Interesting how different perspectives result in different analyses. I would
have said that the cars of the 1990's all look the same, while cars of the
1950's and 1960's were distinct.
The Z didn't start a trend with it's body design, it just made the classic
Ferrari/Jaguar Grand Touring shape available for a price normal humans could
afford. Actually, it did the same on engineering overall, too, with an inline 6
and independent suspension. There was a major shift in the configuration of an
"affordable sports car" starting in 1970. I talk about that a bit in the article
on my site about why the roadster is a significant car.
When body styles started being determined more by wind tunnel tests than by
stylists, they lost a lot of their individuality.
Okay, speaking of distinctive cars, I'm gonna open a Pandora's Box here. What
one car would you most like to find in your driveway on Christmas (excluding
Datsun Roadsters)?
My choice would be a 1967 Ferrari 330/P4
1750 lbs
4 liter mid-engine V12
450hp @ 8000rpm
only 4 were built, 3 are still in existence
http://www.supercars.net/Pic?s=1&i=527&p=1967_ferrari_330_p4-1.jpg&y=1967&m=Ferr
ari&o=330%20P4
George, is that more the shape you had in mind?
Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Pre-Zee
> Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2001 11:03 PM
> To: roadster List
> Subject: Design Study
>
>
> There was some talk about the styling of the rear of the Datsun roadsters a
> week or so ago. I don't have much of a problem with the back design myself,
> but I feel like the nose had a chunk chopped off. I guess I am a child of
> 1970's sports cars 240Z & such, & expect a more pointed nose on a "sports
> car".
>
> I got to thinking about this & have been studying car designs over on the
> Ewa model car site (www.ewa1.com). The one thing I am finding is cars I
> find to be similar in design (take "similar" VERY liberally) all seem to be
> from the 1950's. Cars with an 'abrupt' nose like our Datsuns, or the
> proportions, or a reminiscent line in the body work.
>
> I know all those 1960's cars were pretty similar in basic shape, but are
> they all 'leftovers' from the 1950's?
>
> Was the 240Z such a sensation because it was the first fresh idea in 20
> years?
>
> What thoughts are out there? I'm still chewing on this.
>
> Here's some I see similarities in. Yes it is a stretch on the first one,
> but -I- see roadster in it.
>
> 1950'd Borgward
> http://ew1.com/md/sem10151.jpg
> and 1950's Ferrari
> http://ew1.com/md/art903.jpg
>
> George M (Pre-Z)
>
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