Hall of the Automobile

Hall of the Automobile
Gallery of Fine Art

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Automobiles are the modern era's ultimate expression of form vs. function. These sophisticated engineering marvels must also meet the stylistic preferences of the period to a degree exceeding that of any other product of technology. This is a celebration of those automobiles which have risen above their contemporaries to become works of art, near-perfect blends of engineering and design.

1959 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1959 Corvette is a favorite among enthusiasts. It was the second year for the quad-headlight design, and was refreshingly cleaned up after the overpowering gimmickery on the car of the previous year. The toothy grille would only make it through 1960.

1962 Chevrolet Corvette

1962 was the last year for the C1 Corvette. Note that the toothy grille was replaced with a much more subtle treatment, and the new tail was a hint of things to come. The next year would be the debut for the Sting Ray.

Shelby Cobra

If you're not familiar with the Cobra, there's not a whole lot we can do to help. It's the perennial example of the wisdom in putting an American engine into a British car. They were built throughout most of the 1960s. This is allegedly an original, but we are not skilled enough at Cobra detection to be sure.

1965 Shelby Cobra 289

This Cobra is definitely all real. It's a 1965 Cobra 289 owned by my friend Dennis Edwards, and yes, that's me in the driver's seat. And no, I didn't drive it.

Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type (XKE to Americans) is so recognized as a piece of automotive art that even the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art has one as an exhibit. Jags don't change much so it's hard to date them, but we are pretty sure this is a Series II E-Type, which would place it in the late 1960s.

1979 Chevrolet Corvette

The "Stingray," or C3 Corvette, was far and away the longest-running Corvette body. By 1979 it had dropped the Stingray name, the convertible option, and the big-block engines. On the upside, the body was smoothed out a bit and gained a fastback for a little more room inside. They were still gorgeous.

1986 Jaguar XJ-S H.E.

A lot of Jaguar traditionalists scoff at the XJ-S, probably bitter because it was no replacement for the E-Type. Though no sports car, it nevertheless is a commanding gran turismo and was the last car influenced by Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons. It endured for over two decades, and its mechanicals live on as the Aston Martin DB7. This is a 1986 model.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette

Love it or hate it, the 1997 Corvette certainly stands out in a crowd. The rear treatment is one of its less-appealing features. The sixties were great, but someday we'll be telling our kids (or grandkids) that this was the golden age of hot rodding.