NationStates Jolt Archive

Which car do you reckon is the prettiest ever made?

Here are some ideas of mine:
Mazda FD RX-7
http://www.modelair.co.nz/Mhome_images/MAtemp_site/TAM_RC/header_58382.jpg

Audi RS4 Avant
http://au.carnewstoday.com/car-news/images/thumbs/lrg_article_4294-img_0.jpg

Koenigsegg CCXR
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/images/article_images/KoenigseggGeneva560px.jpg

Maserati Quattroporte
http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/64446/alt.jpg

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
http://www.thesupercars.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/lamborghini-gallardo-superleggera.jpg

And a bit of a weird one:
Subaru WRX STi
http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars/subaru/WRX05/sti1.JPG
The pictured one is the only version they ever really got right, especially in black - if you see one on the road you know to get the hell out of the way. The whole thing oozes style-less aggression. :D

I think I've probably forgotten a bunch. Would you ever buy a car just for its looks?

Ford Model T-Coupe
http://www.solarnavigator.net/automotive_directory/car_images/ford_model_t_coupe_1926.jpg

Ford Model A
http://firsttraderegistry.com/forsale/1_06/30ford/1928%20ford%20model%20a%20lasure%20019.jpg

http://andreas-simpsons.com/Simpsons-bilder/homercar03.gif

http://www.hchg.co.uk/uf/cars/car73-lg.jpg

Here's one of 'em. The new one's ain't bad, either.
http://www.cardata.com/images/2007/2007_Aston_Martin_V8_Vantage.jpg

-snip-
Strangely enough, I've never quite joined the swooning about modern Astons. I mean, they look better than many cars, but I wouldn't call them that pretty. I mean, I'd never buy one.

The one exception is the DBR9 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin_DBR9) racecar. Emptied out and with just the shell and what it needs to go fast it develops another appeal.

As for the Ford Model T...I never got what people see in old cars. Maybe I need to be 50 myself before I see it.

I'm obliged to agree with you on the RX7 and maserati, Neu. I'd add the latest release of the skyline: I've just looked everywhere for it and I can't find it for the life of me. I have seen it around Sydney a couple of time (same car), and it looks like a slightly sedanised 350Z. Maybe the bastards have got some other car and rebadged it...???

Now that we are onto aston Martin, though, the db9 is breathtaking...http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/100-greatest/03-large/07-aston-martin-db9.jpg

I'm obliged to agree with you on the RX7 and maserati, Neu. I'd add the latest release of the skyline: I've just looked everywhere for it and I can't find it for the life of me. I have seen it around Sydney a couple of time (same car), and it looks like a slightly sedanised 350Z. Maybe the bastards have got some other car and rebadged it...???
Probably, as far as I know it's not finished yet.

Testing at the 'Ring:
http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/AkinaGhost1004.jpg
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/05/28/28Nissan_m.jpg
Bigger (http://www.nissangtrproto.com/images/2007/03/close-ups-of-the-nissan-gtr-2.jpg)

It's going to replace the 350ZX, meaning it'll finally bring the two model lines together. And I think they've taken the best bits from both cars. Only pity is the price...they'll be hard-pressed to find many customers if they could get a nice 911 instead.

Bugatti Atlantique-
http://www.classicdriver.de/upload/images/reportagen/week_51_00_02/car_pop22.jpg

Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing-
http://www.mandrews.exclusivestm.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/gull.jpg
The doors aren't a novelty, structural support went where the doors would be, so rather than compromising the car, they moved the doors. Awesome.

The Original 930
http://www.german-car.net/bilder/l_f16f3ca8636f0a7a8316bff7c9d7daa4.jpg

The Ferarri 250 GTO, which I saw run in anger today. Also awesome.
http://www.forix.com/8w/reviv03/reviv03-sun-fv-250gto.jpg

Now I'm off to a playground of the best fucking cars ever made. (I'm at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.)

