By Robert Emslie
This not just being the end of the week, but Fastback Friday, I thought it a good opportunity to get the hive mind take on what car wears that particular body-style with the most aplomb. The Fastback derives from the earliest stabs at aerodynamic design, back when stylists attempted to emulate the shape of a teardrop. Of course these efforts were applied with the intention being the resultant slippery cars would out-perform their more brick-like counterparts in efficiency at least, and speed and alacrity at best.
Over the years the Fastback meme was applied to cars as diverse as the Chevrolet Fleetline and the Saab 92, reaching its culmination in the misguided A-bodies from Olds and Buick in the late ’70s – the less said about which, the better. Those cars proved that Americans weren’t interested in buying big cars that even looked like hatchbacks, despite their sporting traditional trunks.
But that’s not to say we shun the fastback, and in fact, some of our most favorite cars are the fastback editions – Mustangs, Celicas, XKEs. Hell, we love the long and lean look an extended roof affords. But which one engenders your greatest passion? What is your most favorite fastback?
Image source: [ultimatecarpage.com]
Jeff Glucker
Corvette Sting Ray. Specifically the Grand Sport
<img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Chevrolet/63-Chevy_Corvette-GranSport-DV-08_MH-03.jpg"width=500>
i love me some VW beetle….. though i must agree with p161911 above. though i prefer the split window sting ray ('63)…. i also have an unreasonable love for the MG B and C GTs.
The Bill Thomas Cheetah.
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/uk.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/bill-thomas-cheetah-continuation-large_07-1254878578.jpg" width=500>
http://www.hark.com/clips/yrkvtppsrw-oh-my
<img src="http://www.allsportauto.com/photoautre2/porsche/911/rsr/1973_porsche_911_carrera_rsr_2l8_01_m.jpg"width=500>
If you're going to go fastback, go big. I've always liked the '66 Toronado. We had a '69 when I was a kid, and it was just an awesome car, but was toned down some compared to the '66.
<img src="http://image.automobilemag.com/f/features/collectible_classic/9744494+w440/0806_01_z+1966-1967_oldsmobile_toronado+front_three_quarter_view.jpg">
Or, a Torino Talladega.
<img src="http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/FordTalladega_0403_resized.jpg">
Boat tail Riv would also be an acceptable answer.
<img src="http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/file.php?40,file=25691,filename=buick-riviera-1973a.jpg" width=500>
Good call. My grandparents had one, and it was one of my favorite cars as a kid growing up.
<img src="http://www.bangshift.com/assets/images/news/2009/Jan/4-10/c47-hemi_under_glass.jpg">
I have a soft spot for the 1967 Shelby GT350.
<img src="http://www.mustangdreams.com/1967%20Shelby%20350%20side.jpg"width="500"/>
For me, 64.5-66 >> 67-68.
<img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBQeYGDb062tWev_lr42XMsGFk2PbdRLsCxWoegXMB7UE0X-sx">
Now, if we fast forward a bit to the '69 and '70 Boss 302…
<img src="http://image.automotive.com/f/images/25074837+pheader/mump_0907_01_z+1970_boss_302_mustang+front_angle.jpg" width="500/">
Yes, on all of those! I picked the '67 GT350 because a guy in town had one exactly like this one. He ran off the highway at a high speed and was killed. I'll never forget that.
What is it with you and citing examples that got people killed these days?
When a certain vehicle is posted, my thoughts go to whoever I know who owned a similar car. This week on Hooniverse there were two vehicles that the owners both had been killed. Weird.
I could post dozens of Italian sports cars here, and I expect you'd like many of them. But, this one is my favorite.
<img src="http://www.picturearchive.co.za/Images/large_1954+Maserati+A6GCS+Berlinetta+Pininfarina+frt.JPG">
The Maserati A6GCS, bodied by Pininfarina.
While Mustangs, in my opinion, nailed the fastback on the head, I would like to mention the VW Type 3 Fastback:
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/1966_Volkswagen_Type_3_Fastback_VW_Rear_1.jpg">
thanks all. i'm uhh going to excuse myself to the back room for the rest of the day…. i have some personal business to attend to……..
Coincidentally, two with controversies about their design. The Autobahnkurier, rumored to be the inspiration for the Atlantic.
<img src="http://i.auto-bild.de/ir_img/4/6/5/9/3/0/72a904648e91366e.jpg"width="500">
And the R-Type Continental, which some say got its lines straight from Cadillac's drawing boards.
