What makes a car be beautiful?

Danny Tran · February 17th, 2007, 8:10 PM

Lets talk purely about looks.

I know what makes a women be beautiful, or what women consider to be an attractive man...

I dont mean what looks cool, or how youve grown attached to a shape because youve seen it's your heros car. (ie: Takumi's ae86)

But what makes an automobile be objectively, universally beautiful?

Can automotive design be conisdered art?

I know I gasp when i see this picture of a 911:

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/9449/911fv6.jpg

The prettiest japanese modern sports car:

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2428/rx7ca4.jpg

I love:

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7063/batmobilefm4.jpg

My last favorite Ferrari (based solely on looks):

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/1503/456jh1.jpg

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/3184/fordgtys1.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6222/nonameyb7.jpg

Best for last:

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/590/db9ui8.jpg

See my sig for my curreent favorite.

LeMans GTR · February 17th, 2007, 10:59 PM

http://www.abcars.13tka.com/samochody/aston-martin/db9/aston-martin-db9-volante-003.jpg

What makes this car beautiful is the way it captures you with it's subtle restrained British elegance and makes you take a step closer to admire it's beauty and elegance.

swek · February 18th, 2007, 12:03 AM

^ That is true. However, I think the cabriolet of the DB9 turned out a mess. The DBß had curvy flowing lines while the cabrio seems to be interupted above the windshield. It looks like something is missing and ruins the whole thing for me.

teeb · February 18th, 2007, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Tran

Can automotive design be conisdered art?

Heck yes. Look at the Morgan Aeromax concept, for example. That's a work of art. Stunningly gorgeous cars - such as a Jag E-type - are a work of art. A perfectly clean blue metallic paint Peugeot 406 coupé glistening in the sun on the French riviera is beautiful. There are quite a few cars that are works of art.

As for what makes a car beautiful, or a work of art? I've heard the rule "double the wheel size is maximum height of the car". As far as I've seen, for sports cars, or coupés, this proportion rule seems to work well. What else? I'm not sure...

I went on to think whether beauty, in cars, is subjective or not. Could we all agree that certain cars are beautiful and certain ones aren't; or is it personal? Obviously there's some degree of personal preferences involved - maybe in colour choice, maybe in type of car, maybe in other terms - but it seems we can all agree, generally, on whether certain cars are beautiful or not. We can all see a GT40, for example, and admit it is good-looking; and we can all see a Ssangyong Rodius and feel the urge to upchuck. It's really not as clear cut as I'm making it out, but I'm just thinking out loud - well, typing out loud.

fbc · February 18th, 2007, 12:14 AM

Proportion is key - get that right and you're well on your way to making a good looking car. Get it wrong, and no amount of styling flair can save it.

And yes, car design is definitely an art when performed with passion.

jayhawk · February 18th, 2007, 12:23 AM

Can automotive design be art?

http://features.cgsociety.org/galleryimages/26134/bugatti.jpg

http://autogaleria.pl/fotografie/alfa_romeo/alfa_romeo_8c_competizione_2003_04.jpg

How about a Harley Earl Caddy?

http://classicar.co.il/photogallery/pictures/1953Eldorado.jpg

http://www.lemans.cz/modely/foto/Ferrari_250_GT_California_Spyder_LWB.jpg

Must I say anymore? images/smilies/smile.gif

KaJuN · February 18th, 2007, 12:34 AM

For me the beauty of a car is in it's details, not certain features. The DB9 is a perfect example. You eyes aren't drawn to the grille, roofline, windows, fender flares ect. You just see the whole shape of the thing. Clarkon described it perfectly when talking about the styling details on the GTI: "There, but not as you'd notice." That's the reason I hate the Fusion so much, that big chrome grille just jumps out at you and ruins things. Nice uninterrupted flowing lines really add to the beauty as well.

I also like cars that look different than most of what's out there. Just take the RX-8. It's got a really unique look and I really like that.

Donington · February 18th, 2007, 1:39 AM

It needs soul too. I don't find the RX-7 that attractive, dispite it's curvy lines. I find even the least attractive alfas more beautiful, because they just hhave so much flair.

