Most Beautiful Automotive Design?
Ducati Minor
The auto world is always caught up in intense debate over performance, engineering, and design. Sometimes design can be truly practical, simple, extravagent, or graceful. Of the latter, many capture the word "beautiful." Now, there are those people with fetishes for the obese who will remark that a present-day Jaguar is a work of art, or that the handsome (but overplayed) Aston Martin is a true stunner.
What car do you think stands as the most beautiful? Try to be creative. It's too easy to select the Mercedes Gullwing or the Ferrari GTO. I opted for three Alfa Romeos: the Giulia TZ2, the 33 Stradale, and the Giulia SS. The TZ2 has the delightful role of being the Baby GTO without being the ridiculously priced parent. The Stradale is perhaps the finest concept everyone forgot. Finally, the Giulia SS is the rich man's Karmann-Ghia, or the Italian's P1800. A small sporty coupe that doesn't have much in power, but has the aerodynamic shape that shows purpose.
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olmon
My taste in 'beautiful' cars runs more to the offerings from the 30s thru the early 50s. Not to say that there haven't been noteworthy, well- designed and very attractive autos designed since then. I loved the De La Haye
autos of the 30s, The Auburn, the Cord, the Jaguars of the 30s thru 60s. And then there were the concept cars that we got to drool over and hope that they would actually be built. I really can't pick one or two cars and say that they are the most beautiful, even in my opinion. There have been so many over the years that there can only be 100 or 1000 way ties for that title
Ducati Minor
I authored this thread a long time ago. At the time, I was trying to encourage more thoughtful responses, hence the mentioning of Alfa Romeos. It's cliche to bring up Ferraris, Jags, or Lambos, but I accept they hold instant recognition for their beauty. I've long stated the most beautiful postwar design, in my book, is the Ferrari 275 GTB NART Spyder. The GTB Spyder is not to be mistaken with the 275 GTS, which was Ferrari's official factory drop-top variant that borrowed a body form akin to the 365 GTs. Luigi Chinetti, in a move that split himself from Enzo Ferrari, opted to commission his own coachbuilt line of 275 GTB cabrios
The 275 styling is the logical step from the timeless form of the 1950s 250 GT California Spyder: the glass-covered headlamps, appropriate chrome accents, and graceful shape. I've always said the 275 is like Elizabeth Hurley to the Miura's Monica Bellucci: the Miura is luscious with sexy curves, a wild ride for a weekend--but the 275 is elegant, more subdued, and something you could live with everyday and get inside with comfort. Take the analogy however you want to.
chartguy
This car always struck my fancy, especially in fly yellow (as above).
It was a relatively simple, clean design, almost brutal. At the same time, the tiny, delicate door latches and other details kept it from being crude.
I think the sound of that V-12 may mean as much to me as the way the car looks. Obviously, this is a very personal reaction that we each have in our own way. This was it for me. An older friend feels the same way about the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, a car more of his era.
Generally, I've tended to appreciate Pininfarina designs more than most others. They're not all great, but many of the great designs seem to be theirs.
Crazy Russian
The Mazda RX7 is the most beautiful car I have seen. The double bubble roof speaks to the 60s era while the smooth flowing sheet metal design is the highlight of 90s design. The whole design is not overwrought with folds and curve of the metal like recent Nissans but still manages to create drama with each subtle curve. Your eyes are move along the whole car never getting stuck on one feature like hideous fender "vents" of the 2008 Ford Focus. The interior, likewise, is straightforward but well executed. There is something to be said for a drier oriented cabin. Nothing says, "let's do this" like a three point steering wheel and all controls including the HVAC controls pointed towards you.
Russ Bellinis
I think the most beautiful car I've ever seen (actually haven't seen one in the flesh, yet) is the Alpha 8c. I think the most beautiful affordable car is probably the original Datsun 240z. I also like the 1982-1992 Camaro. I also like the Xk8 Jag, but the only way I could afford oone would be a 10 year old used model.
Anonymous
Candidates for most beautiful have to include:
- Original series Ferrari GTO
- Series one Jaguar E-Type coupe
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JRes
Wow, too broad a question. Needs to be broken into at least 20 year blocks.
For 20's-30's era cars I'd have to say Duesenberg SJ's boattail comes instantly to mind as do the Bugatti Royale and Type 57.
For the 60-70's era, if we are discounting the obvious Ferraris I have always thought that the first Stingray (63) was a truly unique and absolutely beautiful design
For the 80's and 90's even though it was clearly patterned after the 60's Elan, I think the first generation Miata should be in the running.
JWBrothers
These are my two favorite 20's-30's era cars. First, the most beautiful SS...
30 Mercedes Count Trossi SSK
Then, the Shah of Iran had this one built...
The Shah's Bugatti 57
Many Thanks
Jim
Mena
WOW!!!!!!
Seyth Miersma
Seyth Miersma
Managing Editor
Winding Road//NextAutos
chartguy
The Lancia Stratos is one of my all-time favorite cars, but I would not call it "beautiful".
The Fenomenon Stratos (concept car) works a bit better for me, visually.
Fenomenon Stratos
Seyth Miersma
Yeah, the Fenomenon car was pretty brilliant, but less pure of form to my eyes than the original car. I'm just in love with the wedge shape, though I'll quickly admit that most don't find wedge-shaped cars really beautiful.
Seyth Miersma
Managing Editor
Winding Road//NextAutos
JWBrothers
There are a couple of "wedge" cars that I really like.
2007 Lamborghini Reventon: Wedge
And I love this one...
1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo: Wedge
But these are still not my favorites.
Many Thanks
Jim
Anonymous
I really like the
Old school: Shelby cobras 427 (no apologies for what it is... fing RAW), 1953, and 67-69 vettes
New School: Carrera GT (I think its the engine note mesmerized me), and Alfa's 8C
honorable mention to the new Audi's A5/S5.
Anonymous
Bugatti Royale
Anonymous
Bugatti Atlantic
JWBrothers
I like this one too. But it's not my favorite.
1937 Bugatti Atlantic
Many Thanks
Jim
Zacky Ahmad
It may come as a surprise, but the first car that could really grab my attention was BMW Z3. Mazda MX-5 may help created the 2-seater small roadster genre. But BMW Z3 has surely taken the genre into a new level.
Ramoses
gr8 choices Ducati Minor
in terms of modern day cars, i've always found Aston Martins 2 be the best looking cars out there... but i do love the Audi R8 and the Alpha 8C
JWBrothers
It's hard to pass up on the E-Jag, the Aston Martin, the Ferraris, the Vettes and the Jag XK8 or 120.
But I'm with Russ, Ramoses and others. The Alfa Romeo is the most beautiful car from every angle.
Alfa Romeo 8C
Many Thanks
Jim
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