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/3022685295_e355bcc0e6.jpg">
I could throw a Bugatti EB112, but that was a concept so maybe not.
The Atlantic was the inspiration for this:
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xRFNBWST25E/RyjWPekxhTI/AAAAAAAAAHA/Zg5mVXOPVqo/s400/247666625_07b932675e.jpg">
That's…the heads… they're…
Here's a front view.
<img src="http://itthing.com/wp-content/uploads/phantoms.jpg">
That looks safe. Is that a beaked monkey on the right headlight?
That's not the normal driving position. I think he's just posing for the picture. The car is so low that a section of the roof moves for better access when getting in and out of the car, but he would normally be seated entirely inside the car to drive it, with the roof completely in place. BTW, it is a right hand drive car, and he's sitting in the driver's seat.
Not monkeys, but gargoyles.
<img src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2008/10/28/gargoyles1.jpg">
Mercedes has been accused of borrowing the Autobahnkurier styling from the 1934 Packard V12 LeBaron Sports Coupe.
<img src="http://blogs.motortrend.com/files/2009/08/24662020.jpeg" width=400>
I like this Autobahnkurier.
Lead Sled
<img src="http://www.feslerbuilt.com/Vehicles/1949%20Buddy%20Rice%20Merc/Img0179.jpg", width=600>
IMG from BikesMoveUs.com.au
Just because it looks like it was added on afterwards I love the marlins, and even more so with the transmission of my dreams, the twin-stick.
<img src="http://nozama.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed05fc2883301287705f3ad970c-400wi" width="500">
But for reals I am massively in love with some Datsun Z
<img src="http://www.blackdragonauto.com/assets/customerPhotos2/z24072RobertMct.jpg">
The one I drive myself, my Chevrolet Opala.
<img src="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A6oaBn7gTBKxNT2PpLdxRw?feat=directlink" width="550">
Make mine a "semi-fastback".
A great big assed mother@#$% huge semi-fastback.
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MiZ-UqDwf6c/TJBV2W2ERqI/AAAAAAAAGpo/KFhm17GLK-0/s1600/1967+Dodge+Polara+500+Hardtop+Coupe+2+Door+Third+Generation+C+Body+2.jpg" width="500" />
My favorite has to be the Tatra T87. Just look at it.
<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqurA9e5ZkVSX2acFKuvrrGQwIPOer1CIzSauj8bq2Xmdr98iu">
Honorable mention also has to go to the GAZ Poebda. It was the world's first unibody passenger car that was also available with 4 wheel drive. This one is a modified example:
<img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcREjVB1LnYEmumLBwT9EQI-tU7QEE5B2f32dcffOjCeFT74mIAB">
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/umt4L.jpg" width="500/">
(Just don't say its name…or *he* will sue us all!)
Too many to count. A few good ones, though:
<img src="http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/attachments/other-italian-cars/187713d1285355862-bristols-zagato-tolys-z-1_1.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Jensen_Interceptor_rear.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.influx.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Green_Montreal.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.carsbase.com/photo/Citroen-SM_mp17_pic_71725.jpg" width="600">
And finally:
<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/127411304_37dc676614.jpg">
I really want to like the Jensen and the Citroen-Maserati – cool pedigree, great specs – but…somehow they just seem awkward and maybe a little lumpy.
I never really liked the interceptor until I saw one in person. But the SM? Robert Opron's masterpiece? You may be nuts.
I disliked the Interceptor in person before I knew what it was. The back glass looked ungainly and tacked on.
As for Opron, I prefer his A310, and I'm still trying to forget the Renault Alliance.
<img src="http://ac520.mygallery.biz/albums/gt4/Alpine_A310_1600VE_p02.jpg" ,width=500>
Image from those Wiki people
Austin Martin DB4 GT Zagato is easily my fastback of choice.
<img src="http://www.supercars.net/carpics/64/1961_AstonMartin_DB4GTZagato2.jpg" width=400>
Oh lord, too many choices to make.
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MiZ-UqDwf6c/THa4sdTdwzI/AAAAAAAAGdg/d5I8UYpgiNI/s1600/1948+Cadillac+Series+62+Generation+III+3+2+Door+Club+Coupe+Sedanette+2.jpg" width=400>
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/22/4341/25054670002_large.jpg" width=400>
<img src="http://swipe.swipelife.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lamborghini-miura-s-2.jpg" width=400>
<img src="http://image.moparmusclemagazine.com/f/17783124/mopp_0904_10_z+1966_dodge_charger+.jpg" width=400>
I could go on for days….
based on your posted selections: you are my hero. but to tell you the truth… i've been following you for years. and dammit man, i like your style!
