JACK M Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 I snapped a few pictures at the Portland Art Museum the other day. The display is called 'The Shape of Speed. 10 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted August 17, 2018 Share Posted August 17, 2018 NICE! I have seen a few of those at Harrah's collection years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted August 17, 2018 Author Share Posted August 17, 2018 KInda like looking at what the other half is up to. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Great photos, thank you for posting them. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsmoke Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Historically interesting collection of early "streamlining" efforts. While the "shape of speed" exhibit name might be fair (or hyperbole), these vehicles were for the most part IMHO design exercises in reducing wind and air impacts on them, rather than efforts to create speed. Most of them couldn't beat any performance car of their era. As we know, speed in that era was achieved largely by drivetrains predominantly (big powerful V8's or highly developed DOHC's), combined with taut suspensions, lower weights, and low center of gravity. The speed improvements of streamlining have little effect below 100MPH, and most of these vehicles would struggle to make 100. Some of the biggest impacts of streamlining were reduction of road noise, and improved fuel mileage. If you want to see the shape of speed from this era, look at the late 30 grand prix cars of Mercedes and Auto Union, truly magnificent machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 Seeing the 1935 Hoffman among those photos is a nice surprise. It was equipped with an X-8 engine in the rear. Last time I saw this car was in the Brooks Stevens Museum in Mequon, WI. http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?45370-Orphan-Of-The-Day-10-18-1935-Hoffman Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 And then there was the "shape of things to come": Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1 Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 A couple of the cars remind me of some bubble gum cards I have, from the '50s Thanks for showing, I'll think about finding them up in the Asylum. ( my room over the garage ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted August 18, 2018 Share Posted August 18, 2018 It is my understanding that "streamlining" made things worse by increasing drag. They attempted to follow the streamlines as seen by smoke in a wind tunnel. But the longer they kept the smoke on the car, the more drag there was. A bluff body is better in this regard, keeping contact with the air as short as necessary. The rear is then shaped to control the eddies cast by the cut off body, to maintain stability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 Are you referring to a KammBack ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsmoke Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 Streamlining carried to proper conclusions is very important in reducing drag coefficient, virtually every car built today undergoes wind tunnel testing for such purpose, aimed at reducing drag, improving fuel economy, improving road handling and reducing wind noise etc. Some of the early efforts (like the shark nosed Graham) were more styling exercises, based in part on front noses of early planes. However, planes flew at 300 MPH or more and had wings designed for uplift so the nose shape was not so crucial except to provide a view for the pilot. The design of the back of the car is equally important in allowing the air to pass as smoothly as possible across the entire car (Kammback and spoilers, etc help reduce turbulence and increase down force). The major transportation streamlining project yet to be resolved is transport trucks. While various fiberglass frontal attachments help, those 40' boxes present a seemingly impossible issue drag-wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted August 19, 2018 Share Posted August 19, 2018 OK, I'll make myself clear. "Streamlining" or designing for minimum drag is important, but extending the car down in a long sloping rear is not helpful. It keeps contact with air longer than necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 Thanks for the 'heads-up' on that museum as I was in that area last weekend. I posted some photos I took here----------> http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?107731-Portland-Art-Museum Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 Well back in the thirties, there was much more experience with designing boats than airplanes and for them, the longer the waterline the better. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hull_speed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1912Staver Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 (edited) On 8/18/2018 at 7:49 AM, padgett said: And then there was the "shape of things to come": I actually liked the shape of the TR 7 and TR 8. TR7's were let down by bottom of the barrel mechanical components. Rover 5 speed came too late to save them. And the 4 cyl engine was plagued with problems in any version. TR8's on the other hand are very nice, just too little, too late, and if I recall correctly a bit too expensive for reasonable sales figures. TVR's of this era are even worse from a styling point of view. Very good cars under the skin if you can get over their "doorstop" appearance. Greg in Canada Edited September 7, 2018 by 1912Staver (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted September 11, 2018 Author Share Posted September 11, 2018 On 9/7/2018 at 5:33 AM, 8E45E said: Thanks for the 'heads-up' on that museum as I was in that area last weekend. I posted some photos I took here----------> http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?107731-Portland-Art-Museum Craig Glad you enjoyed it. Nice pics by the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now