Art & Inspiration Swoopy cars

[50Fraud]

I've always been a sucker for cars that look like they can go really fast, even if when standing still. It's mostly about implied aerodynamics; sleek, apparently streamlined body lines that suggest speed. I also like cars that look athletic, like they could corner and stop in addition to going like a streak. There aren't a lot of cars that successfully combine the look of speed with an athletic stance, but there are a few.

The cars that have that kind of agile look have mostly been sports cars and racing cars -- I know, not the proper subject of this board, but we're talking about art & inspiration here. So, here are some inspirationally swoopy, agile looking cars from that OT world:


One car that really does it for me is the Aston Martin DB4.


Another car that is right on the money is the original Ferrari GTO, which worked as well as it looked. Obviously it hit a lot of enthusiasts' sweet spots, as they now change hands (very occasionally) for upwards of $10 Mil.


Another Ferrari race car that captures the perfect balance was the first Testa Rossa from 1957. This was a pure competition car.


This Scaglietti-bodied Corvette might have become the original Cobra, if Chevrolet and Ferrari hadn't gotten huffy about it. It certainly has the look, and could very likely have had the handling to qualify.


The Lancia Stratos was a blindingly fast mid-engined rally car. Its shape doesn't suggest the same high speeds that some of these examples do, but it certainly has the athletic look down. Athletic it was, too!


In the prewar era, French body builders Figoni & Falaschi built the ultimate swoopy cars, this one a Delahaye imitating a hovercar. They were relatively fast highway cruisers, but it'd be a stretch to call them "agile".


In a similar prewar/swoopy vein, an exceptionally handsome Delage.


And finally, the Czechoslovakian Tatra, again more swoopy than agile. Adding to its coolness was its rear-mounted hemi V8.

OK, enough OT examples. Hot rodders and customizers have often followed the lead of these swoopy cars; here are a few classic examples:


The immortal Pierson Bros. coupe, and...


The equally renowned Chrisman Bros. car.


Not a comp car like the two above, and probably not much more agile for going around corners, but the Calori '36 certainly captured the look.

But up until the musclecar era, with Camaros and Barracuda fastbacks (waaay OT for the HAMB), the rod & custom community rarely combines the elements I'm talking about. It's not that there are no suitable candidates around; there were some really good-looking fastbacks built between 1941 and 1952.


Lee Pratt's '41 Buick made a spectacular sled. Could this body style -- or any of the GM variants of the period -- be done with a more athletic looking stance?


The '47 Packard Clipper was a handsome fastback, too. Maybe it's too heavy looking to ever look really agile, but I'll bet it could look great on a low rake (no skirts, of course) with some aggressive wheels and tires.


The '48 and up GM fastbacks were great looking, too. This is a rare '48 Olds 98, but any of the GM models from this to a '50 Chev fastback could make a terrific looking hot rod. Dare I say Pro Touring on this board? I like 'em, even if they're OT.


Out of the fastback style here, but the '53 Stude has always looked fast and sporty. There have been a few good looking rods made from these, but I think the best is yet to come.

Whaddya say? Anybody else feel the urge to have a sleek, agile car made from one of these '40s-'50s models? Any pictures out there, real or imaginary?

[Spoggie]

Check this Jag of the late Dennis Friga- does it for me;
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=542628

While here, some kinda recent stance ideas via my pen;

[Joe-405]

Yes sir these are cool

[Algon]

Here are a few.

[Philbilly]

Those are all cool! I've always liked the Chevy fleetlines with those flowing lines.

[Deuces]

I'll probably get an ass chewin' for this one...

[haychrishay]

Originally Posted by Deuces

I'll probably get an ass chewin' for this one...

Say's WhO !

[BeatnikPirate]

More swoopy stuff!

[Deuces]

Originally Posted by haychrishay

Say's WhO !

Your right! I ain't read nothin' nasty about it... Yet!

[davedeltadog]

Originally Posted by Deuces

I'll probably get an ass chewin' for this one...

you're right about the ass chewin, 69 Camaro!! you gota be kidding, it's a god damn brick on wheels

[falcongeorge]

Originally Posted by davedeltadog

you're right about the ass chewin, 69 Camaro!! you gota be kidding, it's a god damn brick on wheels

Got that right.

[hotskins]

Originally Posted by Deuces

I'll probably get an ass chewin' for this one...

It's ok, you could have put a Datsun 240Z

[rodknocker]

I always loved the original Green Hornets car a 37 Zephyr

[Algon]

Talbot...

[Manche]

oh yes.... customs could use that treatment

[JeffreyJames]

Did someone call for Swoopy?

[falcongeorge]

How about the Costin bodied Maser?? Oh yea...

[falcongeorge]

Did someone mention swoopy Astons??

[falcongeorge]

Whenever I see one of these, I think "Bad Stirling, BAD!"

[Spoggie]

Swoopy cars..