piscivore

4th March 2009, 10:04 AM

The BMW Isetta

hgc

4th March 2009, 06:25 PM

Hello, my sweet Ford GT (http://www.gornoford.com/assets/_i/FordRacing/gt/06ford-gt-01.jpg)

ElMondoHummus

4th March 2009, 07:37 PM

There are worse things. (http://www.wreckedexotics.com/355/)

What cracks me up about that site is the epic nature of some of those wrecks. Sure, some of them are boringly mundane, but the ones that aren't... ohhhhh, man! I'm sayin' epic (http://www.wreckedexotics.com/enzo/enzo_20060221_006.shtml). Seriously freakin' epic (http://www.wreckedexotics.com/special/enzo/).

Foolmewunz

5th March 2009, 08:13 AM

There are worse things. (http://www.wreckedexotics.com/355/)

I love that site. Great sense of humor on the Lamborghini Diablo page....

Since 1989, there have been at least 77 Lamborghini Diablos involved in accidents. This represents roughly 3.5% of all Diablos produced. One common question asked about Diablos is "How do you open the door if the car is upside down?" Lamborghini engineers have already thought about this. That's why they included emergency door releases.

Love that "One common question....".

Ralph

5th March 2009, 03:39 PM

Nobody does it like the Brits.

Another vote for the Jag XKE----closely followed by the Jag XK120 and the Austin-Healey 3000...................clean and simple.

Metullus

5th March 2009, 05:58 PM

1968 Fiat 850 Spider. In Red.

Hamradioguy

5th March 2009, 06:07 PM

"Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man. "

Jean Shepherd, right? In one of his stories he also mentioned owning an MG-TD and when stopped at a traffic light having kids throw stones at him while shouting, "Hey, look at the funny little car!" Granted it's not my idea of a beautiful car, but with the possible exception of the Yugo, no car deserves such treatment.

BTW- my vote is for the earlier Jaguar XKE with the covered headlights. I owned one once, and it's been downhill ever since in terms of beautiful cars.

bruto

5th March 2009, 08:11 PM

Jean Shepherd, right? In one of his stories he also mentioned owning an MG-TD and when stopped at a traffic light having kids throw stones at him while shouting, "Hey, look at the funny little car!" Granted it's not my idea of a beautiful car, but with the possible exception of the Yugo, no car deserves such treatment.

BTW- my vote is for the earlier Jaguar XKE with the covered headlights. I owned one once, and it's been downhill ever since in terms of beautiful cars.I have never owned one, but I think I mentioned before that as a kid I went to the 1961 International Auto Show at which that car was introduced in the US. It was the cover car of the show catalog. For a production car costing about the same as a Cadillac to be that exotic, that beautiful, and that highly engineered was truly sensational.

Roadtoad

5th March 2009, 08:45 PM

http://www.bristolcars.co.uk/pics/BristolFighter3.jpg

I'd like to get my hands on a pair of them.

Foolmewunz

5th March 2009, 11:31 PM

I have never owned one, but I think I mentioned before that as a kid I went to the 1961 International Auto Show at which that car was introduced in the US. It was the cover car of the show catalog. For a production car costing about the same as a Cadillac to be that exotic, that beautiful, and that highly engineered was truly sensational.

I'm always astonished to see the XKE and how beautiful it was/is. I had a girlfriend who had one - but it was a silverish 2+2 and the lines were just plain destroyed in the four-seater. So that might be why I forget how lovely it was. (And it was certainly unique - I don't think anyone's tried to go near that design, since, either....)

SphereGuy

7th March 2009, 05:49 AM

Starthinker, I'm guessing that's a '70. How close am I?

Ward

It's a 71 Super.

Odd bumper for a 1970. I like the dual mirrors, though. Turn signals look like 1970.

I purchased it online (there is a loooong funny story about that) and the seller told me he dinged the bumper and he would replace it. He litterally beat the bumper brackets with a sledgehammer to accept that rediculas early bumper which must have came from a pre-67 car. I added the second mirror to help reduce the blind spot. Remind me tell you about the fun interior I glued together one day. http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/236588.jpg

If you like VW's, don't forget to visit thesamba.com, there isn't one millimeter of VW not discussed there and their picture archive is absolutely the best on the web.

