The ten most aesthetically pleasing vehicles ever built

[shrub]

Arguing over a beer with a mate last night about whether a Spitfire was more beautiful than an E Type Jag, and near came to blows, then came whether the Bevel Drive Ducati 900SS was better looking than the 916 or the 1969 Bonneville... We eventually agreed a list that looked something like this, and in no order:

Concorde
MkV Spitfire
Ducati 900SS Bevel
Ducati 916
Triumph Bonneville circa 1969 (for purity and simplicty)
Mk1 E Type Jaguar
1970 Dodge Challenger
Ferrari Dino
Bugatti Type 57
Brough Superior

Of course we were wrong in most cases, and I will change my mind about 20 times by the time I post this thread...

[scissorhands]

This video showcases some of the most intriguing concept cars of the past. The Buick "Y-job" was the first concept car. It was also the first

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5eTkXkMpYg

[Scuba_Steve]

Ah that's the great thing, eye of the beholder. We all have our preference :yes:

Lamborghini Countach
Bell UH-1 Iroquois
2011 GSX-R 750
Britton
kenworth T904
Leopard 2
Nissan R34 Godzilla
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
1969 Ford Mustang Boss
Yana Lapikova

[pzkpfw]

Bell UH-1 Iroquois

Oh yeah.


I don't get it with the Spitfire. It's always listed as a classic beauty, but it doesn't look that good to me. I way prefer the Hurricane. But maybe I'm odd because I prefer the looks of the original Allison engined Birdcage canopy Mustang over the later models. (And most U.S. radial engined Navy fighters over the Spitfire, too).

[HenryDorsetCase]

Thunderbird 2
Starship Enterprise NCC-1701
Those big fuck-off steam trains with the chimneys and cow catchers.
Ferrari 250GTO
Austin Mini 7
Vincent Black Shadow
Honda RC30
1953 Indian Chief
B29 Superfortress
1983 Honda NS500R

[SMOKEU]

FD3S :sweatdrop

[BoristheBiter]

1969 Mercedes C111
Mercedes-Benz 300SL

[slofox]

When it comes to Jaguar cars, I always liked the lines of the XK120. We passed one a couple weeks back coming souf from d'Auckland. Still looks good to my eyes.

257718

[Flip]

Corsair F4U
Mosquito fighter-bomber
Harrier jump jet
AH-64 Apache
WLA Harley
Brittan
Soviet T80 tank.
Bismarck battleship
Morgan 3 wheeler
Series 2 Lotus Elise

[GPS MAN]

379 Peterbilt (I like trucks)

[Madness]

'98 Biesemeyer
General Dynamics F-16
'63 Vauxhall Victor

[bogan]

+1 for the peterbilt, and I shall step it up a notch by actually posting pictures too!

http://www.tesofkc.com/tes-news-and-events/uploaded_images/1995-Peterbilt-379EXHD-702406.jpg

http://www.agweb.com/assets/1/10/GalleryMainDimensionId/JohnDeere8R.jpg

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Wallpaper/Honda/RC30/RC30_RHF_1024.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/483490088_0302a53719.jpg

http://bugimus.com/stealth/newpics/Nbombers_b2_0017.jpg

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2011/11/ec612d637a901c841bd32c9e61035f2d.jpg

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/files/2012-ducati-panigale-1199-preview%205.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/ah-64-apache_005.jpg

http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/lamborgini/1999_lamborghini_diablo_gtr-1.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2416954042_484a6d2216.jpg

I would have put a naked bike in there, but all the best nakeds are custom, and not really eligible.

[Coldrider]

Villiers 2 stroke reelmower
Spectrum Control Vehicle
Flying Merkel
AMX Javelin
Shado 2
Catipiller D9
BuddyL fire-engine
Cobra scarlectrix
Cessna 01 Bird dog
Ford Jailbar
:yes:

[Oakie]

Kawasaki Z1R in 'Ice Blue' for me please

[Zamiam]

In no particular order

Aston Martin DB9
Ferrari Dino
Ducati 996
Apache Helicopter - not beautiful in any other way than built for purpose
SR71 Blackbird
AC Cobra
Ferrari Daytona Spider
Porsche Carrera GT
Any enterprise class aircraft carrier

[mashman]

Aprilia RSVR :)
F1 Powerboat
koenigsegg ccxr
Those huge army Hovercraft
Ducati 916
MV Augusta F4 Senna
SR71 Blackbird
Hang Glider

