Think of the world’s most beautiful automobiles, and it’s surprising how many are painted black. Both sexy and sinister, the darkest hue gives a great shape more dramatic presence. Fashion magnate Ralph Lauren certainly thinks so, and most of his pre-war collection is presented in a lustrous ebony finish, some authentically so. The drama of the Count Trossi Mercedes-Benz SSK and the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic are certainly enhanced by black bodywork, as were many pre-WW2 Paris motor show sensations including those by Voisin and Bucciali.
If you review the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance winners right up to last year’s fabulous Mercedes 540K Autobahn-Kurier, I’ll wager black is the most common colour. Racing and record cars from the giant Mephistopheles to Can-Am Shadow also look faster and meaner this way, as do the coolest hot rods headed by the Doane Spencer ’32 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster.
Too often today the great American classics of the ’30s are finished in multiple pastel hues or bright tones as new owners try to stand out on the concours field, but occasionally they keep it simple and authentic with stunning results.
The 1932 Chrysler Imperial range is among the most beautiful of the American coach-built greats, but one custom CH Cabriolet made during the depths of the Great Depression by the newly formed Bohman & Schwartz partnership in a cramped Pasadena workshop has a special allure. Now finished completely in black after recently revised detailing, its perfect lines have been brilliantly enhanced.
Denne historien er fra May 2022-utgaven av Classic & Sports Car.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2022-utgaven av Classic & Sports Car.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
RAY HILLIER
Double-chevron oddity proves a break from the norm for this Crewe specialist
SHORT BACK & GLIDES
Eccentric enthusiast Captain RG McLeod's series of Manx-tailed Bentley Specials reached its zenith with this unique S2 Continental.
People's choice
The diminutive but multi-million-selling Fiat 850 packed a remarkable diversity of form and function into its compact footprint
PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM
Glassfibre revolutionised niche car-body production, but just occasionally strayed into the mainstream.
A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR
The cleverly conceived four-seater Elite secured Lotus a place at the big players' table, but has it been unfairly maligned since then?
"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"
From dreams of yachting glory to the Le Mans podium, via a stint at the top of the motorsport tree, Howden Ganley had quite the career
Still going strong
Herbert Engineering staked its reputation on the five-year warranty that came with its cars. A century on, this Two Litre hasn't made a claim
One for the kids
General Motors was aiming squarely at the youth market with the launch of the Pontiac GTO 60 years ago, and its runaway success popularised the muscle-car movement
A NEW BREED OF HERO
Launched at the turn of the millennium, the GT3 badge has already earned a place alongside RS, CS and turbo in Porsche lore.
Brits with SIX appeal
The straight-six engine is synonymous with a decades-long legacy of great British sports cars. Six variations on the sextet theme convene for comparison
