原文: 10 Coolest Classic Cars

Pontiac Bonneville Special (1954)

The Pontiac Bonneville Special was a purpose-built concept car unveiled at the General Motors Motorama in 1954, the first 2-seater sports car Pontiac ever produced. Designed by renowned designer Harley J. Earl and hand built by Hommer LaGassey and Paul Gilland, the Special was an experimental car, a two door, grand touring sport coupé that incorporated innovative breakthrough styling like an all-plexi canopy with gull-wing panels on a sleek fiberglass body. Two Special prototypes, one painted metallic bronze and one emerald green, were built with the intention of unveiling them simultaneously at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf in New York and the Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1954.

The design of the Special drew its visual impetus from America’s fascination with aeronautic and rocket design in the 1950s, employing a wind-tunnel inspired profile and high-tech bright work throughout the body, hood and grill. Glass covered recessed headlights, like those on the 1953 Corvette, two rows of louvers on the fenders and twin "silver-streaks"[2] on the hood that lead to functional air scoops were it’s most distinguishing features. The rear end styling was its most over-the-top visual cue. Featured between two rather bold fender fins were ultramodern twin exhaust chrome-ports, similar to today’s Porsches, and a custom spare tire enclosure with space-age wheel disc that gave the car a jet-powered appearance.

Interior styling in the Special was state of the art for its time, and indeed would pass muster against today's computer-designed automobiles. The dashboard was a sleek, wing like design that incorporated a clean horizontal layout of working instruments that gave the interior a futuristic cockpit look. Even underneath the dash, the gauges were sealed in by a contoured metal facia with brushed finish, assuring by Earl that no detail would go unnoticed. Between unique, parabolic shaped, leather bucket seats lay a matching metal, center console with functionally modest gear shift handle, twin vent-control levers, and ignition key slot. Centered over the three spoke, Corvette-style steering wheel was a single, large speedometer that read a top speed of 120 mph.

As of 2006, both cars still exist, belonging to Joseph Bortz of Highland Park, IL. One of the 2 existing 1954 Bonneville Specials was last seen in 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, selling for $2,800,000 (+8% commission).

De Lorean DMC-12 (1981)

The De Lorean DMC-12 is a sports car which was manufactured by the De Lorean Motor Company from 1981 through 1982. It is most commonly known as the De Lorean, as it was the only model ever produced by the company. The DMC-12 featured gull-wing doors with a brushed stainless steel body. It was famously featured in the Back to the Future trilogy.

The first prototype appeared in March 1977, and production officially began in 1981 at the DMC factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. During its production, several aspects of the car were changed, such as the hood (bonnet) style, wheels and interior. At least 8,500 DMC-12s were made before production ended in 1982, and as of 2006, 6,000 are estimated to still exist.

Despite being produced in Northern Ireland, DMC-12s were primarily intended for the American market. Therefore, all of the production models were left-hand drive (designed to be driven on the right side of the road). Some of them were converted to right-hand drive by specialist mechanics in the United Kingdom, but no right-hand drive De Lorean was ever put into production, thus limiting the vehicle's popularity in the United Kingdom.

Chrysler Thunderbolt (1941)

The year was 1941. Chrysler was a growing company and wanted to show the world that their technology and styling was up to date. Only six of these wild new cars were made and spread across the country for various shows. All of which had different trim and color schemes. It was nicknamed the “pushbutton car” because of its push button feature. A simple push of a button opened up the rear deck lid, doors, and windows without effort. The actual name “Thunderbolt” came from a land speed record car named the Thunderbolt. In 1938 at the Bonneville Salt Flats the twin Rolls-Royce 12 cylinder went an amazing 357.53 M.P.H.! It was then that Captain George Eyston granted Chrysler permission to use the name.

One of the most distinct things you will notice about the Thunderbolt is the slab sides, or smooth sides if you will. It does not have creases or bubbled out fenders. Aerodynamics was somewhat of a factor as much as looks itself. By designing and installing working “hide away” headlights, this car was definitely ahead of it’s time!! Lack of body molding and enclosed wheels from the fender skirts also aid in the aerodynamic appearance. Nothing special under the hood for the show cars is known. A 143 horsepower Chrysler 323.5 cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine mated to the Chrysler Fluid Drive transmission powered the vehicle. The actual platform used for this project was a 1940 Crown Imperial. It had very strong structural integrity as you can see from the lack of A pillars. There are only 4 of the original 6 known to still exist.

