What is the prettiest car ever built?
Ferrari 250 GT SWB. No competition....
(I'll take mine in dark blue, with tan leather interior please)
Agreed, one of the best looking cars by any standards, and definitely in that colour scheme, but it is the choice of adjective 'pretty' that most are struggling with. It has slightly effeminate connotations. More suited to a Lime Green Fiat 500, or even better a Fiat Jolly. Maybe even a yellow Smart, That is why I suggest the 206 or 246 Dino may qualify, but surely not a 250 GT in any form. Best looking? Yes, Most handsome? Yes, But pretty?
Not sure about that...........
Chris M.
Prettiest , that presents a problem, it suggests "Feminine ", I prefer my cars to be "Macho" so i will have to guess I suppose, here goes , how is this for pretty ?
Would you agree this is both " Macho " and " Pretty " Wins on both counts right ?
Has to be the Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV!
Glad we have a couple of votes for the Elite, it just looks cute and feminine to me. The Aston is certainly not pretty, it's too overadorned and the original Towns design wasn't exactly pretty either. I am not sure about the 206GT, I feel the little wings and vents give it too much of a racer look and thus detract from the purity. From the front, I'd suggest the de Tomaso Vallelunga, but it is a bit too long and fussy from the back.
I am sure there are some good car/woman analogies in this thread somewhere, for example...
Angelina Jolie AC Cobra 427 Not pretty but damned effective
Grace Kelly Lotus Elite Pretty from every angle
Ann Widdecombe Ssangyong Rodius Likely to turn me off liking cars for good.
Oliver.
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder , does'nt this car just " ooze " character, style, poise, cool,and period quaintness ?. Plus the need to take gymnastic sessions to be able to gain access through the miniscule doors , but pretty at the same time as keeping you fit !
I tend to associate 'pretty' with diminutive cars which are one step behind being classified beautiful, and would put the case forward for delicate machinery such as the Riley Imp and MG P-type Midget.
A choice from E-Type Series 1 Coupe , Ferrari Dino , Ford GT 40 , Lamborghini Miura , Iso Grifo -- Is a 60s theme emerging here?
The jury is still out on this one, because when Russell chose to start this thread he chose to use the adjective "pretty".
He did not say best looking, or most beautiful, or best design, or even just favourite, but pretty.
James then questioned his exact meaning back in April with; ""Prettiest" is a very interesting choice of word because to me it doesn't necessarily mean most beautiful or most handsome or even best-looking" and various folks have chipped in with their opinions, but the fact remains a lot of these cars listed, while certainly qualifying for some sort of beauty awards, do not necessarily fit well with the adjective pretty.
I looked it up in the Collins Concise and the definition of pretty reads: "pleasing or appealing in a delicate or graceful way" and "dainty, neat or charming" but further on another entry even suggests "effeminate; foppish".
Maybe Russell should come back on here and explain his original thinking, but to most so far, the majority seem to agree about some small Alfas, Ferrari Dino 206SP (and possibly the 246) the Lotus Elite and maybe MGA.
Probably better to address James's other thread 'Help me compile the real definitive list of the best ever cars' in which he asks for votes in several categories including "most beautiful car" as trying to define a car as pretty is going to continue to be controversial.
Chris M.
As a designer this is an interesting subject.
Pretty means pleasing and attractive to the eye, graceful and delicate without being grand.
A pretty car is therefore of medium proportions, open top (delicate) and of organic shape without too much detailing.
For me, the prettiest car ever built has to be the Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider. It has the perfect balance in its dimensions, line and detail. From its sensual rear haunces and subtle modest curves, to the split bumpers and delicate windscreen surround. The Lancia is automotive design at its best.
