Perfect proportions

So I'm not the only one that LUSTS after this car...

 

George, you usually hit the nail on the fuckin head. Once again, you have. Too bad many won't get it.

 

And I thought this thread was about proportions ?

 

For all those interested, I found the Street Rodder article on Bengochea’s ’29 Model A roadster.

http://www.streetrodderweb.com/features/1201sr_1929_ford_highboy_roadster/index.html

 

I've seen this car in person... and the proportions are off.

If you look at it from the side... the hood looks like it goes up hill.

The grille shell looks like it leans forward.

Sure it may be traditional... but from a "perfect proportions" standpoint... it misses the mark.

Sam

 

Whoa.........Phil I was just kidding around with you.It is very proportional.

 

Okay, I'll bite and to go one better I'll call Bullshit until someone on here can explain to an ignoramus like me in words I can understand what the hell all that wiki crap applies to cars. Originally before I read those articles I was going to ask how do you define perfect proportions, like is there a mathematical formula. Seems like there is, but when I read it all I can see is a load of pretentious crap when you try to apply to cars. So I'll ask the question in another way;
how do you define perfect proportions?
Is anybody out there an Oracle that can give the thumbs up or thumbs down to questions of automotive proportions?
If so, how did you get to be that Oracle?
Do you give out diplomas stating "this car is proportionately perfect"?
Is it possible to say "this is a great car but the proportions are off"?
Is it possible to say "this is a lousy car but he got the proportions right"?

Or at the end of the day, does it come down to the old beauty is in the eye of the beholder thing? Because I see a lot of cars on here that are pleasing to the eye, and also a lot that do nothing for me. All I can see is people giving their opinions, and those opinions will differ according to people's tastes.
Please don't interpret this post as an attack on anyone who has posted in this thread. I am genuinely curious as to how you get from "I don't like this car" to "I don't like this car because it's proportions are all wrong", and justify the statement as more than just an opinion.
Here's hoping the genuine enlightenment.
Paul

 

For the longest time, it was the Welch Special... Rachel that is. Car wise, how about this little Jag? Gary

 

Paul, there actually ARE dimensions and mathematical formulas to acheive REAL correct proportions. Obviously, on this thread, some people have posted up what they visually personally like, but in reality have NOTHING to do with correct proportions. There are schools of design that teach this concept, but it's senseless to attempt to argue the point on here.

 

How did this get turned into a sports car forum over a simple question??
everyone knows that a popularity contest would leave us with all 32-40 fords. they do have great proportions. many builders going for something different end up with cartoon proportions. no older American car has better flow and proportions than a 53 stude. this thread is so far off topic on the Hokey Ass Message Board.
This is a great topic if you all woukd stay on course IMHO.....Jim

 

Ok.. but then let's see some STOCK old Fords then? The cool ones are far from stock. A great number of the other cars posted here were in their prime when they rolled out for sale or to race. Gary

 

My all time favorite!!

 

That's more like it. My Favorite A with a 32 grill is my son's Hemi Powered. (he let's me have the keys once in a while

 

Just some thoughts. We are all entitled to ours.

I definitely didn't use mathmatical equations to figure my proportions.

I meant to lean the grille shell forward a bit. I thought it helped with flow, not proportions. I chopped it 3 inches to help the proportions.
I don't think the hood goes up hill. I think the more drastic downhill slope of the top of the cowl on a 28/29 throws it off. Different than a 32. Early on, some pictures, the hood gap messed with it too. I've since adjusted that and it helps.

The Roach is hard to beat

 

Unfortunately I have no pictures.

But back when I use to do bodywork I did a '56 Studebaker where I took 4" out of the top and shortened the back by 10".

If you know what these cars look like then you know they have a tall windshield and a rather long quarter and back end. By lowering the top and shortening the rear it just brought the car's proportions more in line.

By the way, I did this on sorta O/T car cause it is a Super Gas drag car. Unfortunately a few years ago the car blew its engine and bounced all 4 corners of the car off the walls. The car is currently being repaired.

 

Can't we all just get along! Let's not turn this well intentioned thread into a debate. Let's see some more pics of some cool looking cars. Here's another one I really like, ( even though it's not mine )

 

That my friend is gonna be Perfect when it's done. Nice work.

 

It's all about proportion!

 

Must be something to do with a low 28/29 on Deuce rails.

Mine measured out OK but if you looked at it, the line from the cowl to the top of the grilleshell seemed to run uphill.

So I spent a lot of time to change the front of my frame to drop the crossmember. spring, and radiator a little bit.

And that fixed it.


Or maybe its the way a human eye works.
I've heard that the Parthenon has a slight arc to it for aestetic reasons....
http://www.metrum.org/key/athens/dimensions.htm

 

Here are some of my favorites that I did not notice goung through the thread:

 

Jeff - I knew that, I was just checking to see if you're paying attention . See ya at CARS.

 

I second that, there are formulas that automaker go by when designing cars, like the relationship between the percentage of side glass versus the height of the belt line, hood/trunk lengths, overhangs, ride height, wheel well size and shape, etc, etc, all play a role in it. It actually get pretty complicated but if you study up on it you will find that most of the successful designs in history follow these guidelines.

 

Not hot rods, but two originals that have perfect proportions IMHO:

- 129 Cord
- 1930 Duesenberg Model J Conv. Coupe

 

Here's a couple more I really like. And I agree with Metalshapes on the eye being tricked. The 29 cowl is deceiving as it sweeps up to the windshield.

 

This is a great topic!
Falcongeorge's comments are pretty damn spot on.

Yeah, there are formulas and ratios to BASE good proportion on. But when I draw a car that's to be custom built, I draw what I feel has the right impact, vibe, you know, totally ethereal type artsy-fartsy-ness. THEN, I'll go back, more out of curiosity, and check out the proportion against the standards. Otherwise, the design can look too contrived. Of course knowing the basics of good proportion might help to sketch something decent right outta the gate...

Another thing. Rules are meant to be broken. Guy Ruchonett's (even close?!) coupe is a perfect example where throwing proportion clean out the window just MAKES this car.

Pachi's car is SUPER cool, but I think a half an inch to an inch less height at the shell would real in the profile mo' bettuh.

 

Easier said than done, right Jimmy?, at this point. I'm running with what I got. All good.

 

I love these two 32's in the latest Rodder's Journal, so perfect

 

I would too!

 

yeah...we have a winner !!!!

 

Did someone mention word proportion ?