7 replies to this topic

[Eric McLoughlin]

Reading some other topics on the forum has prompted me to consider what were the most beautiful racing cars made, irrespective of results achieved. As my main interest is Formula 1, to get the ball rolling I list below my suggestions for the best looking GP cars - in no particular order of preference:
i) Jordan 191
ii) Lotus 16
iii) Scarab
iv) Maserati 250F
v) 1967 Eagle Weslake
vi) Lotus 25
vii) Ferrari 640/F189
viii)Bugatti 51
ix) 1958 Vanwall
x) Ferrar1 312B (1970 version)

Suggestions for other GP cars and other categories welcome.

[Hot Rod Otis]

Some of my favorites in no paticular order:

Lancia D50
Lotus 49(in British racing green or Rob Walker's colors)
Lotus 79
Lotus 98 (but only with Senna, JDumfies helmet just doesn't cut it)
Mercedes W196
Brabham BT52
Ferrari 61 Shark nose.
Renault RE20B

[This message has been edited by Hot Rod Otis (edited 01-04-2000).]

[Eric McLoughlin]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I certainly agree with the Lotus 79 and the Shark Nose Ferrari. I'm not so sure about the Lancia D50 although Ferrari did improve its looks when they faired in the side mounted tanks. The Lotus 49 is probably my favourite Grand Prix car of all time, but I don't consider it that beautiful. From 1966 to about 1973 many GP cars'looks were ruined by the exposed engine at the rear together with all the associated accessories and plumbing jusy "hanging there".
What I do think is that the current crop of Formula 1 cars are probably the ugliest in a long time. They look so out of proportion, especially from head on and they have too many aerodynamic ancilliaries just stuck on (eg. Barge Boards and Winglets).
My knowledge of other forms of motor racing are a bit more limited but a shortlist of GT cars would include:

i) Ferrari 250GTO
ii) Ferrari Testa Rossa
iii)D Type Jaguar
iv) Porsche 908
V) Aston Martin DBR1

My knowledge of NASCARs is even more limited and I can only think of one that really impressed me - the 1970 Dodge Charger (there was one at the 1999 Goodwood Festival of Speed)and it looked really mean. I think its more to do with its agressive nose down attitude. It looks fast just standing still!

[Eli]

1. Lotus 25
2. Lotus 79
3. Lotus 49
4. Ferrari 312B1
5. Brabham BT45

I Could only think of five.

[Ray Bell]

Ferrari's T-series looked good, I think, especially with Gilles in them, and in the Sports Cars the Maserati 300S is impossible to beat.
A McLaren M6 fitted with a Repco V8 with central exhausts raced by the Bob Jane team for a number of years was a supremely good looking car.

[Leo Landman]

I agree with all of the above :-) But would like to see the Lotus Eleven included. Still a stunning looker (and I secretly still want one).


Bye,
Leo

[Eric McLoughlin]

Wow, why did I leave out the Lotus 11 from my list of sports cars? Of course I think its fantastic. I'd always thought they were gorgeous since I saw a green and aluminium bodied one racing in the Phoenix Park, Dublin in the mid 1970's. Much later I discovered that the Lotus/Caterham 7 was really an 11 with the streamlined body removed and the spaceframe panelled in - so I bought one three years ago(You haven't driven until you've driven a 7, and that from a man whose also driven a Lotus Elise - The 7 still wins my vote). Its the next best thing to owning an 11.
I should also include the Lotus 15 in my list, as it is the 11's bigger brother and looks rather similar.

[Leo Landman]

Eric,

The difference between a 7 and an 11 is that I couldn't convince my wife that a 7 is essential to our household, while the 11 would get the nod without thinking. It's that drop-dead gorgeous. Unfortunately the prices have gone up quite a bit.
The Lotus 15 looks nice too, but was a failure. The 11 is still a great drive, as you so rightly mentioned.

Bye,
Leo