Pre 1930's cars

[barry2952]

Was worth a shot. It looks like a really nice resto, and I like that they didn't try and change, polish or modify anything. It looks like it just rolled out of the showroom floor, but then that is what a concourse show is .

Not so. It is purely a beauty contest. The only show that almost requires a fresh restoration is Pebble. I've been told my car would need a $1,000 detail to even be considered. I'm on the board and selection committee of a show and the truth is we just want cars with wow-factor. Getting people back every year to see something new is what raises money for the charities normally affiliated with the shows. That's what a Concours is.

[vwlarry]

Actually, aerodynamic analysis of automotive designs predated Ledwinka's Tatras. Amos Northup tested his 1933 Reo Royale in a wind tunnel for drag and stability factors, and more notably, Chrysler did extensive and elaborate aerodynamic analysis of its 1934 Airflow, even going to the extreme of fitting ultra-slick nose pieces on its production prototypes to explore aerodynamics even more deeply. Rumpler and Voisin, in the teens and twenties, were tinkering with the aerodynamics of their designs, too, to a less significant degree of success, though.

1933 Reo Royale:



1934 Chrysler Airflow:



There are myriad examples of automotive designers and engineers exploring the science of aerodynamics that predate the Tatra. Another very notable example is John Tjaarda's famous streamliner concept car that he sold to Ford Motor Company after it created a sensation at the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago. Edsel Ford took this design, adapted it to front-engined configuration instead of its original rear-engine layout, and produced the landmark Lincoln Zephyr of 1936, which was the first really successful mass-produced "aero" car. Ferdinand Porsche traveled to America in 1933 specifically to study this futuristic prototype, btw. The influence Tjaarda's design exerted on Porsche's eventual VW Beetle is pretty obvious:

The Tjaarda World's Fair concept car:



The car it begat, the Lincoln Zephyr:

[Aonarch]

[barry2952]

Thanks, Larry, that's a new one on me.

[Kar98]

Same car?



Engine designed by Dr. Porsche, I believe.

Concept RIPPED OFF by Porsche, for the bug and the Porsche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Le...en_controversy

[AB11]

I'm not picky. Thanks for sharing, that is right up there with that mercedes ssk that I posted as far as coolest old cars ever!

Yup, and this thread has introduced me to the Delage Aero Coupe posted also very cool. Surprised no Voisins have been posted yet...

I want to say I've seen this in person at the Petersen and it is simply stunning! The circular door just does it for me!

Yeah, its the combination of door and window mechanism and just looks so amazing in black. The photo of it in the junk yard yust makes you

Concept RIPPED OFF by Porsche, for the bug and the Porsche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Le...en_controversy

Twice, Porsche designed Mercedes 1XXX (1933-37)



http://www.pakwheels.com/blog/2010/0...from-pws-past/

[Lifelong Obsession]

On a more bizarre note - the 1899 Horsey Horseless.

[barry2952]

Concept RIPPED OFF by Porsche, for the bug and the Porsche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Le...en_controversy

Just wondering if you even read the link, because it clearly said they "looked over each other's shoulders" during the development of the Tatra and the VW. What do you think that means?

[Air and water do mix]

If you wanted to sneak some 30's or 40's cars in there I wouldn't be offended.

Well, if you insist...



The 1937 Talbot Lago.

What stunningly beautiful times for automobiles the '20s and '30s were.

[garageless]

Glad to see the thirties' cars in here. The Talbot Lago cars were
amazing, particularly when clothed by F&F.

[Willows]

I love all the pre 30 Bentleys

[Kar98]

Just wondering if you even read the link, because it clearly said they "looked over each other's shoulders" during the development of the Tatra and the VW. What do you think that means?

It means "I stole it but I am too chicken to outright admit it." So, which company had to pay which company after the war? Hint: VW had to pay Tatra three million DM.

[barry2952]

Get over it. That was a long time ago. Just because someone wins a lawsuit doesn't mean they're right. It usually just means they have a better lawyer.

[cretinx]

Franklin air cooled all day every day

[cretinx]

Get over it. That was a long time ago. Just because someone wins a lawsuit doesn't mean they're right. It usually just means they have a better lawyer.

I'm a lawyer and I approve this post