Devon · February 18th, 2007, 1:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swek

DBß .

Attack of the german double S.

Two of the most beautiful cars.

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/03/carreragt06.jpg

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/55-2008-audi-r8.jpg

Aston Martin · February 18th, 2007, 1:43 AM

Quote:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The greatest looking car of all time is the DB5... however i also love the Fiat Panda. images/smilies/tongue.gif

Magnet · February 18th, 2007, 5:58 AM

As fbc said, proportion is the key.

madpsi · February 18th, 2007, 8:59 AM

Call me an elitist, but I think that "beauty" must include the entire driving experience with cars. One can discuss aesthetics until they're blue in the face, but if the car doesn't capture them while using it, it's just as good as a piece of furniture. You can have a car that is stunning while standing still, but if it drives like crap, it's as worthless as a painting on the wall.

M3lover · February 18th, 2007, 11:53 AM

Ferrari F355 and BMW E46 M3 are in my eyes two of the most beatiful cars I know.

Best way I can explain why I think so is, all their lines seem to "add up"

Dsemaj · February 18th, 2007, 1:12 PM

Well proportioned with aggression and/or style.

vRS · February 18th, 2007, 1:39 PM

My ideas of automotive beauty-

http://www.pidocchio.net/turboland/ferhtm/32Ferrari%20Dino%20GT%2003.jpg

http://www.ferraricars.org/img/ferrari-f355/introduction-01.jpg

http://www.caradisiac.com/media/images/le_mag/mag268/porsche-911-turbo-4big.jpg

and of course

http://www.begagnade-bilar.se/xUpl/2006_09_14_09_47_51_pict4620_ny.jpg

Adunaphel · February 18th, 2007, 1:49 PM

My idea of automotive beauty is flowing, natural lines without unnecessary details and pink frilly edges. Or angular, bold and agressive lines, again without pink frilly edges pretty please with sugar on top. Designers should learn when to stop designing.

Narcolepsy · February 18th, 2007, 6:12 PM

Some fantastic ones have already been mentioned. I agree 200% with the Alfa 8C, Bugatti 57, DB9 and Ford GT

Dodge Challanger (Muscle, a different kind of beauty)

http://www.edmunds.com/media/news/column/carmudgeon/chrysler.newest.challenger/70.dodge.challenger.ta.500.jpg

Corvette Stingray

http://www.calcruisingauctions.com/auction/XcAPUserImages/69vetteblack-2.jpg

Oldsmobile Toronado

Ferrari 348 (I'm sure I'm in the minority - but i liked this run of Ferraris)

http://www.ktsmotorsportsgarage.com/exotic/e.ferrari348.jpg

Lamborghini Muira

http://www.topgear.com/content/timetoburn/sections/galleries/other/100_sexiestcars/44/main.jpg

AMV8 (80s)

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/new/5976.jpg

Maserati Merak

Jaguar XJ220

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c344/giuseppe6969/normal_1988-XJ220-Concept-3.jpg

Spyker C8

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news/2060720.001/2060720.001.1M.jpg

Citroen C6

http://www.musketier.de/assets/images/c6_3.jpg

Animalistic, aggressive forms. Consistency in form; good proportions; being bold and unapologetic; willingness to take design risks; Light on the extraneous.

javi_up · February 18th, 2007, 9:47 PM

http://images.drom.ru/images/4483/7454/31193.jpg

teletubby-warrior · February 18th, 2007, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vRS

My ideas of automotive beauty

"One of these things is not like the others..." images/smilies/tongue.gif

Having A Wonderful Time · February 19th, 2007, 12:07 AM

You'll have to pardon me, I'm a bit strange, I've always thought that the first gen Saab 9-3s were beautiful in their strangely bulbous proportions:

http://www.wrx900.com/Saab%209-3%20Viggen.jpg

February 17th, 2007, 8:10 PM	#1
Danny Tran or Tranny Dan? Joined: Dec 20th, 2004 Last Online: 1:22 AM Location: Montreal, Canadaland Age: 27 Posts: 862 Rep Power: 23	What makes a car be beautiful? Lets talk purely about looks. I know what makes a women be beautiful, or what women consider to be an attractive man... I dont mean what looks cool, or how youve grown attached to a shape because youve seen it's your heros car. (ie: Takumi's ae86) But what makes an automobile be objectively, universally beautiful? Can automotive design be conisdered art? I know I gasp when i see this picture of a 911: The prettiest japanese modern sports car: I love: My last favorite Ferrari (based solely on looks): Best for last: See my sig for my curreent favorite. __________________ You utter PIRATES!!