<img src="http://www.wheelsofitaly.com/wiki/images/1/18/Alfa_Romeo_Disco_Volante.JPG"width=500>
<img src="http://www.wheelsofitaly.com/wiki/images/4/46/1965_Alfa_Romeo_Giulia_Sprint_Speciale_5.jpg"width=500>
<img src="http://www.wheelsofitaly.com/wiki/images/b/b6/1967_Alfa_Romeo_TZ2_2.jpg"width=500>
<img src="http://www.wheelsofitaly.com/wiki/images/a/a6/1968-Alfa-Romeo-33-Stradale.jpg"width=500>
<img src="http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/attachments/limited-production-1960-1977/91773d1202413324-air-dams-junior-zagatos-7a79f_3.jpg"width=500>
Grazie, wheelsofitaly and alfabb
The Alfa Junior Z (bottom pic) looks like the inspiration for the first-generation Honda CRX, doesn't it?
<img src="http://www.allsportauto.com/photoautre5/alfaromeo/1300/junior_zagata/1969_alfaromeo_1300_junior_zagato_06_m.jpg" width=400>
<img src="http://thisoldhonda.org/pictures/pic_1_crx85.jpg" width=400>
The CRX could also be descended from this…
<img src="http://southtexasamc.tripod.com/71gxstp.jpg"width=500>
Even closer…
<img src="http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/AmericanMotors//1979_AMC_Spirit_DL_Liftback_Sport_Coupe.jpg">
and umm… i'm going to have to excuse myself to the back room again. some damned fine sexy cars there….. oh right, need to remember to take a new bottle of soap to wash my hands… later all!
The better question would have been what fastbacks don't we like.
<img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/1-139-340×255.jpg" alt="no_like">
I think this should cover it.
I dunno; I'd rather look at these than pictures of an Accord Crosstour…
EDIT: And that hacked-together sled. At any rate, this page is full of win.
I've got one:
Lancia Gamma Coupe
<img src="http://www.monteverdiclub.com/images/gam04.jpg" width="600">
versus Lancia Gamma fastback:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Lancia_Gamma_C849RPN_%281%29.jpg" width="600">
poof
I wouldn't say that I dislike the fastbacks, but in the early Mustangs and A-body Barracudas I like the notchback better.
Listed all those other ones, but I forgot to include my favorite fastback:
<img src="http://www.volantevintage.com/data/VV0001592/news-orig-1185485957.jpg" width="600">
Stop hitting on my wife.
(she wants one)
Reminds me of this wonderful wagon:
<img src="http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/international-automotive-scene/209357d1255444440-official-guess-car-thread-please-see-rules-first-page-murena-front.jpg",width=500>
I sure do love me some espada.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4320138326_735409c8d4_b.jpg" width=600>
Oh, if only they'd been mass-produced.
Seriously, though, I have an odd attraction to late-'60s examples – Torino/Cyclone, Marlin, Charger – as well as the C2 Corvette, particularly the '63.
I've scrolled past that way too many times before I knew what it was. "Some kind of obscure Czechoslovakian hatchWAIT…
<img src="http://www.collectorcarsforsale.com/images/extended/260774820199/1.jpg"/>
There are lots of nice cars with sloping rears that aren't necessarily about the slope. My favorites are two that are all about the fastback:
Full size: Mercury Montego GT
<img src="http://grantorinosport.org/pics/73montegoGT05.jpg" width='500'>
Compact: Gen 1 Toyota Celica Liftback
<img src="http://image.automobilemag.com/f/features/collectible_classic/1012_1976_1977_toyota_celica_gt_liftback/34955979+w440/1976-1977-toyota-celica-GT-liftback-rear-three-quarters.jpg">
SAAB Sonett!
Pretty much any one of them but here are a few not yet mentioned.
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/–1r_VtcfztQ/Tek1vvhsxdI/AAAAAAAAPYA/vNRbH5RbxVc/s1600/audi.JPG" width=600 end>
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/–t3B-CuIEyA/Tek11rPOeLI/AAAAAAAAPYE/ox-4XCR5BuU/s1600/ferrari+california+sweet.JPG" width = 600 end>
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9kVMp-eEho/Tek1-hAxufI/AAAAAAAAPYM/drB7bDALwco/s1600/bentley+winner.JPG" width – 600 end>
and finally for Smells_Homeless
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhscs3GtZto/Tek16YMiMwI/AAAAAAAAPYI/Og_njIFXG1Q/s1600/jag+race+car.JPG" width =600 end>
*poof*
I'll give some love to the ugly duckling of the bunch here, and suggest the Rover SD1.
