The Allure of the Automobile Exhibit at the High Part 7, the Delage D8-120s

1937 Delage D8-120S

French automaker Delage used Parisian coachbuilder Marcel Purtout and stylist Georges Paulin to create this fluid, streamlined masterpiece, the D8-120S. This was one of the first automobiles to be first tested using a scale model in a wind tunnel, now a common practice but unheard of in the 30s. My favorite features are the teardrop-shaped fenders, steel artillery-spoked wheels and lack of bumpers and parking lights. And we're once again treated to the Batmobile-invoking rear.

Next up, the 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante

-- John

The Allure of the Automobile Exhibit at the High Part 6, the Xenia

1937 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H-6C "Xenia."

There's a lot to like about this Dubonnet creation - the epitome of avant-garde streamline, the graceful curves and airplane fuselage-inspired tail lend itself well to being copied by current manufacturers' attempts at a concept car. I particularly like the sliding doors which I believe was a unique feature for the time. I first saw the rear of this beautiful creation as I turned the demising wall at the High (behind the "showcase" car) - it really just knocked my socks off.

Next up, 1937 Delage D8-120S

-- John

The Allure of the Automobile Exhibit at the High Part 5, the Alfa Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta

Another beautiful Italian designed automobile, the Alfa Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta was one of the most sophisticated, technically advanced sports cars of its era, rivaling even Bugatti with its elegant blend of advanced styling and engineering (paraphrased from the gallery placard).

I thoroughly love the Batman-like styling and modernist sweeping curves - check out those hood lines and louvers on the sides, not to mention the fabulous oval grill. The rear wheel-covers are out-of-this world! And it has to be one of the most beautiful sedans from the rear.

Next up, the 1937 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H-6C "Xenia."

-- John

The Allure of the Automobile Exhibit at the High Part 4, the MB 540K

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special-Roadster

Built by Mercedes-Benz from 1935 to 1940, the 540K Special0Roadster the Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development to the 500K, itself a development of the SSK.

This is really a spectacular example in pristine condition. According to Wikipedia they only produced 58 of these as roadsters, so this is indeed one of the rarest cars. I love the long lines, sweeping finders, chrome accents and exposed side-exhaust piping. I also love the lines of the rear bumper - they just don't make anything as elegant...

Next up: 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta

The Allure of the Automobile Exhibit at the High Part 3, the Packard LeBaron Speedster

The next installment to the Auto Exhibit at the High...

1934 Packard LeBaron Runabout Speedster

One of 4 build Roundabouts built (of 960 total built V12s mostly coups) - I love the "suicide" doors and pontoon fenders. This car was indeed a thing of rare beauty. Can you imagine tooling around with the top down and visiting all the clubs? I took a lot of photos so bear with me...(some are a little blurred - lots of elbows to joggle the camera).
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Next up, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special-Roadster....