Where's UpwardThrust's Jeep?

http://www.johndagostinokustomkars.com/images/57%20Imperial%20Imperial%20Royale.jpg

http://k41.pbase.com/u3/mdlempert/large/532296.Dscn0276.jpg

I don't own a car, and I've never participated in or have otherwise been really interested in any sort of motor sport or other activity. Some small fiber of my being nonetheless insists that if it doesn't involve a map, a compass, the occasional wild animal and it isn't covered in dirt, it just isn't right.

http://www.theoldnorthstate.org/history/MVC-005S.JPG

(I seem to recall the Discovery Channel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_Channel) and/or Land Rover putting on some regular global adventure/trek/something event, but I can't find pictures or a website or some other source. Does someone know what I mean?)

Now that we are onto aston Martin, though, the db9 is breathtaking...http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/100-greatest/03-large/07-aston-martin-db9.jpg
I could wank to that. Easily.

I could wank to that. Easily.

*fap fap fap fap* ... what?

My favourites that have not been mentioned yet:

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster:
http://www.blaise27.demon.co.uk/lambo/archives/jpegs/diablo60.jpg

Carver One:
http://www.thecarfinders.co.uk/images/carver_one.jpg

The Ferarri 250 GTO, which I saw run in anger today.
That is pretty.

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster
I don't know...back then I'm sure it was revolutionary and all that, but I think Donckerwolke's stuff just surpassed it all. I mean, can you really look at a Diablo next to a Murcielago and call it the prettier car?

The other one's just weird. :p

By the way, for all those Aston fans - the DB9 is old news. They've just revealed the production version of the DBS from the Bond movie, which will replace the Vanquish.

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,944350,00.jpg

It's still all soft, and heavy, so I wouldn't want one.

Bunch of pics here (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/aston-martin-dbs-revealed/) and here (http://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/0,1518,500424,00.html).

Look at the seats...no sides. You're gonna fall out of them doing any serious driving. Much better (http://www.zcars.com.au/images/ferrari-f430-scuderia31.jpg).

Volvo. >.<

Volvo. >.<

1964 volvo 1800:
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1960-1969/1964-Volvo-1800-red.jpg

e-type series 1
(http://uk.geocities.com/tradcarclub/images/jagweb.JPG)corvette stingray (http://www.corvettemodels.com/images/65%20Corvette%20Maisto.bmp)
karmann ghia (http://www.philseed.com/images/vw1200kgright-jr.jpg)
lancia stratos (http://www.imageacoustic.com/Motors/Barbon%20May%202005/IMG_0690.jpg)
1964 alfa spyder (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/1967-Alfa-Romeo-Duetto-Red-Front-Angle-st.jpg)
alfa 33 stradale (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/1968-Alfa-Romeo-33-Stradale.jpg)

that'll do for now, there's a couple i can't remember the names of so i can't search them. later perhaps.

I don't like the new Lamborghinis, really. They look like they're carved from soap.

I didn't like the Diablo that much either, like someone sanded down a Countach then got it wet which made it swell.

I think they peaked out of the gate, like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups...the Muira is just damn pretty-
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/lamborghini/blackmuira_lambo_15.jpg

But that's just taste. There are some things that I like that people think are ugly (http://wesclark.com/am/my_914.jpg)

On that, I went to the auction tonight (nothing insane, a 'Vette went for like $150,000 or so.) and was shooting (with a Super8) a Datsun 510 while a Noble M12 scootered by and I almost didn't notice.

Bet car in the world, well to me that is... 1984 Pontiac Firebird, all black with out any of that gold trim. And no I do not own the one in the picture, mine is all black, and a little beat up.
http://www.dealsonwheels.com/database/cars/000768-200703-000001big.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4e/1978_Trans-Am.jpg

the ki ha 80 series of japanese d.m.u. although the old j.n.r. color scheme looked kind of crappy on it. to me anyway.

=^^=
.../\...

http://www.michaellegg.com/images/california/Original%20Files/delorean.jpg

While the picture above is a rather modified variant, it's the most beautiful car in the world.

Though that Lamborghini Gallardo comes close.

While the picture above is a rather modified variant, it's the most beautiful car in the world.


Modified to make it into a useable vehicle, I hope. Looks like they might have given it a new engine, which is a start.

As for it being beautiful, well... eye of the beholder and all that.
Personally, I think it looks like it was conceived by someone who didn't understand basic metalwork, designed by a committee, and constructed by out-of-work bricklayers. Oh, hang on...

Hmmm, apparently I am in a bitchy mood today.

