The Automoblie flashback series - "I love the 1930's" - The year is 1938

[4x4s]

I'll be filling in for Gateway for a bit...

Quote, originally posted by Gateway »

Welcome to my "Automobile flashback series" Every week, over the next 63 weeks, i will make a "Automobile flashback series" thread. Where, we will cover "that" year of the automobile. The good, the bad and the ugly. Interesting facts, outrageous opinions, and amazing feats will be posted.

As stated in previous episodes, don't be shy about asking questions. While we all are passionate about our current cars, none of them would be what they are today without the constant innovation, improvement, development, and even outright blunders of the past. Ask questions, post up any info or photos you may find, and let's all learn something interesting. (And don't miss the previous episodes: 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924,1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937!)

Quote, originally posted by Gateway »

Without any further ado, i present you the year 1938... But first, lets hear that Jingle... (VH1 Jingle)I love the 30's.... I love the 30's.... I love the 30's!!!!!(VH1 Jingle)

The last half of the 1930’s was the true start of exquisite automotive styling for the sake of style. As such, I’ll start off this episode with some 1938 styling porn – just a sample, since there are so many gorgeous cars from this era.

1938 Cadillac Series 60 Special

1938 Cadillac Series 60 Sedan

1938 Talbot T23 Tear-Drop Coupe (body by Figoni et Falaschi)

1938 Peugeot Darl'mat 402 Pourtout Roadster

1938 Peugeot Darl'mat 402 Pourtout Coupé

1938 Hispano Suiza Dubonnet Xenia

[98passat21]

I hope we aren't going all the way up to present day....
When is this going to be over

[Snowdog]

Speak for yourself, Cars like this paved the way for what we have today. Apreciate your histroy!

[4x4s]

Quote, originally posted by 98passat21 »

I hope we aren't going all the way up to present day.... When is this going to be over

Well, no one is forcing you to click on this topic.

However, as snowdog pointed out, history is great to know.

This series will continue, at least through the 1980's.

[ATL_Av8r]

Oh God...please leave out the 70's PLEASE

[lazydog108]

BMW 327

The 328 Roadster did much for BMW's reputation in the world outside Germany, but the real stars of the model range of the late 1930s were the 327 coupes and cabriolets. Stunningly styled by Peter Schimanowski, they epitomise the German touring car of the period with their sleek yet curvaceous lines, long bonnets and the hint in their rear quarters of a wild animal about to pounce. Gorgeous two-tone paintwork and the option of rear-wheel spats enhance what are still among the most attractive cars ever to wear the famous BMW roundel.

The launch of the 327 followed that of the 326 saloon at a discrete distance. the cabriolet was announced in November 1937 and the coupe in October the following year. Both had the short version of the 326's chassis as seen in the 320, but both also had the newer 326-type front suspension allied to a rear end carried on semi-elliptic springs. The short wheelbase and long-bonnet styling made seating strictly 2-plus-2.

At first, the 327s came only with a high-compression edition of the 326's engine. Then, from April 1938, the triple-carburettor 328 engine was offered optionally, cars so equipped being rather clumsily described as 327/28 models. Production of all types stopped in 1941.

327 Convertible:

[4x4s]

Quote, originally posted by ATL_Av8r »

Oh God...please leave out the 70's PLEASE

Did you not read the opening post?

Quote, originally posted by Gateway »

Welcome to my "Automobile flashback series" Every week, over the next 63 weeks, i will make a "Automobile flashback series" thread. Where, we will cover "that" year of the automobile. The good, the bad and the ugly. Interesting facts, outrageous opinions, and amazing feats will be posted.

I think the 70's qualify...

[Taimar2]

What, no 1939?

[4x4s]

Quote, originally posted by Taimar2 »

What, no 1939?

Given the lack of interest in '38, I decided to let it sit a week. I'll start the 39 thread this weekend.

I really love these threads, but get discouraged at times when it starts to feel like I'm talking to myself, or just sharing with one or two others. Bet then I get over it (Scotch helps) and go on tilting at windmills anyway.

[Eolair]

Quote, originally posted by 4x4s »

Given the lack of interest in '38, I decided to let it sit a week. I'll start the 39 thread this weekend. I really love these threads, but get discouraged at times when it starts to feel like I'm talking to myself, or just sharing with one or two others. Bet then I get over it (Scotch helps) and go on tilting at windmills anyway.

You´ll get more responses in the post-war threads. A lot of people, me included, know very little about pre-war cars. There´s very few remaining of them here, mainly due to the war, but also due to immense lust for new cars after the war, and those that remained got crushed then.

Ironically most post-war German cars were out by 1938:
1938 Opel Kapitän:

1937-1940, 1947-1953 Opel Olympia:

And for a taste where history was heading: the 1938 Mercedes 170VK:

[Turq]

Quote, originally posted by Eolair »

1937-1940, 1947-1953 Opel Olympia:

Not to stray out of '38 too far, but is the Opel Olympia the car that early Moskvitches are based on? (Russia taking tooling as reparations and all that..)

