Automotive aesthetics - what speaks to you?

[Jantrix]

Simple question. What styling treatments done to automobiles (stock or custom!) throughout their history struck a chord in you the most?

Feel free to include mechanical innovations as well as design stylings, if you are more of an "anything, as long as it goes fast" kinda person.

For me, it's -

1. Fastbacks

2. Fat fenders

3. A raked stance.

[CadillacPat]

I think the addition of tires and wheels could be the most beneficial of all accessories.

CadillacPat

[Jantrix]

I don't think you understood the question but, whatever.

[Ace-Garageguy]

1) Chopped tops

2) Lowering

3) Exposed mechanical elements

4) ...and stance makes or breaks anything, but what looks best varies from style to style. A 911 looks goofy with rake like a '34 Ford hot-rod, for instance.

[jeffs396]

- Agreed on the fastback! (has there ever been an ugly one produced?)

- EVERY styling element of the C2 Corvette (coupe) is perfection (to me)

- 50s era aviation inspired styling...fins, gunsights, rockets, etc.

[Chuck Most]

1) Chopped tops

2) Lowering

3) Exposed mechanical elements

4) ...and stance makes or breaks anything, but what looks best varies from style to style. A 911 looks goofy with rake like a '34 Ford hot-rod, for instance.

^What he said.

And...

Expanding on 3- stylized mechanical elements, such as ornate reinforced hairpin radius arms and swept headers. Stuff that's functional but doesn't ignore form, in other words.

Knowing when it's okay to show restraint with chrome and anodized trim- something which began to happen in the '60's.

Knowing when it's okay to go nuts and heap on the chrome and anodized trim- aka the '50's.

Large diameter wheels on mid '30's and later vehicles (still not keen on how they look on earlier car designs 90% of the time).

Formal hardtop rooflines.

Wagons and sedan deliveries.

[Pete J.]

Low, clean and designed with purpose. Ideal design- Ford GT 40 Mark 2. Very aerodynamic, everything done to make it go faster around a road course. I also like a very voluptious line from bumper across the fender to the back bumper, i.e. just about anything from Pinifarina or Scaglietti, especially in the late 50's early 60's. Just made me drool.

[moparmagiclives]

Its not a noticable feature most of the time, but suicide doors, are like the lacy...well you know.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Low, clean and designed with purpose. Ideal design- Ford GT 40 Mark 2. Very aerodynamic, everything done to make it go faster around a road course. I also like a very voluptious line from bumper across the fender to the back bumper, i.e. just about anything from Pinifarina or Scaglietti, especially in the late 50's early 60's. Just made me drool.

Yeah, I forgot that voluptuous line thing....that's huge....and the referenced GT40 has to be one of my all-time favorites. And Ferrari 330P4 and recent P4/5.

Edited September 26, 2012 by Ace-Garageguy

[Erik Smith]

I like the straight, simple lines of early sixties American autos - especially the Pontiac group:

I just find the balance of chrome, lines, and size pleasing.

Also, one of my favorite cars for overall lines is the Toyota 2000gt. Pretty simple but with enough curves to be beautiful. The front end treatment is a visual distraction to me, but the rest...:

I also like the "swoopiness" of some modern designs - this Hyundai - the curves and how the door handles are part of the crest:

Great topic too, Rob.

[crazyjim]

SHINY :) paint.

[Deathgoblin]

Sleek, swooping fenders and rooflines. Nothing that makes the car too square or too bulgy. headlights have to fit the shape of the overall car.

[Jantrix]

SHINY :) paint.

[Matt Bacon]

Well, that IS an interesting question...

I think pretty much everything here:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/the-art-of-the-automobile/gallery

is beautiful. So, when I think about what's in there, and what's built and on the shelves, what do they have in common?

1) Curves -- the right curves, though. I don't like the BAT cars, for example. However the Alfa TZs and Tipo 33 Stradale are gorgeous

2) I generally like Deco streamliners, especially Figoni and Falaschi, and anything by Delahaye

3) Long bonnets and curvy cabins at the back (see 250 GTO, Cobra Daytona Coupe, E-Type coupe)

4) In a slightly separate category -- purposefulness. I like the SLS and Uhlenhaut Coupes. I like the R8. None of them are really curvy, but they look like they mean business.

5) The curves should flow into each other, and be about form following function, mostly.

6) The "je ne sais quoi" That Toyota 2000GT looks quite like an e-Type, and although I like the Toyota very much, it's no E-Type. It's the execution.

7) Agreed: pretty much anything from Pininfarina or Scaglietti or Gandini. Less so from Giugaro. A LOT less so from Zagato, which I find very hit and miss.

What don't I like:

1) Three boxes. Flat-tall-flat and square cornered, no matter how nicely dressed.

2) Chrome. Please, window frames and a few details only. The odd restrained line along a flank or wing. No more

3) Fins, rockets, turbines and anything with the word Dyne involved. Unless they actually work (like the jets in the CX-75)

One honourable exception: the Corvette Stingray. That's just cool.

Otherwise, I think it's pretty hard to improve on a Series 1 E-type Coupe, a 250 Testarossa or GT, an Alfa Tipo 33 Stradale or a DB4Gt Zagato.

YMMV, obviously...

bestest,

M.

[ll Brandon ll]

I think the mechanical aspect is what gets me more than anything on any car Ive seen. When you start turning the engine components into something that you could just stare at for days. Its easy to do that with a body kit or wheels or exterior goodies, but doing that with a mechanical thing is way harder.

[Ace-Garageguy]

So many beautiful cars in so many genres.....so little time.

[Jantrix]

Good stuff guys.

[Chas SCR]

(1) 1 off custom built parts

(2) The new style "Clean" look under the hoods

(3) Custom made motor covers

(4) How to take a classic and turn it into a 1 off beast

(5) Hide away brake lines and parts