This is nice ....

http://usera.imagecave.com/Kormanthor/audi-r-zero.jpg

This is nice ....

http://usera.imagecave.com/Kormanthor/audi-r-zero.jpg
That is is... and it instantly reminded me of its possible greater potential...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/bumblebee.jpg

Sorry all but this is the most beautiful car ever made...and its a Alfa...

http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/alfa_8c_competizione_big_10.jpg

(slightly large pic...hence link...)

If millions of people spend thousands of dollars each on basic tools of their lifestyle, some of that money will surely find its way into artistic expression. That does not make car design a matter of art, it remains a cynical attempt to seperate fools from their money.

Here:

http://www.tate.org.uk/collection/N/N06/N06228_9.jpg

If millions of people spend thousands of dollars each on basic tools of their lifestyle, some of that money will surely find its way into artistic expression. That does not make car design a matter of art, it remains a cynical attempt to seperate fools from their money.

Here:

http://www.tate.org.uk/collection/N/N06/N06228_9.jpg

And that gets you from A to B in style and comfort how? :p

That is is... and it instantly reminded me of its possible greater potential...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/bumblebee.jpg


I like the way you think! They would definately compliment each other.

I like the way you think! They would definately compliment each other.
Thanks. It's the racing stripes, I tell ya. ;)

I'm obliged to agree with you on the RX7 and maserati, Neu. I'd add the latest release of the skyline: I've just looked everywhere for it and I can't find it for the life of me. I have seen it around Sydney a couple of time (same car), and it looks like a slightly sedanised 350Z. Maybe the bastards have got some other car and rebadged it...???

No, the V33 is a US Market 350Z/JDM Fairlady Z, the V35 is a US Market Infiniti G35 Coupe/JDM Nissan Skyline, soon to be replaced by the V37.

Not to be confused with the GT-R Skylines of the 1990's fame, the newer ones are based on Nissan's VQ series V6 engines, not turbocharged, but they still make about 290 crank hp. And they're very good looking:
http://homepage.mac.com/stracy01/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2003-12-29%2019.07.03%20-0800/Image-994235963A7411D8.jpg

That does not make car design a matter of art, it remains a cynical attempt to seperate fools from their money.
Luckily enough, what is and isn't art remains in the eye of the beholder. And besides, if I was to ever get a statue of anything, it'll be a copy of the Atlas at the Rockefeller center in New York.

And that gets you from A to B in style and comfort how? :p

"Style and comfort" ... ?

I was thinking more "from me to thee, with passion and conviction," but ... your mileage may vary.

I always liked this one:

http://www.super-fond.fr/images/BMW/BMW_Nazca_C2.jpg

http://www.azsupercars.com/images/1993_bmw_nazca_c2_spider-1.gif

I think it was only ever a prototype, though.

"Style and comfort" ... ?

I was thinking more "from me to thee, with passion and conviction," but ... your mileage may vary.

Only if it has wheels....!

If millions of people spend thousands of dollars each on basic tools of their lifestyle, some of that money will surely find its way into artistic expression. That does not make car design a matter of art, it remains a cynical attempt to seperate fools from their money.

Here:

http://www.tate.org.uk/collection/N/N06/N06228_9.jpg

[url=http://www.jaguar-e-type.net/MoMA-E-type-press-release-1996.htm]The Museum of Modern Art[/i] disagrees with you. Fortunately they are not limited by such ridiculous notions such as 'art cannot have a function' or that a medium if generally mundane then cannot produce art.

Some see beauty where they're told it is, others can find it on their own, I guess.

Luckily enough, what is and isn't art remains in the eye of the beholder.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Before you throw away the idea "beauty is a perception" or derogate art to a matter of appearances, perhaps you should direct your mind to the question: "is what I find beautiful thereby art?"

I find the flowers of the field beautiful. I do not find them art, except in so far as all life is art, in so far as my rational thoughts are mere competent brushstrokes of some artist beyond my knowing, in so far as all things glorious and humble, all creatures of fate, are art. I might find it so in my happiest moments, but otherwise, I demand the right to see beauty without crediting some Artist for showing it to me.

There is beauty without the need of art, just as art has no dependence on beauty.

No, art to me is a thing clearly defined as seperate from beauty. You find a thing beautiful, and also the creation of a person (or team or company)? You have yet to fathom the reason for its being, before you can call it art.