[Winston001]

http://www.crespo.gov.ar/cultura/info/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/the_time_machine_large_01-Small.jpg

[eelracing]

1984 Yamaha YZR500
1956 Gilera 500cc Four
BSA Gold Star DBD34
Triumph X75 Hurricane
1956 Triumph Thunderbird
Yamaha RD350LC
Norton Commando Roadster
1930 Rudge 500cc Ulster
Norton 500cc Manx
Ducati 916



...and by the way Flip/Scubasteve it's Britten

[Winston001]

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Uno-Electric-Scooter.jpg

[dangerous]

+1 for the peterbilt, and I shall step it up a notch by actually posting pictures too!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/483490088_0302a53719.jpg
what the fark is that?





Ah that's the great thing, eye of the beholder. We all have our preference :yes:
kenworth T904
Yana LapikovaMate, had me a T904 in brissie, 16000cc V8 two stroke twin turbod with super charger... farking dog to drive LOL
as for Yana, I google and get this, so Ill pass on that ta.

[Kickaha]

what the fark is that?
Caspian Sea monster, it has to be one of the coolest things ever built
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V8Nu94khHoo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[BoristheBiter]

what the fark is that?

.

It looks like one of those planes that you see at the beginning of Thunderbird's and you know its going to crash.:laugh:

[martybabe]

Can only think of 6 at the moment.

[HenryDorsetCase]

insert picture from the 1960 version of THE TIME MACHINE starring Rod Taylor]


pleased to see you didnt use teh Guy Pearce version

[HenryDorsetCase]

Caspian Sea monster, it has to be one of the coolest things ever built
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V8Nu94khHoo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That is mentioned in William Gibson's novel ZERO HISTORY. I thought he was making that shit up! I think you're right, it is one of the coolest things ever built.

[Paul in NZ]

I think this needs to be pleasing at the time they were introduced and not retroactively applied.

the Ducati 916 is in this category as it was a stunner and sold like hot cakes even at a premium price. I still remember the 1st one I saw - I was utterly gobsmacked and actually went in and got a brochure and enquired about the price (had to be resuscitated). The Moto Guzzi Lemans (mk1) is the same - it looks perfect as well as the Moto Guzzi 1100i Sport. Again - it looks like exactly what it is (a big daft motobike)

the triumph X75 Hurricane is out as it was a bit of a sales flop really (when new). Sure today is appreciated but it didn't really have much impact back in the day.

The HD 'boat tail' did have such an impact though..... (but its hardly pleasing)

I would consider the 1st HD 'Fat Boy' though. Its almost a cartoon motorcycle and its exactly 'right' in proportion.

I'd also think the Mk2 Jaguar Saloon is in the mix as its been a winner from day one and is still sought after

Add the MGBGT. The roof line is simply a stunning bit of design. It one of the few convertables that looks better as a hardtop and again despite making zillions of them they still have a solid following entirely based on how they look. The B and the B GT defined what a 'sports car' should look like!

[bogan]

Caspian Sea monster, it has to be one of the coolest things ever built

Indeed, and I would imagine in that time the control was far more seat of the pants than today. 300mph at 20ft is pretty ballsy! Another cool, but not so good looking, aircraft is the Fairey Rotodyne.

[yod]

'58 'vette

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Corvette-je-1958.jpg/800px-Corvette-je-1958.jpg

[HenryDorsetCase]

my personal view is that the 55, 56, 57 Vettes were a tidier design: they were the single headlight per side, less chrome ones. Didnt get all Harley Earl-ised and blinged up.

but the 58's and on I wouldnt kick out of bed for farting.

[avgas]

Many of you have said the others I like. So here are a few more that grab my attention:
Phantom Corsair
http://elit-auto.org/uploads/posts/2010-09/1284409118_2229156366_3f6691fa59.jpg
Suzuki Pop-UP kat
http://media.photobucket.com/image/Pop up katana/jipi91/katana2Nov2005.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/jipi91/katana2Nov2005.jpghttp://forum.suzukiownersclub.co.uk/uploads/images/bezzabsa/kat_pop.jpg
Sukoi Pak Fa T50
https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Photos/SU_PAKFA_pic_8.jpg?w=341bd932
Anything by Lazareth
http://www.ballerride.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/big_lazareth_special02.jpg

[nodrog]

http://www.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/medium/MAZDA121-Mk-2--medium-917_6.jpg

[martybabe]

Caspian Sea monster, it has to be one of the coolest things ever built
>


Pretty good but take a look at this and turn the sound up, quite simply the single most awesome machine ever built by man!! I've watched it 100 times and it still puts the shits up me.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Djd1pPQZ_LE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Maha]

5-4-3-2-1...

