Since the engineering of the horseless carriage was possible, cars weren’t just machines used to travel. They became a luxury item that was much more than getting from point A to B. Their statuses in societies across the world exemplify the divides but also bring people together, in the transportative sense, and also in the sheer love of cars.
Like the interior of the vehicle engine, society also has many parts and gears that interlock. Across the century since Fords T-100 first made its way out of a blueprint and onto a road, the entire world has embraced the technology that brings people closer, adjust the means of products closer to sources of capital, and transports products and services to drive economies upwards through the decades.
But practicality isn’t the only important aspect of a car. The car means freedom, independence, and wind in your face exhilaration. From an artistic standpoint, the design and soft lines, the sweeping curves of a well-wrought vehicle have a significant beauty that brings the buyer to delight. Yet a poorly designed boffo lemon can bring a driver to despair. People name their cars, they deliver children in their cars; they love in their cars. The automotive passion is high, and below, to the visual delight of collectors and car lovers everywhere are some of the more beautiful vehicles ever made, a true sight to enjoy.
Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe.
7.7 litres in-line, 6 cylinders motor. Prototype 30 bodies built in Belgium over the years. Acquired by a wealthy Japanese man for $1.5 million.
Napier-Railton Special.
24 litres. 12 cylinders, aeronautical motor. Power estimated to be 600 cv. Prototype built in 1933. Won 47 world records for speed.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Corto Touring Berlinetta
2.9 litres 8 Cylinders in line. 20 Prototype vehicles were produced between 1937 and 39. This model in the photo won the competition for elegance in 2008 at Pebble beach.
Bugatti Tipo 57C Van Vooren Cabriolet.
3.3 litres. Prototype built in 1939. Wedding present from the French Government to the Shah of Persia.
Buccali TAV 8-32 Saoutchik ‘Golden Arrow’ Berline.
V12 motor of 4.9 litres. Unique prototype 1931. One of the first front wheel drives.
Daimler Double-Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe.
In-line, V12 7.2 litres motor. Prototype built in 1931.
Delahaye 145 Chapron Coupe.
V12, 4.5 litres motor. 5 prototypes built between 1938 and 1946.
Mercedes-Benz 710 SSK Trossi Roadster.
In-line 6 cylinders, 7.1 litres motor. Prototype built in 1931. Won the competition for elegance of De Villa d’Este in 2007.
Talbot-Lago T150 C Figoni and Falaschi ‘Drop of Water’
4 litres, 6 cylinders in-line motor. 16 vehicles manufactured. Estimated to cost over $3 million.