Automotive History: 1938

[Lomac]

The last half of the 1930’s was the true start of exquisite automotive styling for the sake of style. As such, I’ll start off this episode with some 1938 styling porn – just a sample, since there are so many gorgeous cars from this era.


1938 Cadillac Series 60 Special


1938 Cadillac Series 60 Sedan


1938 Talbot T23 Tear-Drop Coupe (body by Figoni et Falaschi)




1938 Peugeot Darl'mat 402 Pourtout Roadster


1938 Peugeot Darl'mat 402 Pourtout Coupé


1938 Hispano Suiza Dubonnet Xenia

[Lomac]

BMW 327
The 328 Roadster did much for BMW's reputation in the world outside Germany, but the real stars of the model range of the late 1930s were the 327 coupes and cabriolets. Stunningly styled by Peter Schimanowski, they epitomise the German touring car of the period with their sleek yet curvaceous lines, long bonnets and the hint in their rear quarters of a wild animal about to pounce. Gorgeous two-tone paintwork and the option of rear-wheel spats enhance what are still among the most attractive cars ever to wear the famous BMW roundel.

The launch of the 327 followed that of the 326 saloon at a discrete distance. the cabriolet was announced in November 1937 and the coupe in October the following year. Both had the short version of the 326's chassis as seen in the 320, but both also had the newer 326-type front suspension allied to a rear end carried on semi-elliptic springs. The short wheelbase and long-bonnet styling made seating strictly 2-plus-2.

At first, the 327s came only with a high-compression edition of the 326's engine. Then, from April 1938, the triple-carburettor 328 engine was offered optionally, cars so equipped being rather clumsily described as 327/28 models. Production of all types stopped in 1941.

327 Convertible:

[Lomac]

One of the most important cars in automotive history. It needs no introduction:



Here's a decent summary of some of the pivotal events around this era, from History of the Beetle, a UK website:

...
By late 1935 the first prototypes were on the autobahns, the V1 saloon and a convertible V2, these cars had aluminium bodies mounted over traditional wooden frameworks. In 1936 steel bodies mounted over all-steel floorpans were used, powered by a 984cc, 22bhp engine that could reach a top speed of around 65 mph. Another 30 prototypes were then made by Daimler-Benz who were not keen to make such a cheap car as they thought it would damage their high-class reputation. The development program was then transferred to the Nazi German Labour Front who would use German workers contributions to pay for a new factory. The Daimler-Benz built cars were tested at an SS barracks near Stuttgart and driven in shifts by 200 soldiers, until any minor problems were corrected. During this time Dr. Porsche visited the US to view some of the production methods used there, and recruited some German immigrant engineers who had worked in these factories.

In 1937, the coachbuilders Reutter, based in Stuttgart, were asked to make 30 vehicles which would eventually be shipped to various festivals and fairs to entice the German public to buy. There were Saloons, sunroofs and convertible models. Hitler also introduced a savings scheme where the public could collect stamps that would eventually pay for the car.

On the 26 May 1938, Hitler ceremoniously laid the cornerstone of the new factory, a huge event witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people and 150 reporters, all controlled by the Nazi propaganda machine. It was here that Hitler declared that the model would be known as the 'KdF-Wagen' or 'Strength through joy' wagen and the surrounding town that was built to support the factory would be known as the 'KdF-Stadt', production was to start in September 1939 - this turned out to be the same month that World War Two was declared, and none of the thousands who had collected their stamps ever received their beetle.

[Lomac]

Aaaaand, one of the stranger vehicles of this year, the Phantom Corsair:

[Lomac]

Pontiac Eight Grille Detail



And who said BMW had the split kidney grill first?

[shenmecar]

classics

[Gridlock]

Because it is one of my favorite models, I think the Ford of the day should be included.



I love the history of the 1930's automotive industry. My father rebuilt one of these into a supercharged corvette V8 powered hot rod with an amazing amount of custom metal work.

[nack]

Originally Posted by Lomac

Aaaaand, one of the stranger vehicles of this year, the Phantom Corsair:

soo aerodynamic...