A blog devoted to RANTS ON AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN, car reviews, and - above all - fugly autos. whether looking for vehicular plagiarism or rides of extreme tastelessness, you've come to the right place.


Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Phantom Fug


This odd looking car was one of several failled attempts at streamlining in the '30s. I suppose all had good intentions, and they all did achieve streamlining the automobile. But either it effected driveability, or it's looks weren't to public's tastes. The Chrysler Airflow was a case of the latter. But the Phantom Corsair suffered from both problems in a horrible way.

As for it's driveablility, it's faired in wheels made for huge turning circles and difficulty in changing flats. The low front window (and oddly cut off triangular side windows) made for a difficult view out. And the engine offen didn't get enough airflow from the weird nasal/gill-like vent in the hood.

Speaking of that vent, this car is pretty sinister looking. Picture a dark quiet street at night and there's not a person or car in sight, and this drive towards. I think I'd crap my pants. It also appears to have a triple blade razor for a bumper. As for the headlights - they're those strange vertical bumps in the hood. The larger, lower lights are fog lights. Over all look is part batmobile, part whale and part anime hippo.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Truly an ugly beast, but looks like it has very low drag