Sunday, March 18, 2012

Beautiful cars indeed!


The Los Angeles Times recently ran an article titled 'Beautiful cars: Lamborghini, Cisitalia and Talbot top list of the best'. I found it intriguing, partly because I'd never heard of Cisitalia before! The accompanying photo gallery was also very interesting. Here's a brief excerpt from the article.

... we put our question to the editors at automotive information company Edmunds.com and other experts: What do they think are the sexiest, most beautiful autos ever built?

Car collector Peter Mullin, founder of the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, immediately named the 1938 Talbot Lago T150 SS from France as the most beautiful car ever.



1938 Talbot-Lago T-150 CSS Coupe (image courtesy of Wikipedia)



The Talbot is the finest example of the “rolling sculpture” style popularized by the classic French cars of the 1930s.

“Only those cars that speak of speed while still, sensuality while inanimate, or possess a graceful elegance that takes your breath away can qualify,’’ he said.

“The car single-handedly redefined automotive styling and continues to influence the design of the most sought-after cars of today,” Mullin said. That’s why the car is in the museum’s collection.


There's much more at the link, and more photographs in the accompanying gallery.

I must admit, when I compare modern 'econoboxes' and SUV's with the graceful, artistic lines of cars such as those described and illustrated in this article, I feel very . . . what's the word I want? "Blah". Yes, that'll do it - "Blah". How I wish a modern car manufacturer would take its cue from those old masterpieces, and produce a vehicle with style and character once again!

Peter

1 comment:

trailbee said...

These cars are exquisite. Many years ago I worked for Mack Trucks West Cost Parts Depot. The building faced RR tracks on LB Ave E, and ran entire block with Alameda Ave. on the other side. In the basement, where the huge parts were stored, one end was given over to an unofficial automobile museum. There were car from the very beginning, all the way to the 40s and 50s. Great place.