GM Futurliner Parade of Progress (1950)

One of 12 built by GM, a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl's direction. Opening side, lighting, retractable stage, distinctive center "cupola" cockpit driving position and dual wheel front axle. Used in the "Parade of Progress" touring exhibit created by "Boss" Kettering that complemented the GM "Motoramas" from 1940 through 1956.

One of only three survivors restored in their original "Parade of Progress" configuration (the others are in long term ownership by NATMUS and Peter Pan Bus Lines), this Futurliner is fully functional and has toured Canada in corporate promotions. Recently returned to its original "Parade of Progress" configuration and colors. Powered by a 400ci GM truck engine and fully equipped including an onboard motor-generator and updated air conditioning for the driver's compartment. A matchless symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence. One of them was restored in Montreal, Quebec Canada and sold for $4.1 million us at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Jan, 2006.

Chevrolet Corvette (1953)

The Corvette was America's first two-seat sports car. The outer body was made out of a revolutionary new composite material called fiberglass, selected in part because of steel quotas left over from the war. Underneath that radical new body were standard Chevrolet components, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder truck engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and drum brakes from Chevrolet's regular car line. Though the engine's output was increased somewhat, thanks to a triple-carburetor intake exclusive to the Corvette, performance of the car was decidedly lackluster.

In 1954, sales were still low, and GM was seriously considering shelving the project, but the influence of a Soviet emigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov, changed all. Arkus-Duntov simply took the new V8 and backed it with a three-speed manual transmission. That modification, probably the single most important in the car's history, helped turn the Corvette from a two-seat curiosity into a genuine performer. It also earned Arkus-Duntov the rather inaccurate nickname "Father of the Corvette."

Oldsmobile F-88 (1954)

In the late fifties, Harley Earl, Bill Mitchell, Ken Pickering and Zora Duntov were creating a roadster for Oldsmobile. They began the project by designing several showcars which were breathtaking and daring, especially compared to the Oldmobile aesthetic. Due to the poor sales of the Corvette, the car which inspired these GM Concepts, the F-88 project was cancelled at the conceptual phase. Before that time however, four very unique Oldsmobiles were completed.

At the 2005 Barrett-Jackson Auction, the sole surviving F-88 concept car sold for $3,240,000 USD. The General Motors concept car lasted through a fierce bidding war to become the highest selling car ever at the Barrett-Jackson auction (at the time).

Chevrolet Camaro (1967-1969)

The Chevrolet Camaro was introduced in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors at the start of the 1967 model year as competition for the Ford Mustang. Camaro advertising would first be found on AM top-40 stations of the day - stations which appealed to young adults. Although it was technically a compact car (by the standards of the time), the Camaro, like the entire class of Mustang competitors, was soon known as a pony car. It may also be classified as an intermediate touring car, a sports car, or a muscle car. The car shared the same platform and major components with the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced in 1967. Production of both cars ceased in 2002 with only the Camaro going back into production in 2009.

The Camaro was the flagship for Chevrolet, and was for many years one of its most popular models. If its frequent inclusion in automotive enthusiast magazines is any indication, the Chevy Camaro is one of the most popular cars for modification in automotive history.

Plymouth Hemi Cuda (1971)

From 1966-71, Dodge stuffed the massive Hemi into small E-Bodies and the 1970 Hemi Cuda is widely accepted as one of the quickest and most saught after of these. Only 652 were built when new, including 14 rare convertibles, making an original Hemi 'Cuda a rare sight. These cars were forced in scarcity due to the extra $900 it cost to build one, nearly a third of the standard purchase price. At $250, the 390 bhp 440 V8 became the norm and made the Hemi Cuda an exception.