[MEIN_VW]

This 1938 Horch 853A with coachwork by Erdmann & Rossi won best of show at Pebble Beach last year. The ground-up restoration was done by RM Classics in Chatham, Ontario.

Another 1938 Horch 853A but with coachwork by Voll & Ruhrbeck.

[Ghetto-8v]

Me and my fathers 1938 Ford Standard Sedan 85 hp V8 Flathead stock ( now has a 283 with about 300hp)

[Eolair]

Quote, originally posted by Turq »

Not to stray out of '38 too far, but is the Opel Olympia the car that early Moskvitches are based on? (Russia taking tooling as reparations and all that..)

Nope the first Moskvitches are Opel Kadetts, they looked pretty much similar, but were smaller. They were also only made in Brandenburg, which later fell into the Soviet Zone - hence the Soviets taking the assembly line. The Olympia was made in Rüsselsheim, American Zone, and hence became the first post-war Opel.
The Olympia name made it until the early 70s, when it was the luxury version of the Kadett. The American Kadetts all the front end of the last Olympia.

[Gateway]

4x4's, where are you bud? What happened to 1939?

[PacerX]

That Hispano Suiza is "WOW!" defined

[SebTheDJ]

I hate threads like this
and i hate "caption this" threads

See them over here every damn day.

[jebglx]

Quote, originally posted by SebTheDJ »

I hate threads like this and i hate "caption this" threads See them over here every damn day.

very simple...don't click on threads like this one

these are informative threads about vehicles which existed before 1985

bill

[4x4s]

Quote, originally posted by Gateway »

4x4's, where are you bud? What happened to 1939?

See my previous post: http://forums.thecarlounge.net...89210

[Gateway]

Quote, originally posted by 4x4s »

See my previous post: http://forums.thecarlounge.net...89210

Quote, originally posted by 4x4s »

Given the lack of interest in '38, I decided to let it sit a week. I'll start the 39 thread this weekend. I really love these threads, but get discouraged at times when it starts to feel like I'm talking to myself, or just sharing with one or two others. Bet then I get over it (Scotch helps) and go on tilting at windmills anyway.

Listen bud, I am back. Lets get things in full swing. Get 1939 going and keep this going strong.

You have been doing a great job on the threads btw.

[a1veedubber]

Quote, originally posted by jebglx »

very simple...don't click on threads like this one these are informative threads about vehicles which existed before 1985 bill

I for one love these threads. Beautiful pics of beautiful cars! Good info too! Who knew there were cars before 1985??
(I'm at least old enough to remember when it was a big deal to see a car with a third brakelight! Who here remembers before seatbelts were madatory? I used to love laying on the parcel shelf of our Newport when I was a kid...)

[LilBlkCL]

yikes! overcompensate much?

[stock60]

what the heck is wrong with people! these threads are great! and if you don't like them it's not like you don't know what you're going to miss if you don't click..

thanks to everyone contributing to these

[e39Frank]

The Dubonnet Xenia Coupe is gorgeous. Id kill for one of those.
It came with an aluminium 8L SOHC I-6 producing 119kW (160bhp) from the the HC6, upon which the Dubonnet was based. The car's top speed was 177kph (110mph).

The Dubonnet was made to showcase Andre Dubonnet's independent suspension system and consisted of a Hispano Suiza H6C Saoutchik Xenia Coupe modified to contain his enclosed coil spring suspension system. The system was successful and Dubonnet managed to sell the patent to Alfa Romeo, GM and Fiat.

Blatantly plagarised off http://www.supercars.net/cars/2895.html for those who wish to read more.

[Turq]

Quote, originally posted by jebglx »

very simple...don't click on threads like this one these are informative threads about vehicles which existed before 1985 bill

Indeed. I just want to express my love for these threads, too. I learn something from every one; sometimes just by reading, or sometimes by being inspired to ask a question; like my question about Moskvitch's in this one, for example. Keep it up, guys, and don't let the know-nothings who just want to read 'Do theez rimz look hawt on my kar?' threads discourage you!

- Turq.

[Gateway]

Quote, originally posted by stock60 »

what the heck is wrong with people! these threads are great! thanks to everyone contributing to these

See that 4x4's, there are lots of people that love to read these threads.

Now lets get 1939 going bud.

[David Votoupal]

Ahh yes, the 1938 60 Special. Without doubt one of the most influential and important cars in all of automotive history. It changed the way cars were designed, and also changed the way upper-luxury cars were designed and built. Not too many designs can claim to be as singularly influential as that.

[Eolair]

We also shouldn´t forget about a certain car that debuted in 1938. A few people might know something about this one:

[PackRat]

Quote, originally posted by Ghetto-8v »

Me and my fathers 1938 Ford Standard Sedan 85 hp V8 Flathead stock ( now has a 283 with about 300hp)

My grandfathers first car as a teenager was a 1938 Ford Sedan.

