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Topic starter
31/12/2024 4:26 pm
The Art Deco movement of geometric shapes replaced the Art Nouveau that celebrated shapes from nature like the Paris Metropolitain:
Art Deco designs originally featured sharp angled geometrics
but later morphed to curved geometrics giving everything from trains to toasters an aerodynamic look. So Streamline or Art Moderne and Art Deco are pretty much the same. Andre Dubonnet, aperitif scion, ex-WWl fighter pilot, race driver and engineer collaborated with designer/coach builder Jacques Saoutchik to build a one-off streamlined automobile based on a Hispano-Suiza H6B chassis that took the Art Moderne curves to a new level. This 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet "Xenia", named for his deceased second wife, was the first car to feature an aircraft style curved windscreen and removable side glass. The car featured his Dubonnet independent suspension system that when unveiled at the 1938 Paris Auto Show, he sold it to GM, Alfa Romeo, Delahaye and Fiat. Gordon Buehrig used the Xenia as an inspiration for the 'coffin nose' Cord. From the front grill to the bat wing rear, every aspect of the car has its own aerodynamic shape including the gas cap, door handles and the removal levers on the rear skirts and rear hatch. The only element on the car that has no curves is the Saoutchik badges on the rockers. After being hidden from the Germans during the war, it surfaced in 1946 to star in various French post-war celebratory events. Peter Mullen has the Xenia front and center in his huge collection of prewar French classics.
31/12/2024 6:36 pm
I can appreciate its design but really don't like it. IMO, the body is too oversized for the greenhouse proportion.
Steve
Christopher Moroni and Rich Sufficool reacted
31/12/2024 6:45 pm
Interesting post and history,Rich. I rather like this period’s styling, much better in my opinion tho American styling post WW2 and even the wide/flat sheet metal of the 1970s. That Checker cab was an extremely example but sure got attention. Art Deco and Art Moderne were the forte of European design studios as presented here also by Charles. Once again, thank you.
Topic starter
31/12/2024 7:55 pm
@100ford2003 Dubonnet had a long standing relationship wit Hispano-Suiza and he had put so much innovative engineering with the suspension and braking on the H6B chassis that he kept the dimensions intact. This car was not designed for the track, but rather as a personal luxury car. Its wheel base was similar to other luxury car chassis like the Duesenberg SJ.
01/01/2025 3:43 am
A great-looking automobile and model. Exceptionally sleek and a fine example of such a design. The color scheme suits it perfectly.
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
01/01/2025 9:24 am
Thanks Rich. Years ago, when I first saw those Checker cabs, I didn't know what to think. "Was an aftermarket firm customizing those? That can't be stock!" Also, I remember this 1938 Hispano-Suiza model but didn't realize it was the first to have a curved windshield. The car is both bold and beautiful.
01/01/2025 9:46 am
Love the pictures and writeup Rich. The Art Deco period has always been a favorite of mine not only in automobile design, but in virtually everything from architecture to appliances.
Topic starter
01/01/2025 10:12 am
@bob-jackman An Art Deco toaster:
an Art Moderne British bus (1933):
the 36 passenger jack Conrad Band bus (1935) that couldn't be more streamlined It's driven from the 'crow's nest'>
01/01/2025 10:26 am
Hmm,
I don't believe I've ever seen a toaster that does three slices at one time.
Christopher Moroni reacted
01/01/2025 10:28 am
@100ford2003 Dubonnet had a long standing relationship wit Hispano-Suiza and he had put so much innovative engineering with the suspension and braking on the H6B chassis that he kept the dimensions intact. This car was not designed for the track, but rather as a personal luxury car. Its wheel base was similar to other luxury car chassis like the Duesenberg SJ.
Now the SJ is an automobile I can appreciate and love the design of 👍
Christopher Moroni reacted
01/01/2025 10:56 am
@bob-jackman An Art Deco toaster:
an Art Moderne British bus (1933):
the 36 passenger jack Conrad Band bus (1935) that couldn't be more streamlined It's driven from the 'crow's nest'>
🧐 me thinks Boeing might have borrowed that tail design for their 727.
Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
01/01/2025 1:18 pm
@100ford2003 Well, it does depend on the coachwork.
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
01/01/2025 1:20 pm
me thinks Boeing might have borrowed that tail design for their 727.
- .... that tail, well... What can I say? 😬 😬 😬
- I would love a peek at all that steering linkage though. Can you imagine the engineering involved? 😬 😬 😬
- That British bus is gorgeous!
Steve Jacobs reacted
02/01/2025 9:23 pm
It sure is 👍
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