The long list of options made available for 1970 Barracudas included such goodies as rallye wheels, a range of exciting colors sich as Plum Crazy, pistol grip shifters, hockey stick sport stripes, hood pins and a variety of creature comforts. But of all the options, the R-code steet Hemi 426 was it, the most legendary muscle car engine ever made. It usually delivered 425 bhp through the solid 727 Torqueflight automatic and a 3.55:1 Sure Grip rear axle. That is, unless the car was one of the 284 that got a 4-speed manual.

With their classic shape, tire-shredding American power, limited production and huge popularity a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda can easily fetch over $150 000 USD. This is a remarkable amount for a car with the same build quailty as a mass-produced Plymouth. However, the aggressive sound of Hemi combined with visual street cred and Barrett-Jackson publicity now make these Cudas more expensive than most Ferraris produced in the same era.

Changes for 1971 were minimal and included a more complex 6 inlet grille design and fender gill louvers. Only 100 or so of these were built and the seven ultra-rare 1971 convertibles are the most expensive muscle cars money can buy. In 72, the government and EPA kicked the muscle car in the ass with emissions regulations. After that time, no more Hemi or more big block models could be ordered.

Ford Mustang (1964-1970)

The Ford Mustang was originally based on the Ford Falcon compact. The first production Mustang, a white convertible with red interior rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964. Introduced to the public at the New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964, and via all three American television networks on April 19, it was the most successful product launch in automotive history, setting off near-pandemonium at Ford dealers across the continent.

Mustang inspired the term pony car and prompted many imitators. The Mustang's combination of sporty design, low price, and overall performance allowed it to sell over one million units in its first 18 months on the market. After a number of different generations and redesigns, the Mustang remains available today.

Chrysler D'Elegance (1952)

The d'Elegance joins the family of Chrysler experimental cars as another interpretation of sports car styling combined with practical passenger car fundamentals. Designed with emphasis on the American concept of comfort and handling, the d'Elegance shows what can be done with the sports type of Coupe so popular in Europe.

This three-passenger Coupe was entirely styled by the Engineering division of Chrysler Corporation. Ghia –a custom builder in Turin, Italy –hand formed the metal body from drawings and a 3/8 scale plastic model supplied by Chrysler engineers. The body is mounted on a Chrysler New Yorker chassis which is standard except for a modification in wheelbase to 115 inches.

In 1998, the showcar Chrysler Chronos was a modern interpretation of the D'Elegance. And today, the new Chrysler 300 designed by Tom Gale is heavily influenced by the d'Elegance. Few cars in history, if any, have influenced over 50 years of automobile design.

译文: 最酷的十架经典老车

De Lorean DMC-12 (1981)

   这辆De Lorean DMC-12 是一辆De lorean 机动车公司在1981年到1982年间制造的运动车。它以DeLorean最为著名， 因为这是这个公司所生产的唯一一款。DMC-12 配备了飞翼型车门和全不锈钢拉丝车身。它在回到未来三部曲中被极好的特写了一番。

 第一款原型车在1977年三月第一次亮相，而正式投产则是在北爱尔兰的唐莫里的DMC工厂。 在它的生产过程中，这辆车被稍加改良了，比如引擎罩的外形，车轮以及内饰。 在1982年结束它的生产之前至少制造了8500台DMC-12，而且在2006年，据估计仍有大概6000架保存下来。 

尽管它是在北爱尔兰生产的，DMC-12主要是计划在北美市场投放。因此，所有生产模型都是左驾驶位（为了在路的右边驾驶而设计）。其中的一部分在英国被一些技师修改成为驾驶座在右边的，不过De Lorean却从来没有生产过这样的车款，也就是这个问题限制了这款车在英国的销量。

Chrysler Thunderbolt (1941)

  

1941年，克莱斯勒还是一个发展中的新公司，他们希望让这个世界知道，他们的公司拥有一流的技术和设计。这些富有野性的新车中仅仅只有六架被制造出来并且前往各地去参加各种各样的展览。它们每一部的外饰和颜色设置都不一样。 迅雷因为它的按键功能被戏称为“按键车”。一个简单的按键动作就轻松地可以打开后备箱，车门和窗子。它的原名”迅雷“来自陆地速度记录保持者-另一辆称为迅雷的车。在1938年巴纳维亚盐地上这架像是兄长的劳斯莱斯12缸车跑出了357.53英里每小时的惊人纪录！ 后来乔治艾斯顿上校准许克莱斯勒使用这个名字。

