Re: My Design for a '30 745 Speedster Sport Phaeton

Posted by 58L8134 On 2009/8/16 8:51:36

Hi Owen_Dyneto

Thanks for "and they sure look good on that car, a lovely design"

Sidemounted spares were not loved by the custom designers then as they visually interrupted the emphasis on hood length and clean appearance they preferred.

As the shape of the lower sill line changed from simply straight of the '20's to the dropped, over-the-frame configuration in the early '30's, sidemounts hid the departure point and shapeliness, such as seen on my design. The rear-mounted spares look much more sporty, especially when they're duals. The Europeans preferred them by indication of period photos, especially for sporting styles, even formal types.

I'll admit, I like sidemounts more on the formal styles, they give the car an important, imposing bearing.

The gently curved door bottom edges appear on custom bodies from all those you list as well as many others. They just add more visual interest, compliment other design elements.

On the angled hood doors: I've sketched them angled parallel to the rear hood edge/windshield angle as you suggest. They look great, though strike me more appropriate for '32-'33 designs. We had the pleasure of seeing those on some of the handsomest '33 & '34 designs, the '34 Hupmobiles are a good example.

Another interesting variation I've sketched are doors on the raised panel that fan in shape from vertical at the front to angled at the rear.....looks very Art-Deco!

Steve