February 17th, 2007, 10:59 PM	#2
LeMans GTR Previously Known As CSL Joined: Dec 20th, 2006 Last Online: 2:31 AM Location: Australia Age: 14 Posts: 2,727 Car: Aston Martin DBS (I wish) Rep Power: 38	What makes this car beautiful is the way it captures you with it's subtle restrained British elegance and makes you take a step closer to admire it's beauty and elegance. __________________

February 18th, 2007, 12:14 AM	#5
fbc Moderator Joined: Jan 8th, 2005 Last Online: November 11th, 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 34 Posts: 11,776 Car: 2006 MY07 Astra SRi Turbo Rep Power: 128	Proportion is key - get that right and you're well on your way to making a good looking car. Get it wrong, and no amount of styling flair can save it. And yes, car design is definitely an art when performed with passion. __________________ www.sniffpetrol.com

February 18th, 2007, 12:23 AM	#6
jayhawk Cigar Smoking Man Joined: Dec 11th, 2005 Last Online: 2:19 AM Location: Aurora, IL. Age: 34 Posts: 6,475 Car: 07 Subaru WRX, 09 VW Tiguan. Rep Power: 234	Can automotive design be art? How about a Harley Earl Caddy? Must I say anymore? __________________ Instead of attending the circus, I visit Autoblog to see the clowns comment instead. Last edited by jayhawk; February 18th, 2007 at 12:36 AM.

February 18th, 2007, 12:34 AM	#7
KaJuN Disco Inferno Joined: Jul 31st, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: American in Okinawa Age: 23 Posts: 5,068 Car: Suzuki Swift, Honda Benly CL50 Rep Power: 176	For me the beauty of a car is in it's details, not certain features. The DB9 is a perfect example. You eyes aren't drawn to the grille, roofline, windows, fender flares ect. You just see the whole shape of the thing. Clarkon described it perfectly when talking about the styling details on the GTI: "There, but not as you'd notice." That's the reason I hate the Fusion so much, that big chrome grille just jumps out at you and ruins things. Nice uninterrupted flowing lines really add to the beauty as well. I also like cars that look different than most of what's out there. Just take the RX-8. It's got a really unique look and I really like that. __________________ ...and Michigan still sucks. D-Fence: Kajun is just outside caressing his Discovery....touching it gently, you know......it is such a dirty bitch.....but he seems to love dirty girls in high heels who are taller then him and have "quite a few pounds" on their hips ^^ This post was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. My Flickr

February 18th, 2007, 12:03 AM	#3
swek Ex-Moderator Joined: May 19th, 2004 Last Online: 1:15 AM Location: Hamburg, Germany Age: 27 Posts: 4,524 Car: Does a bicycle count? Rep Power: 67	^ That is true. However, I think the cabriolet of the DB9 turned out a mess. The DBß had curvy flowing lines while the cabrio seems to be interupted above the windshield. It looks like something is missing and ruins the whole thing for me.

February 18th, 2007, 1:39 AM	#8
Donington Joined: Jan 26th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Now in Plymouth, Englandshire Age: 20 Posts: 4,263 Rep Power: 176	It needs soul too. I don't find the RX-7 that attractive, dispite it's curvy lines. I find even the least attractive alfas more beautiful, because they just hhave so much flair.

February 18th, 2007, 5:58 AM	#11
Magnet Joined: Jan 13th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Perth, WA Age: 28 Posts: 2,604 Car: BMW E46 328Ci, NA6 MX-5 Rep Power: 106	As fbc said, proportion is the key. __________________ Remember, a dog is not just for Christmas. It can also be for a birthday. In fact, you can eat them all year round!

