Most Beautiful Automotive Design?

 

 

 

The auto world is always caught up in intense debate over performance, engineering, and design.

by Ducati Minor on Dec. 30, 2008 - 8:30 p.m.
  • 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

    Ferrari 365 GTB/4 (Daytona)Ferrari 365 GTB/4 (Daytona)

    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
    http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200512/2001-mazda-rx7-6_460x0w.jpg 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 -
  • 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.
  • Seyth Miersma

    Lancia StratosLancia Stratos

    Seyth Miersma
    Managing Editor
    Winding Road//NextAutos

  • 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
  • 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

    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

  • 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

    I like this one too. But it's not my favorite.

    �1937 Bugatti Atlantic

    1937 Bugatti Atlantic

    Many Thanks

    Jim

  • JWBrothers

    There are a couple of "wedge" cars that I really like.

    2007 Lamborghini Reventon: Wedge

    2007 Lamborghini Reventon: Wedge

    And I love this one...

    1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo: Wedge

    1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo: Wedge

    But these are still not my favorites.

    Many Thanks

    Jim

  • JWBrothers

    These are my two favorite 20's-30's era cars. First, the most beautiful SS...

    30 Mercedes Count Trossi SSK

    30 Mercedes Count Trossi SSK

    Then, the Shah of Iran had this one built...

    The Shah's Bugatti 57

    The Shah's Bugatti 57

    Many Thanks

    Jim

  • 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

    Alfa Romeo 8C

     

    Many Thanks

    Jim

  • Mena
    WOW!!!!!!
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  • JoeCamaro
    Ditto. Wish I had 200 large to blow on one.
  • A few nice ones not mentioned: Aston Martin DB4 Zagato BMW Z8 Ferrari 355 Talbot Lago T 150 C
  • Ramoses
    Jaguar E-Type Auburn Speedster pretty much all Aston Martins
  • The Porsche Cayman S View it from the back as most people do.....Sex on wheels
  • alfamonk
    I love the Toyota 2000GT - often overlooked but stunning in my opinion http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/12/ultra-rare-1970-toyota-2000gt-up-for.html
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  • jet
    BMW 2800/3.0 CS/CSi from 1971-74 last of the couch built BMWs and coupes
  • Dr. Christopher whelpley
    After viewing the new Cadillac CTS-V coupe, I have to say that it brings my thoughts back to the AMX / Javelin from AMC. A truly unique design less the build quality... I think Cadillac has gotten this right... Submitting my order now...
  • Dr. Christopher Whelpley
    May I add that the BMW M1 was a great design
  • LOGLL
    I AGREE. I HAVE A 3rd GENERATION AND IT IS A CAR I JUST LIKE TO LOOK AT. I CAN SEE IN IT A LITTLE FERRARI, A VET, A VIPER, AND FROM THE BACK A LITTLE FIREBIRD. DON'T FORGET THE GREAT ACCELERATION AND HANDLING.