Begin forwarded message:
> From: Wester Potter <wester6935@comcast.net>
> Date: November 13, 2005 1:30:27 PM MST
> To: list LSR <land-speed@autox.team.net>
> Subject: Streamlined shapes
>
> For anyone thinking of a streamlined car, the picture in "AUTO
> Aficinado" on page 76 of Vol. 1 # 4, Nov/Dec (currently on the
> magazine rack at Borders) has to be an inspiration. It shows "gravity
> racers", described as "Okay, very expensive soapbox cars for corporate
> executive (senior children) to race in a national series."
>
> There's everything from an Audi sponsored (and presumably Audi
> designed as well) totally enclosed shape to a "Frank Lockhart" Pierce
> Arrow looking shape with covered wheels set outside the body line.
> The rawest looking one is a bicycle wheeled wedge shape that I'd love
> to see in greater detail. Possibility for a very small displacement,
> light weight car.
>
> The assortment reminds me in a way of the Luigi Colani designed cars
> that ran on the salt fifteen years ago. One record setting coupe is
> still sitting in the Strasburg's Lindon, UT facility, just waiting for
> them to go back to the salt after their involvement with drag racing
> winds down. There were 15 cars they played with on the salt in that
> collection. Colani had designed everything from a pedal powered car
> to the diesel transporter that carried them ... the tractor looked
> much like the eyes of a praying mantis ...
> see:http://www.jsdi.or.jp/~jun/LuigiColani-newsstand.html, about
> halfway down the article ... and got 6 mpg. on the open highway. I've
> often wondered why Peterbilt or Volvo didn't use that design
> inspiration for a truck that was far more fuel efficient that the
> classic looks we see each day on the highways. Fuel prices being what
> they are for diesel I'd think the opportunity to double fuel economy
> would be very appealing as a sales tool.
>
> Wes
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