257784

[avgas]

http://www.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/medium/MAZDA121-Mk-2--medium-917_6.jpg
I see you no longer have the Fiat Multipla.

[nodrog]

I see you no longer have the Fiat Multipla.

No, we had to put it down.

[jasonu]

I think this needs to be pleasing at the time they were introduced and not retroactively applied.

the Ducati 916 is in this category as it was a stunner and sold like hot cakes even at a premium price. I still remember the 1st one I saw - I was utterly gobsmacked and actually went in and got a brochure and enquired about the price (had to be resuscitated). The Moto Guzzi Lemans (mk1) is the same - it looks perfect as well as the Moto Guzzi 1100i Sport. Again - it looks like exactly what it is (a big daft motobike)


I remember the first time I saw a Katana. It was parked on the footpath on Perry rd in Mt. Eden. I was about 13 and was on my way home from delivering Auckland Star papers. It was like no other bike I had ever seen and I was totally gob smacked.
I have since owned and sold one (82 1100) and now wouldn't cross the road to piss on one if it was on fire.

Haven't seen the A10 Warthog mentioned, evil looking plane
257802

[jasonu]

[QUOTE=martybabe;1130261082]Pretty good but take a look at this and turn the sound up, quite simply the single most awesome machine ever built by man!! I've watched it 100 times and it still puts the shits up me.


You owe me some new speakers! (so I can play it again)

[Katman]

I have since owned and sold one (82 1100) and now wouldn't cross the road to piss on one if it was on fire.



Funny that - I wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire either.

[martybabe]

[QUOTE=martybabe;1130261082]Pretty good but take a look at this and turn the sound up, quite simply the single most awesome machine ever built by man!! I've watched it 100 times and it still puts the shits up me.


You owe me some new speakers! (so I can play it again)

Excellent :laugh: ain't it something.

I watched an air show form atop a hill in Jersey UK eagerly awaiting the Vulcan, the bastard snook up on me from behind about 60 feet above my head and gunned it for

a near vertical accent, never have I heard and felt such a thing, I swear it re-arranged my internal organs, fantastic thing.:gob:

[Mungatoke Mad]

A Quadski would be at the top of my list :yes: I wish they could work out the production rights etc & start pumping them out

[scissorhands]

rat bike ummm not

http://www.clanbronze.com/images/rat_bike.jpg

[Drew]

It's spelt, "Britten" people.

[Ocean1]

Let's not be greedy, eh? Just one at a time.

[Kickaha]

and now wouldn't cross the road to piss on one if it was on fire.
I would, but only if Katman was sitting on it:shifty:

[98tls]

I would, but only if Katman was sitting on it:shifty:

Id keep your bladder full mate,the lecky on that old Italian shitter you ride could cause a fire at any given km.:shutup:

[TrentNz]

Pontiac Beaumont 1969
El camino 1969
tracked Excavators of all kinds
8x4 Tip trucks
(used to own the red beaumont and currently own the elcamino)


257828257829

[98tls]

Pontiac Beaumont 1969
El camino 1969
tracked Excavators of all kinds
8x4 Tip trucks
(used to own the red beaumont and currently own the elcamino)
Tough looking Elcamino fella,very very tasty.Love em.

[TrentNz]

some more pics of it, for those who care

257832257833

[98tls]

some more pics of it, for those who care] Yea yea..stop it ya prick.:laugh:As i said very very nice.If i could have one i would in a heartbeat but sadly.Enjoy it.

[TrentNz]

If it helps, its not actually mine but my old mans haha. Wouldn't be suprised if he gave it to me in the distant future.
i plan on buying a 1969 Pontiac Beaumont later on in life, i just love the shape and over all look of them.
1969 Pontiac Beaumonts and 1969 Elcamino's use the same body if you notice

[98tls]

If it helps, its not actually mine but my old mans haha. Wouldn't be suprised if he gave it to me in the distant future.
i plan on buying a 1969 Pontiac Beaumont later on in life, i just love the shape and over all look of them.
1969 Pontiac Beaumonts and 1969 Elcamino's use the same body if you notice

:laugh::facepalm:Tell your old man he has a very good taste in cars.

