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Topic starter
28/04/2024 4:46 pm
Karl's post concerning Cord vs Alfa, specifically black 1937 Cord 812 reminded me of a Cord question I have had for quite awhile now. Who 1st developed those beautiful tear drop shaped fenders which appeared in the early 1930's? It was a stunning Cord L29 Speedster at the ACD museum that shaped my question many moons ago as seen in the pictures. All cars pictured are Minimarqe models unless otherwise noted.
After obtaining this exciting model I noticed that the 1932 LeMans winning Alfa had fenders that were quite similar to the Cord's. The 1931 LeMans Alfa did not have them. The Cord disappeared in Europe (never to be found) earlier, thus my pondering - Alfa copied Cord? Here is the Alfa. Built from a Starter kit (decals so old they could not be applied)
Compare the fenders, especially the front ones
But wait, there's more. In 1930 Bugatti produced this Aero beauty. Heco model
And in 1931 Duesenberg built this, one of the prettiest IMHO, the French Speedster which was a Figoni design if I remember correctly. Stylish Cars model
A few more beauties for your entertainment. First an Auburn Speedster.
And the Cord coupe.
So was it an idea, just circulating in the water in the late 1920's and early 1930's, that these early, pretty, shapely fenders arrived on the Automotive scene, or was there just one instrumental designer that created the spark that led to the "Fat Fender Era"?
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
28/04/2024 5:18 pm
I cannot answer your question, but those are beautiful models.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
28/04/2024 7:12 pm
You posed an interesting question, Steve. As near as I can tell, the concept was introduced by Cord. Here is an article that describes the 1929 Cord La Grande and its provenance. https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/sj12/lots/r178-1931-cord-l29-la-grande-boattail-speedster-recreation/
Christopher Moroni reacted
28/04/2024 7:15 pm
Interesting study, Steve. The Le Mans Alfa fender for 1932 certainly was a major aerodynamic improvement but I have not read any details about how it came about or about any Cord influences. Could be though. Love your models shown on this post.
Christopher Moroni reacted
28/04/2024 9:10 pm
Steve, Gordon Buehrig have been behind the design of Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg automobiles and these famous pontoon fenders. He wrote a book about his work in 1975.
Rolling Sculptures, A Designer And His Work.
John Kuvakas and Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
28/04/2024 9:10 pm
@thingluvr Thank you for the link. Have bookmarked it.
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
Christopher Moroni and John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
28/04/2024 9:12 pm
@nickies Sounds like an interesting book, will have to check it out.
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
Christopher Moroni and John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
28/04/2024 9:16 pm
@david-green Glad you liked the PICS David.
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
David Green and John Kuvakas reacted
28/04/2024 10:04 pm
I am by no means well-informed on this subject. However, I believe there was a design aesthetic that rose up in the mid to late twenties when automobile designers realized they were not limited to the carriage-based designs of the early generations of automobiles. Certainly, Buerig was an influence with the '28 Duesenberg Model J. Some of the early Alfa designs by Zagato became influential (see the '23 Alfa below). So was Figoni in Europe. It would be hard to pin down who was first as they developed slowly over about a ten-year period. They all certainly made some beautiful cars.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
29/04/2024 9:14 am
Well, whom or whatever auto company 1st came out with the design of tear-drop fenders, thank-you. They are a beautiful styling feature that has been a focal point of so many great cars in the 30s. From the Cord to the Auburn and Duesenberg as well as others. This style has been a favorite of mine since I was a young man and has graced so many great cars and fortunately many of which are represented in my collection.
Steve, that red & white Cord is gorgeous. I bid on and lost an auction for one just like a few years ago. it looks to be an excellent model.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
John Kuvakas reacted
29/04/2024 4:21 pm
@stewil Hi Steve
A most interesting discussion. On the net there is a grey 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4th Series GS Spider with enveloping front wings. Looks more of a leisure car not one for racing. Not sure of authenticity as the image is from a stock photo agency.
Just to add that Mercedes-Benz had a similar design the 500K Autobahn Kurier but this wasn't issued until 1934.
Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
29/04/2024 5:37 pm
Steve, that red & white Cord is gorgeous. I bid on and lost an auction for one just like a few years ago. it looks to be an excellent model.
Hi John,
If you have time and inclination please email me at stewil2802@gmail.com sometime.
Steve
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
Topic starter
29/04/2024 6:01 pm
grey 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4th Series GS Spider with enveloping front wings.
Hi Chris,
Just looked at a number of PICS of the 1930 Alfa 6C Spider's and they all basically look like this.
Maybe the Alfa was later rebodied to have the more elegant front wings as this was a fairly common practice at the time? Racing chassis with a bit of style.
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
29/04/2024 6:16 pm
Another display with close ups of the Cord's, but not the black, less famous Auburn Speedster, as well as other machinery of the era.
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
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