The Museum of Modern Art (http://www.jaguar-e-type.net/MoMA-E-type-press-release-1996.htm) disagrees with you. Fortunately they are not limited by such ridiculous notions such as 'art cannot have a function' or that a medium if generally mundane then cannot produce art.

Some see beauty where they're told it is, others can find it on their own, I guess.

You should stop guessing stuff. You aren't good at it.


Aw, what am I saying? Keep guessing, only way to learn!

You should stop guessing stuff. You aren't good at it.


Aw, what am I saying? Keep guessing, only way to learn!
Yes, I can see how this brilliantly counters both what I said and MOMA's arguments for including a third car to their exhibits. Well done, I stand corrected. Very thorough argument. You shouldn't be ashamed or anything.

Here's another thought, since I'm sure Canto has wider aspirations than a mere bickering over whether Industrial Design can be art:

Can a thing be beautiful, yet not be art? Absent God, can we imagine things simply being, beautifully? A simple positive, from some point of view; a Good, an unequivocable step towards perfection and Ideal Form ... without some Artist claiming credit for it?

I would say no. To see beauty is to be a supplicant, a follower in some thing (perhaps unnamed) whose manifestation you recognize. Beauty is stolen by the eye of the beholder.

Here's another thought, since I'm sure Canto has wider aspirations than a mere bickering over whether Industrial Design can be art:

Can a thing be beautiful, yet not be art? Absent God, can we imagine things simply being, beautifully? A simple positive, from some point of view; a Good, an unequivocable step towards perfection and Ideal Form ... without some Artist claiming credit for it?

I would say no. To see beauty is to be a supplicant, a follower in some thing (perhaps unnamed) whose manifestation you recognize. Beauty is stolen by the eye of the beholder.
I'll give you a nudge, since your so keen on learning so, you know, I'll return the favor.

It might be easier to first establish what is something before determining what isn't. We know that you don't think beauty equals art and that if something has a function or makes money it can't be art and that you have the 'insight' to recognize a classic sculpture as art in such a way that for some reason you'd imagined we'd never been exposed to it so you placed it in a car thread (clearly, if people like cars then they've never seen a sculpture before...).

However, you have not made your argument for what art is in such a way that it excludes the design of cars.

If you could pull your nose out of the air long enough, might be nice.

I'll give you a nudge, since your so keen on learning so, you know, I'll return the favor.

It might be easier to first establish what is something before determining what isn't. We know that you don't think beauty equals art

No, I don't. I allow for beauty which isn't art, and art which isn't beautiful.

and that if something has a function or makes money it can't be art and that you have the 'insight' to recognize a classic sculpture as art in such a way that for some reason you'd imagined we'd never been exposed to it so you placed it in a car thread (clearly, if people like cars then they've never seen a sculpture before...).

So ... I was off-topic. Where were we?

However, you have not made your argument for what art is in such a way that it excludes the design of cars.

No. I didn't intend to. I put a counter-example, which wasn't a car, and I said that car design is "an attempt to seperate fools from their money" primarily, and artistic expression secondarily.

All art is a matter of patronage, of seperating fools from their money. "It is beautiful, it is a thing with beauty, it has a price and I can make that beauty mine" is the factor which makes art a business. If art wasn't a business, you wouldn't be quoting MOMA.

No, I won't propound "pure" art, art which has no worldly affect. It was not my intention to do that ... rather, I posted my pic of a Rodin sculpture in the hope that somebody would agree with me that the human body is inherently more beautiful than a box with a wheel at each corner.

I like this one too .... water skiing without a boat!

http://usera.imagecave.com/Kormanthor/FloatingCar.jpg

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
True. But what can and can't be classified as art is also, and seperately, in the eye of the beholder.

Anything can be art, as long as someone sees it that way. Though I think it has to be human-made to make sense. The flowers may not be art in themselves, the flowers cut a certain way or arranged within a beautifully designed garden might be.

e-type series 1 (http://uk.geocities.com/tradcarclub/images/jagweb.JPG)
Really should be green...

