Cars with Curves

Not many cars have those kinds of breath-catching curves that used to make young and old stop and stare. And drool, and pant, and... just make people excited about cars and the industry.

I've noticed a trend in the past few years--ever since Jaguar promoted their AWD potency in an unusual, bridge clawing commercial--that car commercials are enhancing side stuff like great music or a sense of humor, versus the car's appeal. This is not a good thing people.

Our cars are more often times the victims of manufacturing practices aimed at efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This, unhappily, translates into sometimes pointy, awkward, and often times wince-inducing automotive design--anyone remember the bangle butt?

Admit it, it's as square as the padded shoulders of a football player. And how about the Pontiac Aztec?

Take a look at that chopped-off high rear! And the blind spots! What were they thinking? What about the new Cadillac-like Acuras?

They discontinued a great seller with appeal such as the RSX just to do this to their vehicles? Tut, tut.

So, I think it's a good idea for fans and designers to occasionally stop for a breath of fresh air. A reprieve. We need to look back at some of the amazing automotive designs that pepper our history, and absorb rather than push out stuff. At least for a little while. We need to remember what's possible if we put the effort in, regain our passion, and take the lessons we absorb from these gems back to our design board.

This is the 1948 Buick Streamliner by Norman E. Timbs. They don't make 'em like that no mo. Jalopnik very aptly stated that "curves like this inspire poetry." To me, it speaks of fluidity and beauty.

This is the 1980 Corvette. Look at those curves, they scream aerodynamicity. They scream: I dare you to take that box on wheels of yours and race me when the stop light turns green.

What makes you turn your head to to take a second look at a passing car? What stokes your car passion?