Interesting Aerodynamic Cars (Mike Vetter's ETV, also Avion)

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

Eco-Runner X:

It is amazing how many sponsors don't mind looking 70 years out of date.

[sgtlethargic]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

It is amazing how many sponsors don't mind looking 70 years out of date.

Do tell.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

Eco-Runner X:

Video
https://youtu.be/uist_Sh2z8k

Info:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eco-Runner_Team_Delft

Another video, use of microphone about midway to listen to airflow.

https://youtu.be/-QvLeBlX5XU

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

Do tell.

Around 1950, uncovered wire wheels were almost universal on performance cars, and the rare attempts at streamlining were creating huge problems with lift reducing the traction while not even minimizing the drag compared to a neutral body. All the inspiration was coming from aircraft, where lift is welcome.

[sgtlethargic]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

Around 1950, uncovered wire wheels were almost universal on performance cars, and the rare attempts at streamlining were creating huge problems with lift reducing the traction while not even minimizing the drag compared to a neutral body. All the inspiration was coming from aircraft, where lift is welcome.

I thought that maybe you thought the body looked old. I like this shot of that car, I like vintage design, and I like the looks of some wire wheels. Wire wheels do seem like an odd choice on this. I'm guessing they're motorcycle wheels.

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

I thought that maybe you thought the body looked old. I like this shot of that car, I like vintage design, and I like the looks of some wire wheels. Wire wheels do seem like an odd choice on this. I'm guessing they're motorcycle wheels.

Somewhere on this site, I've seen an old GT car with almost the same profile. It looks great, but they didn't make two. Presumably, it got very tail-happy at speed.
Wire wheels for that diameter and load come out pretty light, but motorcycle parts don't give any offset, which compromises the suspension. I used bike parts myself, but added smooth covers using model aircraft materials. If I was building a sensibly-sized electric car like this, I'd sure stay with the 17" rims, in hopes that Michelin will some day sell the Solar Racer tires. While waiting, I might add belts and pressure to MC carcases.

[sgtlethargic]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

Somewhere on this site, I've seen an old GT car with almost the same profile. It looks great, but they didn't make two. Presumably, it got very tail-happy at speed.
Wire wheels for that diameter and load come out pretty light, but motorcycle parts don't give any offset, which compromises the suspension. I used bike parts myself, but added smooth covers using model aircraft materials. If I was building a sensibly-sized electric car like this, I'd sure stay with the 17" rims, in hopes that Michelin will some day sell the Solar Racer tires. While waiting, I might add belts and pressure to MC carcases.

I've been thinking about building an in-town EV. I have two forklift motors I got from someone on a DIY EV forum.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

I thought that maybe you thought the body looked old. I like this shot of that car, I like vintage design, and I like the looks of some wire wheels. Wire wheels do seem like an odd choice on this. I'm guessing they're motorcycle wheels.

Since it's a 'race car', windage effects and compromised aerodynamics of the wire wheel may be offset by 'quick-change' capability of 'knock-off' spindle nuts, if encountering a flat tire during competition. Some races are won in the 'pits.' Or in this case, on the roadside, by an accompanying team repair crew.

[freebeard]

This looks like a Beetle grafted onto a 1948 Hudson to me. Or a Bruce McCall Bulgemobile.


Chrysler Streamliner Mystery Solved? - Dean’s Garage

The story is that this is the design for a car called the Falcon, in a 1936 Jimmy Stewart movie, Speed. The movie car had what's called 'greebling' these days to make it more photogenic. Side pipes and Buck Rogers fins on the hood.

[Cd]

I just saw this on Instagram.
Probably an aerodynamic disaster in front, but the back looks pretty good.
Right off, I could see a mixture of '68 Barracuda back glass and 67 Camaro hood trim pieces. It also appears to have Ford side lights.
It looks as though it was well built. I don't see any Bondo or even fiberglass.