But yeah, the above and this (http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2001_tvr_tuscan_s-1.jpg) are two of the best-looking cars ever made.

knew i was forgetting something! and TVR is my favourite car maker, i don't think they've made a single car i haven't desired.

and yeh, e types got to be racing green or creamy white for me. although there's an awesome race spec one in jersey that's baby blue with two narrow orange stripes down the middle. sacrilege really, but it does look cool :D

http://www.lambocars.com/hr/cou/lp500s6.jpg
http://www.lambocars.com/hr/cou/lp500s6.jpg

Ballotonia

How much of a cars beauty is defined by the badge on its nose?

anyway my three nominations:

Jaguar XJS... but you have to get the colour and wheels right or you ruin more then British Leyland did.

http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=586105279

Jaguar XF (concept) (rear 3/4 view only)

http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/xp/shane/20070110/00/1318034546-new-jaguar-xf-previewed-show-car.jpg


Alfa Brera

http://news.windingroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/Alfa-Romeo-Brera-silver.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8096/0741bwasdrnlg4.jpg

Badittude.

How much of a cars beauty is defined by the badge on its nose?
Well, I really like the looks of the Ford Focus ST, the Mercedes CLK Black Edition and the Holden R8 Clubsport.

None of them are brands I particularly like, but they're still nice-looking cars. On the other hand, I don't think I've ever seen a Porsche that I would call really beautiful (though the GT3 comes close from some angles), or a current Ferrari (though the 430 is nice from the rear).

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8096/0741bwasdrnlg4.jpg

Badittude.

that makes me want to drink petrol. in a good way :D

I could wank to that. Easily.

If it turns you on then what ever .. i've never really been interested in cars .

No, I don't. I allow for beauty which isn't art, and art which isn't beautiful.



So ... I was off-topic. Where were we?



No. I didn't intend to. I put a counter-example, which wasn't a car, and I said that car design is "an attempt to seperate fools from their money" primarily, and artistic expression secondarily.

All art is a matter of patronage, of seperating fools from their money. "It is beautiful, it is a thing with beauty, it has a price and I can make that beauty mine" is the factor which makes art a business. If art wasn't a business, you wouldn't be quoting MOMA.

No, I won't propound "pure" art, art which has no worldly affect. It was not my intention to do that ... rather, I posted my pic of a Rodin sculpture in the hope that somebody would agree with me that the human body is inherently more beautiful than a box with a wheel at each corner.
Sweet crap, I haven't seen this much wankery since going to an adult arcade.

There isn't anything here to even respond to. Someone asks what the best looking car is and you jack off about Rodin, and add some snide remark about the subject at hand? What a waste. Are you trying out for the role of 'Fass'?

There's this little button at the top called New Post or something like that. You want to talk about how you like widely regarded artists like it's something special? Hit it.

This was about cars. Liking cars does not mean that one can not like other things. But for the immediate, this was about cars. I'm sure you can find many many other places to masturbate. This is the internet after all...

The Bentley Continental GT Speed.

I... love... this... car. Hell, I like the whole Bentley lineup.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/5300/image4l2w1280h1024sq2.jpg

The Stingray series of Corvettes look amazing, sharp lines with more than a hint of the teardrop styling of the 30's in the front, the car is sexy and aggressive.

Which car do you reckon is the prettiest ever made?

Here are some ideas of mine:
Mazda FD RX-7
http://www.modelair.co.nz/Mhome_images/MAtemp_site/TAM_RC/header_58382.jpg

Audi RS4 Avant
http://au.carnewstoday.com/car-news/images/thumbs/lrg_article_4294-img_0.jpg

Koenigsegg CCXR
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/images/article_images/KoenigseggGeneva560px.jpg

Maserati Quattroporte
http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/64446/alt.jpg

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
http://www.thesupercars.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/lamborghini-gallardo-superleggera.jpg

And a bit of a weird one:
Subaru WRX STi
http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars/subaru/WRX05/sti1.JPG
The pictured one is the only version they ever really got right, especially in black - if you see one on the road you know to get the hell out of the way. The whole thing oozes style-less aggression. :D

I think I've probably forgotten a bunch. Would you ever buy a car just for its looks?


Thats the only reason I buy a car, because I think it looks cool.

That does not make car design a matter of art, it remains a cynical attempt to seperate fools from their money.

What's this? Do you mean that nothing which was created for profit can be considered a work of art?

There will be a lot of empty art galleries once word gets around...