[HenryDorsetCase]

rat bike ummm not

http://www.clanbronze.com/images/rat_bike.jpg

a giant dinosaur ate it, and that was hewn from its fossilized poo, amiright?

[scissorhands]

a giant dinosaur ate it, and that was hewn from its fossilized poo, amiright?

yeah, in good working order by the looks of it

[EJK]

911 GT1. It's like.... NR750 or Yamaha YZF-R7.
<img width="600" src="http://www.carondesktop.com/d/4595-9/porsche_gt1-20.jpg" />

Porsche 911 (964). I can look at it all day. Every hidden detail, the curve, line, and balance just feels good. Definition of modern classic.
<img width="600" src="http://porschew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/porsche-964.jpg" />

Timeless, forte d'Elegance.
<img width="450" src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200803/1995-mclaren-f1-lm-3_460x0w.jpg" />

Another timeless design. Phenominal and radical even today.
<img width="600" src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/980/121/2447560004_large.jpg" />

Personally (heavily biased) the best looking Ferrari.
<img width="600" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/2007-06-17_Ferrari_F355_GTS_(kl).jpg" />

1929 Mercedes Benz SSK. Iconic. Pure German.
<img width="600" src="http://www.carstyling.ru/resources/classic/1929_Mercedes_Benz_SSK_Kompressor_Rene_Staud.jpg" />

Like the other's have mentioned. Gotta see it in person to truely appreciate it's beauty.
<img width="600" src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-mno/Mercedes-Benz-300-SL-Coupe-FA-DO-1024x768.jpg" />

Lastly how can I forget, Lamborghini Cala. A car that didn't get much spotlight. There's a hint of Murcielago sperm on A + B pillar and front bonnet.
<img width="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/conceptscars/RzN6KWXMH-I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/QK67RY7MHCc/s800/1995+Lamborghini+Cala.jpg" />

I'm biased. Shoot me.

[blackdog]

I'll find a better pic of it when I'm at my other pc later.

[Brett]

5 of my favourites:

1 B7 Audi RS4
http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?q=white+rs4+avant&num=10&um=1&hl=en&authuser=0&biw=1680&bih=930&tbm=isch&tbnid=dRfXbCHp-DB6oM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/showthread.php/25135-White-B7-RS4-Avant-(with-pic)&docid=4h6avlnyzm3uPM&imgurl=http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss152/ozaudi/B7RS4Avant.jpg&w=1024&h=768&ei=9xA_T_SZFuqUiAfO9uTYBA&zoom=1

2 F22 Raptor
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7Qcp-VgoQrStLEUhO6BIv0bWKy2IKP_KEwqFU_oMdAAKu6GFL

3 Ducati Panigale (I love it...)
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwA7raj4wBdWe4ebNtDZdn04Az3N6Jm 9Sy0b__tRRxKy4HZ7od

4 Lamborghini Aventador

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTxrww6k4YCw1WoVx9RjIXU1Y1mxbCPi 1QK7q-Qwu2h6jXTGDjuWA

5 Porsche GT RS

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKmKTU02vI3Pdj_HiLOE2nW2dxAynv3 hWcqoWCdkpZS2XMLrYS

Just a quick list, I am sure I could have come up with many many more.

[Usarka]

My first thought aeroplane wise was the Vulcan also. But the F-15 still makes me jizz in my pants so that wins for me.

[jasonu]

Funny that - I wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire either.

Lighten up Francis.:whocares:

[jasonu]

Best looking MX bike ever (IMO of course)
1981 Maico 490257877

[MIXONE]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so...
67 Camaro
57 'Vette
55 Chev Nomad
AC Cobra
69 Bonnie
Triumph Hurricane
Jag XK120
Mercedes SSK
Merc Gullwing
Dodge Challenger.

[Winston001]

Not strictly a vehicle but the path to hell for unfortunate German troopers...

http://img.blog.yahoo.co.kr/ybi/1/70/0f/sturmgechutz/folder/38/img_38_3820_3?1300615435.jpg

Makes a Barrett look like a childs toy

[Brian d marge]

Not strictly a vehicle but the path to hell for unfortunate German troopers...