February 18th, 2007, 8:59 AM	#12
madpsi Joined: Aug 29th, 2006 Last Online: July 31st, 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	Call me an elitist, but I think that "beauty" must include the entire driving experience with cars. One can discuss aesthetics until they're blue in the face, but if the car doesn't capture them while using it, it's just as good as a piece of furniture. You can have a car that is stunning while standing still, but if it drives like crap, it's as worthless as a painting on the wall.

February 18th, 2007, 11:53 AM	#13
M3lover Joined: Nov 23rd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: The milkyway, Earth, Denmark, Copenhagen Age: 23 Posts: 982 Car: Pedalpower for now... Rep Power: 18	Ferrari F355 and BMW E46 M3 are in my eyes two of the most beatiful cars I know. Best way I can explain why I think so is, all their lines seem to "add up" __________________ Mmmhh, gotta love living in Denmark. We have 180 % tax on cars. Yep, an M3 cost about the same as a 997 Turbo does in Sweden, and sadly i'm not kidding!

February 18th, 2007, 1:12 PM	#14
Dsemaj Previously Known As Jamesd Joined: May 3rd, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Adelaide, Australia. Age: 18 Posts: 2,671 Car: '95 BMW 530i, '85 Nissan Bluebird S3 GXE Rep Power: 40	Well proportioned with aggression and/or style. __________________ 1995 BMW E34 530i V8 M60B30 218HP/163kW 5sp Auto 1985 Nissan 910 Bluebird I4 CA20S 105HP/78kW 3sp Auto

February 18th, 2007, 1:39 PM	#15
vRS Joined: Nov 22nd, 2004 Last Online: November 11th, 2009 Location: Stirling, Scotland Age: 18 Posts: 1,832 Car: '02 Vauxhall Corsa SXi Rep Power: 35	My ideas of automotive beauty- and of course

February 18th, 2007, 1:49 PM	#16
Adunaphel Global Moderator Joined: Jan 18th, 2006 Last Online: 1:00 AM Location: [ˈneːdərlɑnt] Age: 29 Posts: 4,632 Car: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201) Rep Power: 153	My idea of automotive beauty is flowing, natural lines without unnecessary details and pink frilly edges. Or angular, bold and agressive lines, again without pink frilly edges pretty please with sugar on top. Designers should learn when to stop designing.

February 18th, 2007, 6:12 PM	#17
Narcolepsy Joined: Sep 17th, 2006 Last Online: September 7th, 2009 Location: Philadelphia, USA Posts: 558 Rep Power: 13	Some fantastic ones have already been mentioned. I agree 200% with the Alfa 8C, Bugatti 57, DB9 and Ford GT Dodge Challanger (Muscle, a different kind of beauty) Corvette Stingray Oldsmobile Toronado Ferrari 348 (I'm sure I'm in the minority - but i liked this run of Ferraris) Lamborghini Muira AMV8 (80s) Maserati Merak Jaguar XJ220 Spyker C8 Citroen C6 Animalistic, aggressive forms. Consistency in form; good proportions; being bold and unapologetic; willingness to take design risks; Light on the extraneous. __________________ 05 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT 94 Mercedes-Benz C280 (Retired.....by a tree) Last edited by Narcolepsy; February 18th, 2007 at 6:50 PM.

February 18th, 2007, 9:47 PM	#18
javi_up Joined: Feb 16th, 2007 Last Online: July 24th, 2007 Location: Manresa, spain Posts: 9 Car: Suzuki Swift Sport, Seat Ibiza MKII,Suzuki Santana Rep Power: 0

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February 19th, 2007, 12:07 AM	#20
Having A Wonderful Time Joined: Feb 18th, 2007 Last Online: October 24th, 2008 Location: Tricities/Washington/USA Posts: 47 Car: '96 Honda Accord Sedan Rep Power: 12	You'll have to pardon me, I'm a bit strange, I've always thought that the first gen Saab 9-3s were beautiful in their strangely bulbous proportions:

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