Re: Further Custom-Bodied 734

Posted by 58L8134 On 2008/12/10 19:25:44

Hi West

Thanks for the further clarification on how the 734 body differs from the other models. Since the body width is narrower, the hood must be unique to the model to have the proper taper even if it were the same length as that on the others.

With the cowl six inches rear-ward and another six inches of cowl length, that puts the driver's position a full foot further rearward? There must be changes to the steering and controls to accommodate?

The rear mounted spares really contribute to the cleanliness of the design in general, though understandable the Speedster has the sidemounts. No boat-tail design ever looks good with a rear mounted spare. I have never heard the rumors of their intentions to enter the 734 in LeMans and/or Mille Miglia. Whether they won or not, still would have been great lore. Did wonders for the DuPont!

As for showing the finished paintings, yes, but both are still in process now. The oil is about half done, shows the Continental touring coupe in an appropriate setting, Southern France on a glorious, clear, sunny day.

The watercolor, after a failed first try with a different background, I'm now starting a second try. The convertible sedan is parked in the driveway of a Prairie School style home, based on a design by John S. Van Bergen for the Alfred Bersbach house in Wilmette, Ill.

As much as I like designing and painting the cars, I always try to show it in an appropriate setting. Most times the background execution consumes more time than painting the car.

I will gladly send you paper copies of the pencil line drawing layouts for now if you'd like to have an idea what they are, since it be some time before the art ready to show.

This will be the venue that will have them to post, as well as the East Grand Packard website. If you look in this websites' photo file, you'll find my '57 Packard watercolor renderings of the Detroit designs. I didn't add a background to those yet.

Steve