[kach22i]

Originally Posted by autogyro

Virgil Exner did an article on the Dart Concept, replete with tufted wind tunnel model photos.

Styling, fins, aerodynamics, and the Dart concept car

Wow, great article.

Based on the description the side wind force on the fins counter balance the weight of the front mounted engine when that is also encountering a side wind.

Based on this idea, fins would not work on a rear or mid-engine car, right?

Styling, fins, aerodynamics, and the Dart concept car

When fins are added, a larger surface is presented at the rear of the car directing the side wind so that its force is better balanced about the car's center of gravity which acts as the pivot point. Thus, the addition of rear fins equalizes the forces about the pivot resulting in less tendency of the wind to turn the car off its course. By aerodynamic design, then, the side wind itself is made to compensate for its own ill effects.