The 1952 Hughes Torpedo was a concept car designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company, known for its innovative and futuristic design. It was not a production model but a showcase of advanced automotive technologies and aerodynamics.
Here's a more detailed look:
Design:
The Torpedo featured a distinctive streamlined body, faired-in headlights, and sweeping rear fenders, pushing the boundaries of automotive styling at the time.
Purpose:
It was intended as a personal luxury car for Howard Hughes, hence the name, and was built on a custom chassis.
Features:
The car showcased advanced materials, a rear-mounted engine, and possibly early forms of safety features like seatbelts and impact-absorbing materials.
Innovation:
The Torpedo was a part of Hughes' broader interest in automotive design and engineering, highlighting his vision for future vehicles.
Legacy:
While not a mass-produced model, the Hughes Torpedo stands as a testament to the era's fascination with aerodynamics and innovation, representing a glimpse into the automotive dreams of the mid-20th century.
Different? Oh boy; YEAH, I'll say! Cool pick this time John! Overall, a hearty looking machine.
My 'likes': Front end, overall shape of the body/styling. The rear ponton fender-type is cool.
My 'dislikes': Size of front end grille. Smaller would be better. Front fender skirts. Rear skirts may look OK but I'd like to see car without them first. BACK END. Woof! Looks like a rocket wannabe. Lose the center afterburner.
Tony, your wish is my command. I did a quick and wobbly front end revision, spats removed and grille reduced. Not necessarily an improvement (cries of "Oh for God's sake, man, would you just leave things ALONE!") but it's always worth a try.
The "centre afterburner" on the back end is actually quite fun and it would look a bit bland with that removed, so I didn't try anything there. Done enough damage already.
Different? Oh boy; YEAH, I'll say! Cool pick this time John! Overall, a hearty looking machine.
My 'likes': Front end, overall shape of the body/styling. The rear ponton fender-type is cool.
My 'dislikes': Size of front end grille. Smaller would be better. Front fender skirts. Rear skirts may look OK but I'd like to see car without them first. BACK END. Woof! Looks like a rocket wannabe. Lose the center afterburner.
I'm trying to understand how the air goes in the grill and gets back to the rear engine. Overall I like the look considering the time period in which it was conceived.
Tony, your wish is my command. I did a quick and wobbly front end revision, spats removed and grille reduced. Not necessarily an improvement (cries of "Oh for God's sake, man, would you just leave things ALONE!") but it's always worth a try.
The "centre afterburner" on the back end is actually quite fun and it would look a bit bland with that removed, so I didn't try anything there. Done enough damage already.
You're welcome. And just to amuse you (and further piss off everyone else) I've now removed the rear spats and given the car a one-piece windscreen/windshield.