Hamradioguy

7th March 2009, 09:17 PM

I'm always astonished to see the XKE and how beautiful it was/is. I had a girlfriend who had one - but it was a silverish 2+2 and the lines were just plain destroyed in the four-seater. So that might be why I forget how lovely it was. (And it was certainly unique - I don't think anyone's tried to go near that design, since, either....)

Quite the car, and as a young Air Force officer with an XKE roadster, I can tell you it was a genuine babe magnet. This was back in the day when service stations usually had someone to pump your gas, and the pump jockeys always got a kick out of the three windshield wipers....and the speedometer that went up to 160MPH. (Top end was was "only" 132/133 MPH, but that was more than fast enough...and I did that just once.)

geonuc

14th March 2009, 05:09 AM

You were close. Ferrari 308 GTB.That would be my pick, as well.

AStone

20th March 2009, 11:01 AM

Doug Higley

22nd March 2009, 12:59 PM

Answer to OP:

Baby Blue w/ White Interior 1958 Chevy Impala.

GT/CS

18th November 2009, 06:13 AM

A 1968 Shelby Mustang GT 500KR gets my vote.

I'll see your GT 500KR and raise you a GT 500EXP. aka Green Hornet

logical muse

18th November 2009, 06:28 AM

Ferrari 166MM from around 1948.

http://www.supercars.net/gallery/119513/1903/796881.jpg

logical muse

18th November 2009, 06:35 AM

The one-off Jaguar XJ13.

http://www.swaqvalley.com/Blueprints/1966_Jaguar_XJ13.jpg

Cainkane1

18th November 2009, 06:39 AM

GT/CS

18th November 2009, 07:06 AM

Ferrari 166MM from around 1948.

http://www.supercars.net/gallery/119513/1903/796881.jpg

Ok, you get the Ferrari and I'll take the Datona Coupe sitting behind it.

logical muse

18th November 2009, 07:24 AM

And to think I almost cropped it out of the photo...

Beat

18th November 2009, 08:09 AM

Just throwing a few that I like in here, because I can't decide on which one I think is the best.
-Nissan Skyline (Z-Tune, G-Spec, R-33 and R-34)
-GTI MK 6
-Third gen VW Scirocco
-Nissan 350 Z
-Nissan Sileighty

Sunray Breaker

18th November 2009, 02:11 PM

59' Caddy Hearse...Sexy
http://members.tripod.com/~s_nadon/purple59.jpg

Although as much as I love a sexy old hearse...No one can do it quite like Burning Man
http://www.mccullagh.org/db9/1ds3-3/dragonfly-art-car.jpg

18th November 2009, 08:41 PM

The 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f63/Thorstrongstone/Rolls-Royce-Phantom-I-Jonckheere-Co.jpg

Here's a pretty good article on it: http://jalopnik.com/355280/1925-rolls+royce-phantom-1-jonckheere-coupe

I hate to say it, but this very nearly bumped the '63 Corvette Stingray off the top of my list. I had to look at more photos to be sure. Thankfully, your link provided them.
Unfortunately, I think that the raised spine/fin on the back detracts from the rest of the car, and drops it from the first place spot. It does place above the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato mentioned earlier, though.

I think the Avanti was.

Beautiful? The Avanti? :drinkspit: Sorry :drinkspit:

:duck:

Howie Felterbush

18th November 2009, 09:20 PM

I may take some flack for dropping this plebeian ride in amongst all this exotic iron...but...

Datsun 240Z.

I love this car.

Andrew Wiggin

18th November 2009, 10:17 PM

I favor the Cord Motor Company's late models, such as the 810/812 series.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cord-2.jpg

That's what a car should look like!

A

N.Texas

18th November 2009, 10:24 PM

Sally Carrera (http://www.porsche.com/usa/sallycarrera/)

Shrike

19th November 2009, 01:13 AM