In the 1940s, Artificial Intelligence was not a common term. Many cars produced during this time were handcrafted to perfection. Even in modern auto manufacturing, brands known for handcrafting their products deliver some of the most beautiful cars in the world. This implies that most classic cars from the good old days of the '40s were elegant.
Even though these cars were elegant, the models featured in this list went beyond beauty and elegance. The best way to describe them is unique and beautiful. These are some of the cars that auto manufacturers built for their well of clients – one-off productions that were never built in mass. Dive in for ten of the best-looking cars of the 1940s.
10 Figoni & Falaschi Delahaye 135 MS 'Narval'
An aerodynamic chassis, two doors, and only two seats underline this convertible's unique design. The car had an elongated body and a lowered suspension. Its wheels seemed like they were gliding rather than being driven.
The wheels fit perfectly since famous Italian car designer Giuseppe Figoni, one of the world's most revolutionary automotive designers, got the inspiration for the car's design from a naval sea vessel. The vehicle mimics some of the features of a water wanderer with its barely seen wheels and its almost boat-like chassis that instantly stands out.
9 Norman E. Timbs Buick Streamliner
Picture the batmobile, but in the 40s, this car was that iconic. The special but visually appealing design of the Buick streamliner certainly got heads turning wherever it went. The body was all aluminum with a perfect chrome finish. The car's smooth lines made it one of the most beautiful classic cars ever.
The design was aerodynamic and low; it seemed to borrow a bit from Figoni's design of the Narval. Nonetheless, its striking beauty was undeniable, and this earned the vehicle numerous cover model slots in auto magazines at the time.
8 Triumph 1800 Roadster
The Triumph Roadster looks a lot like the old British cab vehicles, but with added elegance, style and prestige. The front of the vehicle alone has no less than eight headlights of varying sizes that make the vehicle look stylish and sophisticated.
The all chromed-out paintwork gives out a shiny brilliance that makes the Roadster feel like a car with a different class and personality. The Roadster was not one of the best cars performance-wise, but it more than made up for that with its British good looks.
7 Porsche 356 No. 1
The Porsche does not lack in the style department, and numerous models over the years have proved just how beautiful Porsches can be. The pedigree and the culture were perhaps started and inspired by the manufacture of the first Porsche, the 365-001. This vehicle was unique, and it included cutting-edge features to make it outstanding.
The pop-out handles, the retractable roof, and decorative front grille all oozed style and finesse. The design was a clear statement from Porsche that this particular product would be different from the previous products launched by its mother company, Volkswagen.
6 Maserati A6 1500 Pininfarina
The Maserati has a long history of killer bad boy looks, and the A6 Pininfarina clearly shows where the current crop of Maserati's got their unique DNA from. The grille of the car was distinctly Italian with aluminum material and a simple but elegant design.
The simplicity theme is repeated throughout the vehicle, with only the rims and the chrome paintwork hinting that this was not an average vehicle. The rims have a fantastic design of matted and intertwined silver metal spokes that add to the car's appeal.
5 Daimler DE36
Though the Daimler was a two-door coupe, it was big, and it looked more like a long limousine. However, the aesthetics of the Daimler were quite impressive, and the entire look and feel of the car communicated influence.
The Daimler was not a vehicle for the average man – it was easily spotted with the elite of the society. The vehicle's style seemed to supplement the elite's extravagant nature, and it fitted perfectly with their busy social life and social scene.
4 Allard K1
The Allard was Sir Sydney's brainchild. For a vehicle built out of spare parts and collected engine parts, the Allard was quite impressive and stylish. Performance-wise, how Sydney managed to fit a V8 on this vehicle with his minimal budget is so astounding.
The 86 mph Allard would look like some beautiful alien ship from back in time were it to hit the road in current times. The vehicle is eye-catching. The contrasting red interior color and the outer gray or black color added to the vehicle's stylish design.
3 Chrysler Town & Country ‘Barrelback’ Wagon
Chrysler built their 1941 and '42 Town & Country Wagon as a “limousine for the country”. The wagon featured deluxe appointments and a lavish wooden frame. It was nicknamed Barrelback for its curved rear bodywork only found in the early vehicles.
The nine-passenger wagon was built on Chrysler's Windsor chassis. Under its hood was the company's 241.5 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder powerplant with a power output of 1018 bhp. The Barrelback wagon is a modern-day icon and one of the most refined wood-bodied vehicles in automotive history.
2 Tucker Torpedo
This vehicle takes the road less traveled and introduces a host of non-conformist features that enhance its radical nature. The engine was mounted at the rear rather than the front; it had a third headlight famously christened the 'cyclopes' that acted as a steering sensor and a guide to correct oversteer.
Amazingly, it also had drag control, front and rear disc brakes, and a beautifully designed leather dashboard that completed the Torpedo's exquisite looks. The Torpedo was way ahead of its time in-vehicle tech and aesthetics.
1 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport
A mix of racing and luxury design gave rise to the beauty of the Talbot-Lago way back in 1946. Considering that the vehicle was produced post-war raises its stock even higher. One would have to be blind not to appreciate the beauty of this 1940s track star.
190 bhp and a top speed of 125 mph was no mean feat. Match the excellent performance stats with spoked wheels and a silver-matted rim, a gorgeous front grille whose silver highlights elongate to the car's windscreen, and one gets the beauty in the beast quite literally.