 迅雷上最为显著的就是就是它的平滑的侧面。整辆车的挡板外没有任何皱褶和突起。它的外形很大一部分是由于空气动力学设计。附加上设计并安装了内藏式的头灯，车体看上去在那个时代可以说是独领风骚。平整的车体和收藏在车围内的车轮更是加强了它的流线型外型。引擎盖下面没有什么特别的。一架143马力的克莱斯勒323.5立方英尺的八缸引擎配合克莱斯勒液压变速箱驱动着这架车。底盘曾经用于1940年的皇家皇冠。它的结构非常结实，从它没有A字型的支撑架就可见一斑。现如今那六架原型车中只有4部被保存下来。

GM Futurliner Parade of Progress (1950) 

GM制造的十二架车中的一部，在Earl的指导下有GM的设计小组共同创造。开放式侧边，照明，可伸缩的空间，特点十足的中央“园蓬型”驾驶舱和双轮前轴，在"Boss" Kettering创造的召开的补充1940年到1956年GM“Motoramas”巡回展的巡展。 

仅剩下的三架保持着原来巡游者计划的设置（其他的一直属于NATMUS与彼得潘巴士线路）之一，仍能够正常使用并且在合作筹办中州有了真个加拿大。最近它被恢复到原来的“游骑兵计划”设置与喷漆。配备一台400ciGM柴油引擎并装置了一架外置发动机和新型空调。在发动机的位置有一个象征着无敌的美国汽车工业标志。其中之一在加拿大魁北克郡蒙特利尔进行了整修并且在2006年的Berrett-Jackson收藏家名车拍卖会上以四百一十万美金售出。

 

Chevrolet Corvette (1953)

  Corvette是美国第一辆两座运动车。外表是用一种叫做玻璃纤维革命性的新型合金制造，部分是因为钢铁配额在战争实践内剩余量有限。原本全新车身下面是标准的Chevrolet零件，包括了“蓝火”内线六缸柴油引擎，双速自动变速箱，还有Cherolet标准鼓型刹车。尽管引擎的输出在某种程度上来说增加了，由于三倍汽化器进气口是由Corvette独占的，所以这辆车的的总体性能有待提高。 

在1954年，销量仍然低靡，GM公司开始考虑搁置这个销售计划，但是Zora Arkus-Duntov，GM工程设计部的Soviet emigré中的主管，改变了这一切。他简简单单地引用了新款的V8引擎并且配置了3速手动变速器。这个改变，也许是这辆车的历史中最重要的一项，将Corvette从一个两座新品变成了高性能座驾。 这给Arkus-Duntov赢得了“Corvette之父”的名号。

 

Oldsmobile F-88 (1954)

   在最近的50年内，Harley Earl，Bill Mitchell，Ken Picker 和 Zora Duntov 都在创作老式的敞蓬小客车。他们在设计一些与当时的旧式汽车美学相比来说相当大胆的展示用车的过程中，开始了这个计划。因为Corvette-那辆给了他们GM的灵感的车的可怜的销量，F-88计划在概念阶段就被取消了。在那之前，只完成了4架非常特别的老爷车。

 在2056年的Berrett-Jackson拍卖会上，唯一一架F-88计划剩下来的车以3，240，000美元的价格被出售。当时通用汽车的概念车在激烈的竞标之后成为了当日最高

Chevrolet Camaro (1967-1969)

   Cherolet Camaro 在1967年初为了抗衡福特野马而被通用汽车的Chevrolet汽车分部引进北美。第一次推广Camaro 是在日间前四十的有线电台上-年轻人的电台。尽管技术上来讲它是一辆突破性的车（对于当时的标准来说），Camaro，就像是野马的唯一对手，作为一只黑马开始被世人所熟知。它同样也可以被分类为中档旅行车，运动车，或者大马力跑车。这辆车与Pontiac Firebird用一样的的零件和底盘，同样也是在1967年被引入。两辆车的生产同样在2002年的结束了不过只有Carmaro在2009年会在一次开始生产。