[4x4s]

Quote, originally posted by Eolair »

We also shouldn´t forget about a certain car that debuted in 1938. A few people might know something about this one:

The Kdf-Wagen's initial production year is a bit fuzzy. Some of the history of it has been touched upon in previous episodes of this series, starting with the 1932 thread. Interesting stuff, as the actual history differs somewhat from the popular myth. I urge everyone to read those threads and comment or ask questions there.

Here's a decent summary of some of the pivotal events around this era, from History of the Beetle, a UK website:

Quote »

... By late 1935 the first prototypes were on the autobahns, the V1 saloon and a convertible V2, these cars had aluminium bodies mounted over traditional wooden frameworks. In 1936 steel bodies mounted over all-steel floorpans were used, powered by a 984cc, 22bhp engine that could reach a top speed of around 65 mph. Another 30 prototypes were then made by Daimler-Benz who were not keen to make such a cheap car as they thought it would damage their high-class reputation. The development program was then transferred to the Nazi German Labour Front who would use German workers contributions to pay for a new factory. The Daimler-Benz built cars were tested at an SS barracks near Stuttgart and driven in shifts by 200 soldiers, until any minor problems were corrected. During this time Dr. Porsche visited the US to view some of the production methods used there, and recruited some German immigrant engineers who had worked in these factories. In 1937, the coachbuilders Reutter, based in Stuttgart, were asked to make 30 vehicles which would eventually be shipped to various festivals and fairs to entice the German public to buy. There were Saloons, sunroofs and convertible models. Hitler also introduced a savings scheme where the public could collect stamps that would eventually pay for the car. On the 26 May 1938, Hitler ceremoniously laid the cornerstone of the new factory, a huge event witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people and 150 reporters, all controlled by the Nazi propaganda machine. It was here that Hitler declared that the model would be known as the 'KdF-Wagen' or 'Strength through joy' wagen and the surrounding town that was built to support the factory would be known as the 'KdF-Stadt', production was to start in September 1939 - this turned out to be the same month that World War Two was declared, and none of the thousands who had collected their stamps ever received their beetle.

It's interesting to note the unwilling involvement of Daimler-Benz. Makes one wonder what might have been if they had been a bit more open minded.

Also note that the car was NOT named the "Peoples Car" back then. Some references indicate that this was the popular nickname for the general idea, but the Volkswagen name would not be officially used until after the war.

Also, jumping ahead a bit, while Dr. Porsche and his son Ferry were very involved in both the pre-war and wartime design and production, they were imprisoned in France for 2 years at the end of the war. Had they been free to be involved in the post-war revival, it seems likely that they would have been fully involved in the beginings of VW, the company. Or, would the Beetle have then been given the Porsche label and, if so, would the Porsche brand as we know it today exist?

It's exactly these twists of fate, and whims of history that makes contributing and reading these kinds of threads so interesting to me (not to mention the sometime gorgeous, sometimes hideous, and sometimes just plain goofy hardware and ideas that our predecessors came up with).

Thanks for those of you stating your support for these threads. My motivation is now revitalized. Now, on with the series... 1939 The War years.


Modified by 4x4s at 11:57 AM 6-18-2005

[4x4s]

From the 1939 thread:

Quote, originally posted by vwlarry »

... I know we're past 1938, but could someone post a nice set of photographs of one of the great automotive sensations of '38, the Phantom Corsair? It was personally designed by Rust Heinz (heir to the ketchup-empire) when he was only about 22 years-old or so, and was an incredibly exotic machine in that or any age. It was built upon a modified Cord Model 812 chassis, btw. Heinz was killed in an automobile accident shortly after the debut of the Corsair, and it will always be interesting to speculate upon just what kind of wild machines he might have built if he hadn't been struck down.

As requested...

If they ever made a WWII era Batman movie, this should be the Batmobile.

[Gateway]

Quote, originally posted by 4x4s »

If they ever made a WWII era Batman movie, this should be the Batmobile.

Passes out...

[xdre]

While I'm thinking about it...here's a pic of a 1938 Pontiac Eight front end, complete with split grille (and sez who that BMW had it for "ages" before Pontiac, anyway? ):

http://www.gmphotostore.com/pr...17680

The more I look at it, the more it impresses me.

[scottracer]

1938 was the year Bernd Rosemeyer died attempting to set a land speed record in an Auto Union stream-lined racer. The car was hit by crosswinds and hurtled Rosemeyer to his death. Rosemeyer was a very good race driver who was considered absolutely fearless, which his friend and fellow racer Caracciola thought was a flaw in his character. Caracciola believed Rosemeyer would die young, and sadly, he was right. Not well known was that Rosemeyer was given a rank in the SS, although he didn't agree with Nazi party ideals.