Looking for any good inspirational pictures. I love the Art Deco design of my '42 Chevy pickup, but I don't see too much of this style used in rodding. If anyone has any good pictures of any other Art Deco inspired designs post em up.
Nearly everything from that era was inspired in some way by "Art Deco". Cars specifically were inspired by Aircraft and Locomotive design which was seen as a "higher" form of Industrial design, and specific expression of Machine Age design dictum. I know what you mean about your truck, though- the grille, right? The best examples of Art Deco and Machine Age design are actually Hood ornaments IMO. Funny- everyone always takes them off lOl. Pontiac was using a Deco looking motif in it's styling all the way up to the early/mid 50's. The Buicks from the same era- particularly the Riviera. GM didn't really give in fully to the "Jet Age" styling until the late 50's.
This '52 pontiac still has a "Deco" attitude...like a toaster or vacuum cleaner the '57 Buick- has full-on Jet Age styling.. Sorry for the book- but I guess my pint is that Deco is everywhere on this board....
Art Deco bodies by Fisher/GM from the mid 1930s to the late 1940s where the most beautiful ones ever made in car factories, in my opinion. I am driving my most favorite one from 1948 almost every day. I have books loaded with pictures from that era, just not in downloadable format. Amazing how tasteful and artistic the talents of designers once used to be. And all made as factory production and available for everyday folks. Inspiring indeed.
"Tasteful and Artistic" describes it perfectly. I come from a very artistic family so the that is one of the most important elements to me. I think cars should designed as rolling sculptures. Precious works of art. And as you said, "tasteful". Aggressive and wild styling certainly are eye catching and convey the attitude along with it. But if you want something more mature, and refined. I believe mid 30's-late 40's Art Deco is the only option in American automotive. Could you imagine pulling yourself up out of a devastatingly low fender less Tudor in your best suit? Of course not, and your wife wouldn't be too pleased either. There is a certain heir of class, that comes with such vehicles. A nicely done Art Deco custom is the perfect answer to the question "What to drive?" Whether you are pulling up to your local show in jeans and a t-shirt, or attend a black tie event, you'll never be out of place.
I love Deco rides..... 1937-1948 rides are among the nicest cars to ever hit the road. Lincoln Zephyrs, Chrysler New Yorkers, Windsors and Royals, 46,47,48 era MoPars, Chevy Fleetlines, Pontiac Torpedos, Buicks, Olds and Cads - all killer designs that drpped in Deco design. Hell even my favorite motorcycle...the the 1940-48 era Indian Chief was art deco infleunced in its design. Ornamental trim, dashboard design, grilles and headlights/tailites during this era often reflected Deco styling cues and used loads of bakelite in their interiors and even on some engine components. Fantastic. Rat
37 Studebaker President. Adding picture of rear window as it has been mentioned a couple times in other posts <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
Keep 'em coming guys! No doubt these are some of the classiest things to roll out of Detroit. Truly inspiring!
34 Desoto Airflows I think are cool also.The art deco aerodynamics was designed with the first wind tunnel testing design.They made a balsalm wood scaled down model and kept carving it until it flowed smoke smoothley over it.
Have a look at this pic in the '4o's Period Correct Customs thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4648175#post4648175
The 36 and 37 Studebaker coupes had a 2-piece triangular rear window which cranked open and the 36 had a beautiful grille and shell.