Camaro是Chevrolet的旗舰产品，也同样是这家公司最畅销的产品之一。从它在各种不同的机动车狂热者杂志上出现的频率来看，Chevy Camaro是机动车历史上最为受欢迎的改良车型之一。

 
 Plymouth Hemi Cuda (1971)

   从1966到1971年间，道奇为E型车身配置了HEMI引擎，而1970年的HEMI Cuda是当时最广为接受并且追捧的。开始的时候只制造了652台，包括了14台稀有的带有活动棚的车款，使得原型的HEMI Cuda相当罕见。这些车很少是因为每制造一台都需要额外的900美元，几乎是三分之一的标准价格。250美元的可以提供390马力的440 v8引擎成为了标准配置，使得HEMI Cuda成为一个例外。

 为了1970年的Barracuda提供的大量可选零件包括越野轮胎，一系列令人激动的颜色例如狂野的梅子色，枪托型换档杆，曲棍球杆式运动花纹，引擎罩钉以及各式各样的令人舒服的东西。但是在众多可选配置之中，HEMI 426引擎是有史以来最为传奇的一个跑车引擎。它通常在727固体Torqueflight自动变速器和以3.55：1的比例固定后轴的情况下可以输出425匹的马力。除非这辆车是那284架拥有四速手动变速器的车之一。

拥有经典车的外形以及大功率的美式动力系统，限量生产与极大的受欢迎程度，一架1970HEMI Cuda可以轻而易举的叫价到十五万美圆以上。对于一架生产质量与当时的量产的普利茅斯一样的车子来说，这真是一个相当不错的数字。但是，HEMI野性十足的声音加上充斥着街头气息的外观，与Barrett-Jackson带来的宣传效果，使得Cuda比当时制造的大部分法拉利都还要贵上一筹。

1971年进行的改良并不算多，其中包括复杂的6口排气网设计和挡板上的鳃型百叶。这样的车子之制造了大概100台左右，在1971年又制造了更加稀少的加装了可活动顶篷的车款，这些车成为了当时最贵的“肌肉车（一般指科技含量一般但拥有无法匹敌的马力和大排量）”。在72年的时候，政府和环保总局因为排量条例禁止了大排量车。在那之后，再也没有HEMI或者更大型的车型可以订购了。

Ford Mustang (1964-1970)

   福特野马是基于福特猎鹰系列小型车而生产的。第一款生产出来的野马，拥有白色的可动式顶棚红色的内饰，是在1964年三月九号从密西根州的Dearborn的生产线上开下来的。在1964年四月17号纽约世界博览会上公诸于世，并在四月19号出现在了美国全部的三个大的电视网络，成为汽车史上最成功的产品之一，并使福特经销商成为整个陆地上最为热闹的地方。

福特刺激了整个“小马车”时代，并引起了大量的模仿。 野马的运动型设计，低价位和总体性能使它在最初上市的18个月内就卖出了十万两之多。经过一系列的更新换代，野马一直到今天还可以在市场上找到。
 

Chrysler D'Elegance (1952)

 D‘Elegance作为一个全新的以人为本的的运动车理念的诠释加入了克莱斯勒的实验车大家族中。设计以美式的舒适和搞操作性概念为主，D’elegance 展示了风靡欧洲的双开门小轿车的实力。

这个可以乘坐三个人的小轿车的风格完全来自克莱斯勒的设计部门。Ghia，一个意大利图灵的手工技师，通过草图和一个3/8尺寸的克莱斯勒工程设计部提供的模型手工打造了这辆车的金属车身。车身被安装在一家克莱斯勒New Yorker车的标准底盘上，只不过轮基被改为了115寸。 

1998年，克莱斯勒的一款展示车Chronos可以说就是D’elegance的现代版展示。而最近，新款的由Tom Gale设计的克莱斯勒300也在很大程度上受到了d’elegance的影响。可以说，很少有车能在机动车设计上有这种可以延续50年的巨大影响。