<img src="http://classiccars.brightwells.com/images/lots/007_5.jpg" width="500/">
This is a strange car; usually people like a car because of something, but I like this one despite. Despite its horrible build quality, panel gaps, cheap-looking plastic bits, that awkward slightly-ticked-up-but-not-quite window line as it approaches the rear, probably not much power, probably not great steering, and on. (Oh, and Lucas!) But I'd rock one in a heartbeat.
Don't forget the NASCAR specials.
Torino King Cobra (only a couple made, never made it to the track)
<img src="http://georgiadragracing.com/photoalbum/ODRR03/ODRR_025.jpg"width=500>
Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2
<img src="http://www.remarkablecars.com/main/pontiac/pontiac-00033-2.jpg"width=500>
Mercury cyclone Spoiler II
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2884469227_9aaecf4195.jpg"width=500>
Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe
<img src="http://www.gmphotostore.com/images/53217365_pr.jpg"width=500>
There was to have been a Mercury version of the King Cobra called the Cyclone Spoiler II. Notice the different roofline. From what I understand, there were three reasons why the 1970 Ford aero specials never made it to the track: 1) Ford slashed its racing budgets; 2) The aerodynamic benefits were less than hoped; and, 3) NASCAR was in the process of putting huge restrictions on the aero cars, basically shutting them out for 1971 by making them uncompetitive.
<img src="http://www.musclecarreport.com/article_images/SuperMerc/Front%203_4%20-1.JPG" width=400>
Teams found other ways around the aero rules. If the rear bumper causes too much drag, just use Grade 2 bolts to attach it and saw the bolts in half. Get a light tap in the rear early in the race.
It seems Lucas Hoonibbles ate the Youtube embed button. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2DuRwnQQRk
I don't think I've ever fallen in love so many times as scrolling through these pics right now! However, about that Lambo – I don't think back glass that's horizontal technically qualifies as a fastback, no matter how sexy it is.
But one could also argue that the 1965-1966 Mustang 2 plus 2 isn't a true fastback because there's a break at the bottom of the rear window to a conventional trunk lid. In addition, are hatchbacks really fastbacks in the strict sense? I think we're deliberately being wide-ranging here.
All this fun and no SAAB pics????
I'll take a 96 (with a two stroke please), a Sonnett III, and a mid-late 80's 900 trubo.
Also, no mention of the Volvo
The SAAB 92 got mentioned in the intro and Joe Btfsplk already brought up the Sonett, but here's a 96 for you:
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5631602779_ab20df55c3.jpg" width="400">
Sparky Pete (a.k.a. ZomBee Racer) and I will be running it at the Pacific Northworst LeMons race in a couple of weeks. Yes, with the roof rack. Yes, it's a two-stroke. What could possibly go wrong? Besides, we'll have Pete's MGB as a backup….
Just be careful…
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/5796623661_37fe8aeb2d_b.jpg" width=600>
Sunbeam Rapier
<img src="http://www.motorbase.com/uploads/2010/03/25/fs_dscf0660.jpg">
All those posts, and nobody's mentioned the Iso Grifo?
I'll take the "7 Litre" with the 427, even though it has that ugly-ass hood to clear the bigger engine.
It's a tossup between the 1933-36 Cadillac Aerodynamic V-16 Coupe: <img src="http://ned.ronet.ru/0/1933%20Cadillac%20V16%20Fleetwood%20Aerodynamic%20Coupe.jpg">and the 1942-48 Chevy Aerosedan:<img src="http://otomotorcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1948-Chevrolet-Aero-Sedan.jpg">
Two more of my favorites from more recent years:
1973 AMC Hornet hatchback
<img src="http://summerville-novascotia.com/AmericanMotors/1973_AMC_Hornet_X_Sport_Hatchback_Coupe.jpg">
Honda Civic EG Coupe:
<img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSI_uV1jiLtoE9obJkrTzE-2rwFaXQQhQgE22fah7ubr9sI54UyEQ&t=1">
While many Civics have been "tunerized" into oblivion, I still contend that it is a nicely styled car that looks classy when done properly instead of over-lowered and festooned with poor fitting and tacky body kits.
Ferrari 275GTB – the classic Ferrari shape.
<img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-def/Ferrari-275-GTB-ra-silver-lr.jpg" width=500>