Makes a Barrett look like a childs toy
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pN2ZJBh92SM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


ahh Finland

Stephen

[pete376403]

"Sons of Guns" on Discovery channel last night featured the rebuild and test of a Lahti. Punched througha steel safe (front and back) like it was made of polystyrene.


http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/sons-of-guns/photos/antitank-cannon-pictures.html

[scissorhands]

1958 original version of the Honda Cub C50, stayed in world wide production for 3 decades, actually still in production in China with continuing sales, the biggest selling motorbike in history

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/bikepix/cub07071003.jpg

and the front and rear hub motored electric that never entered production, asian cities with these would be so much healthier

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200910/honda-s-ev-cub-brags-1_460x0w.jpg

and Harley Davidson hardtail customs like this

http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/harley-ironhead.jpg

[ducatilover]

http://www.mcnews.com.au/testing/Ducati/900SS/Images/10.jpghttp://www.moto-station.com/ttesimages/motodivers/nouveautes2005/MV_Agusta_Tamburini_stpz.jpg

My bike is on the list and the rest can be S1 E-types in varying shades of green, parked between a Spitfire mk9 and a Corsair.

[jaffaonajappa]

well.....I prefer flight forms the most. But as this is a bikers forum.....heres a compromise.

258021

[shrub]

Pretty good but take a look at this and turn the sound up, quite simply the single most awesome machine ever built by man!! I've watched it 100 times and it still puts the shits up me.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Djd1pPQZ_LE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That sent shivers up my spine....

Today's 6 choices:

A4 Skyhawk. As an ex RNZAF serviceman I loved the squawks and while I was never on 75 Sqn I was mighty proud of them. In my mind they are the successor to the Spitfire.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypv13IpCnoQ&feature=related

1972 Mach 1 Mustang. When I was a teenager a guy called Skinner bought one of these, and for weeks all we talked about was "Skinner's Mustang".


XBGT Falcon Coupe. And this came a close second


McIntosh BR2. My brother is a good mate of Ken's, and I came close to buying one of these at a very good price. Unfortunately that was about the same time as we were saving for a house etc...


1973 Norton Commando - I think I had every Norton Commando ad pinned to my wall and glued to my schoolbooks.


Mallard Steam Locomotive - 126 mph.


1963 Corvette Stingray - there has to be a Vette in this list, and this is my favourite

[avgas]

911 GT1. It's like.... NR750 or Yamaha YZF-R7.
http://www.carondesktop.com/d/4595-9/porsche_gt1-20.jpg


GT1 Duel
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200705/2006-lotus-gt1-6_460x0w.jpg

[MisterD]

Shrub beat me to the Gresley A4 Pacific (Mallard) but I'm amazed to have to suggest this at such a late stage in the thread:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Lancia-Stratos-HF-Group-4-%27.jpg

Here's another tangent for youse:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff139/barcaluv67/x-wing2a.jpg

[EJK]

I have a thing for Messerschmitts, especially ME163 comet and ME262.

<img width="600" src="http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/me262-chino.jpg" />

<img width="600" src="http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/acimages/me163_kp.jpg" />

[BoristheBiter]

]Here's another tangent for youse

well if we are going that way.
http://www.flatrock.org.nz/wolf/images/X2_Pix/D_CylonR2-2.jpg

[shrub]

I'm limiting myself to motorcycles only, and further limiting to production bikes that are relatively easy to buy and are aesthetically beautiful as opposed to menacing, fast looking etc. In no particular order:

Ducati 916
http://njsax.com/916right.jpg

Ducati 900SS Bevel
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/ducati-900ss.jpg

Moto Guzzi Mk 1 Lemans
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/moto_guzzi_850_le_mans.jpg

Triumph Bonneville
http://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/images/68TriT120R-r2-1.jpg

Honda RC30
http://www.classicbikes.co.uk/images/rc30hrc04.jpg

New Norton Commando
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Norton_Commando_961.jpg

Indian Chief
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/chf001.jpg

MV Agusta F4 Tamburini
http://assets.pakwheels.com/forums/2010/attachments/Bikes---3-Wheelers/211580-What-will-you-choose--bikepics-567286-full.jpg

Daytona 675 SE
http://motorcyclebikenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Triumph-Daytona-675-675-R-2.jpg

Yamaha R1
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/xlarge/2010-Yamaha-YFZ-R1-smackdown-street-3.jpg

[Kickaha]

I have a thing for Messerschmitts, especially ME163 comet and ME262.
Did you see those Merkins that were building some "new" fully functional ME262? http://www.stormbirds.com/project/index.html
Up and flying now

Ducati 900SS Bevel
I would have picked the round case 750 myself

[blackdog]

A top ten without this?

[ducatilover]

A top ten without this?

Tissues please :Oops: