The Jalopy Journal

**Jive-Bomber** · 03-20-2012, 10:07 AM

The 1930s were a very special decade for motoring in America. Despite starting out in the Great Depression, it was a time of massive improvements in terms of automotive engineering, quality of roads (WPA projects), and most of all, a huge leap forwar...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

eddie1 · 03-20-2012, 10:13 AM

I can't argue against any of those choices. I agree 100%.

Dreddybear · 03-20-2012, 10:21 AM

Good list!

I would only add:

'39 Delahaye 165

1938 Bugatti Type 57SC

And how about a race car? 1938 Type D Auto Union

**39ChevyBob** · 03-20-2012, 10:40 AM

Great choices, and there are so many more that captured the art deco look in the late 30s. Maybe I'm a little bias toward the fat fender cars.

Here is one I think is worth mentioning - 37 Nash Lafayette 400. Amazing lines for an "everyman's " car.

38zephyr · 03-20-2012, 10:42 AM

Good choices , I feel lucky to have owned 3 from that list . I got this 35 Desoto airflow coupe right here on the HAMB classifieds .

49ratfink · 03-20-2012, 10:47 AM

to me the most stylish 30's car was the 33-34 Ford.

Bugsy · 03-20-2012, 10:52 AM

This is a great post...It's tough to pick just 10 but I agree with the list. There's a couple of them on there that I'd forgot about. The cars from this era were so great for so many reasons. I think it was the sweet-spot in time. art Deco and vehicle design are just so right together. I don't know too many folks that wouldn't do a double-take if they saw any one of those cars motoring down the street. They are just PERFECT.

I have a secret fetish for three window Zephers. I'd probably sell all I have left for one. Love them!

Harms Way · 03-20-2012, 10:54 AM

Sorry guys,... but I love those classics !!!

1931 Duesenberg

1933 Packard Conv. Coupe

1932 Packard 900 series (Shovel Nose)

1933 Lincoln

1933 Auburn B/T Speedster

1936 Auburn B/T Speedster.

1932 Nash Ambassador.

**JeffreyJames** · 03-20-2012, 10:57 AM

Here's 5 of some of my favorites.

1938 Talbot Lago

1930's Phantom Corsair

Auto Union D Type

1935 Ford Phaeton

1937 Ford Sedan Delivery...

I know it's not a car but I have to add the 1930 KJ Henderson...

boldventure · 03-20-2012, 11:03 AM

Kinda pretty too... '39 Studebaker

Weasel · 03-20-2012, 11:25 AM

Question is - is this US designed and built cars only or world wide? The 1930s are my all time favorite era and Europeans had the most beautiful designs, but do they belong here?

Here's another U.S. homegrown contender - even if designed by Raymond Loewy, a French Russian immigrant as his first full automotive design - the Hupmobile Aero Dynamic (sic). teardrop styling through and through....

drjones96 · 03-20-2012, 11:34 AM

I'm partial to the first half of the '30's. But in the last few years I find myself drifting toward the '35 Fords.

1935 Roadster (Stole this from somewhere on the net)

Jigger · 03-20-2012, 11:39 AM

Great list. My favorites are the
1932 Ford Sedan
1933 Duesenberg SSJ
1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster(tho all Auburn speedsters are stunning)
1936 Cord 810 conv.

and I'd add to that the 1932 Chrysler Imperial CH Speedster (body by LeBaron)
Walter P.'s personal car...

The '37 Mercedes 570 Roadster:

And the '37 Talbot Lago(s)

Theo Douglas · 03-20-2012, 11:41 AM

Great choices. @38zephyr, any chance you can repost photos of your car that are capable of being enlarged?

I'd really like to drool over it some more.

Thanks!

theHIGHLANDER · 03-20-2012, 11:42 AM

I'm with Harms on the classics. Still, you can't pick just 10 stunning designs, classic or mass production. I also have a tendancy toward the car's engineering having an effect on how I view it. Indivdual customs from the likes of Murphy, Judkins, LeBaron and Dietrich are absolute rulers in the ways of style. Many of the elements found on the customs became standard fare, sort of a peek at the future. One specific example, the "false hood" design used on the 34 Deitrich and LeBaron customs became a Packard standard through 1947. The Chrysler Imperial and it's siblings had that for quite a while too from 31 to at least 33 that I'm sure of, even the 32 Plymouth used it. By false hood, I mean the rear portion covering a substantial amount of cowl. The 40-41 Lincoln Continental is one of the sexiest body designs of it's time. While still having it's Model T inspired chassis engineering, the looks made up for what it lacked in that dept. I could on and on with this topic...

STEPHEN FIELDS · 03-20-2012, 11:50 AM

1934 Ford Roadster

thinkfink · 03-20-2012, 12:13 PM

great list...
would add the 1937 zephyr coupe
and the 1938 studebaker commander coupe (another Loewy job - in this case only a brush up of an existing design, but those headlight pods are just plain cool - in my world)

**Deuce Daddy Don** · 03-20-2012, 12:16 PM

"ALL BEAUTIFUL"!!!!!!!!!---When styling was the utmost importance!

Probesport · 03-20-2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreddybear

Good list!

I would only add:

'39 Delahaye 165

And that's what I expected to see in there as well. Just awesome - even moreso in person.

BOP-Nut · 03-20-2012, 12:52 PM

No Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac love?

'36 Cadillac V16 Series 90:

'35 Buick Special Convertible Coupe:

03-20-2012, 10:07 AM	#1
Jive-Bomber Alliance Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Moraga, Ca Posts: 2,421	The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s The 1930s were a very special decade for motoring in America. Despite starting out in the Great Depression, it was a time of massive improvements in terms of automotive engineering, quality of roads (WPA projects), and most of all, a huge leap forwar... To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

03-20-2012, 10:13 AM	#2
eddie1 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Maple Ridge, BC Posts: 466	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s I can't argue against any of those choices. I agree 100%. __________________ Rescuing one dog may not change the world , but for that one dog the world will be changed forever.

03-20-2012, 10:21 AM	#3
Dreddybear Old School HAMBer Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: AUSTIN TEXAS Posts: 5,172	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Good list! I would only add: '39 Delahaye 165 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC And how about a race car? 1938 Type D Auto Union __________________ HOLLEY 94 INFO MY COUPE BUILD

03-20-2012, 10:40 AM	#4
39ChevyBob Alliance Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Pomona CA Posts: 137	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Great choices, and there are so many more that captured the art deco look in the late 30s. Maybe I'm a little bias toward the fat fender cars. Here is one I think is worth mentioning - 37 Nash Lafayette 400. Amazing lines for an "everyman's " car. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Don't let your rearview mirror be bigger than your windshield"

03-20-2012, 10:42 AM	#5
38zephyr Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern Ca. Posts: 690	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Good choices , I feel lucky to have owned 3 from that list . I got this 35 Desoto airflow coupe right here on the HAMB classifieds . Attached Images __________________ Who the HELL is interrupting my KUNG FU ?

03-20-2012, 10:47 AM	#6
49ratfink Old School HAMBer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: S.F. bay area, California Posts: 13,180	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s to me the most stylish 30's car was the 33-34 Ford.

03-20-2012, 10:52 AM	#7
Bugsy Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 820	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s This is a great post...It's tough to pick just 10 but I agree with the list. There's a couple of them on there that I'd forgot about. The cars from this era were so great for so many reasons. I think it was the sweet-spot in time. art Deco and vehicle design are just so right together. I don't know too many folks that wouldn't do a double-take if they saw any one of those cars motoring down the street. They are just PERFECT. I have a secret fetish for three window Zephers. I'd probably sell all I have left for one. Love them! __________________ The "Dust Bowl Spl." http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=681152

03-20-2012, 10:54 AM	#8
Harms Way Old School HAMBer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Northern Mi. Posts: 6,246	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Sorry guys,... but I love those classics !!! 1931 Duesenberg 1933 Packard Conv. Coupe 1932 Packard 900 series (Shovel Nose) 1933 Lincoln 1933 Auburn B/T Speedster 1936 Auburn B/T Speedster. 1932 Nash Ambassador. __________________ A sinner saved by Grace. (Eph. 2:8-9) H.A.M.B. Chapel

03-20-2012, 10:57 AM	#9
JeffreyJames Alliance Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SUGAR CITY Posts: 15,935	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Here's 5 of some of my favorites. 1938 Talbot Lago 1930's Phantom Corsair Auto Union D Type 1935 Ford Phaeton 1937 Ford Sedan Delivery... I know it's not a car but I have to add the 1930 KJ Henderson... __________________ I PLAY WITH TIGERS WWW.SUGARCITYSPEEDSHOP.COM CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM IMAGES

03-20-2012, 11:03 AM	#10
boldventure Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Watsonville, Ca. Posts: 1,758	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Kinda pretty too... '39 Studebaker __________________ www.autoappraisalnetwork.com/local/San_Jose.html

03-20-2012, 11:25 AM	#11
Weasel Old School HAMBer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: At my keyboard Posts: 6,154	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Question is - is this US designed and built cars only or world wide? The 1930s are my all time favorite era and Europeans had the most beautiful designs, but do they belong here? Here's another U.S. homegrown contender - even if designed by Raymond Loewy, a French Russian immigrant as his first full automotive design - the Hupmobile Aero Dynamic (sic). teardrop styling through and through.... __________________ Procrastinate NOW!

03-20-2012, 11:34 AM	#12
drjones96 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Derby, KS / Home Town Poplar Bluff, MO Posts: 1,351	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s I'm partial to the first half of the '30's. But in the last few years I find myself drifting toward the '35 Fords. 1935 Roadster (Stole this from somewhere on the net) __________________ "I still consider the small block Chevrolet the most important motor ever created." - Ryan

03-20-2012, 11:39 AM	#13
Jigger Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Neligh Nebraska Posts: 3,074	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Great list. My favorites are the 1932 Ford Sedan 1933 Duesenberg SSJ 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster(tho all Auburn speedsters are stunning) 1936 Cord 810 conv. and I'd add to that the 1932 Chrysler Imperial CH Speedster (body by LeBaron) Walter P.'s personal car... The '37 Mercedes 570 Roadster: And the '37 Talbot Lago(s) __________________ *Stand on the Rock; don't crawl under it.* http://markervin327.wix.com/art-n-moti0n#! Last edited by Jigger; 03-20-2012 at 11:58 AM.

03-20-2012, 11:41 AM	#14
Theo Douglas Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Long Beach, CA, USA Posts: 812	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s Great choices. @38zephyr, any chance you can repost photos of your car that are capable of being enlarged? I'd really like to drool over it some more. Thanks!

03-20-2012, 11:42 AM	#15
theHIGHLANDER Old School HAMBer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: S.E.Michigan Posts: 4,334	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s I'm with Harms on the classics. Still, you can't pick just 10 stunning designs, classic or mass production. I also have a tendancy toward the car's engineering having an effect on how I view it. Indivdual customs from the likes of Murphy, Judkins, LeBaron and Dietrich are absolute rulers in the ways of style. Many of the elements found on the customs became standard fare, sort of a peek at the future. One specific example, the "false hood" design used on the 34 Deitrich and LeBaron customs became a Packard standard through 1947. The Chrysler Imperial and it's siblings had that for quite a while too from 31 to at least 33 that I'm sure of, even the 32 Plymouth used it. By false hood, I mean the rear portion covering a substantial amount of cowl. The 40-41 Lincoln Continental is one of the sexiest body designs of it's time. While still having it's Model T inspired chassis engineering, the looks made up for what it lacked in that dept. I could on and on with this topic... __________________ The rumors of my death have been exaggerated. www.singlefingerspeedshop.com

03-20-2012, 11:50 AM	#16
STEPHEN FIELDS Old School HAMBer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Gem City Posts: 2,775	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s 1934 Ford Roadster Attached Thumbnails

03-20-2012, 12:13 PM	#17
thinkfink Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Düsseldorf - Germany Posts: 583	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s great list... would add the 1937 zephyr coupe and the 1938 studebaker commander coupe (another Loewy job - in this case only a brush up of an existing design, but those headlight pods are just plain cool - in my world) Attached Thumbnails __________________ ASSHOLES - NOT A CLUB BUT A LIFESTYLE Last edited by thinkfink; 03-20-2012 at 12:56 PM.

03-20-2012, 12:16 PM	#18
Deuce Daddy Don Alliance Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bend,Oregon Posts: 2,986	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s "ALL BEAUTIFUL"!!!!!!!!!---When styling was the utmost importance! __________________ " TOPLESS FOREVER"

03-20-2012, 12:52 PM	#20
BOP-Nut Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Saint Marys Pennsylvania Posts: 750	Re: The ten Most Beautiful cars of the 1930s No Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac love? '36 Cadillac V16 Series 90: '35 Buick Special Convertible Coupe: __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is hot rodding. There are rules."

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