WANT!!!

I positively drooled when I dropped in at Dark Roasted Blend, and found pictures of Norman E. Timbs‘ one-of-a-kind 1948 hand-built Buick Streamliner.

It may perhaps be familiar to car enthusiasts, but I’d never heard of it.

I found the pictures so intriguing that I looked for more information. Apart from the automotive encyclopedia entry linked above, Supercars.net has this article on the car, along with a number of fascinating photographs.

Mechanical engineer Norman E. Timbs created this dramatic streamliner in the 1940s which in many ways was the ultimate American hot rod. He designed and fabricated much of the project himself which included a custom aluminum body and steel chassis. It took him over two years to finish and the resulting chic roadster was good enough for cover of Motor Trend as well as features in Mechanix Illustrated, Popular Mechanics and Motor Life.

. . .

The body was [a] nod to the German GP cars which at the time mimicked aeronautical practice. Norm’s design was free of the over indulgences such as huge chrome bumpers and large tail fins that eventually dominated American design. The streamliner’s chic elegance was a rarity in America, even if was outdated by post-war standards.

. . .

The car was based around a 1947 Buick “Super 8” engine which powered the 2200 lb car to 120 mph. The main chassis was built up from five-inch steel tubes which kicked up over the rear axle. To offer a smooth ride, a modified 1947 Ford suspension was utilized.

. . .

The car was discovered in the desert pretty much intact in 2002. It was bought at auction and restored by Dave Crouse at Custom Auto, Inc. in Loveland, Colorado for owners Gary & Diane Cerveny of Malibu, California. After its “complete and exacting” restoration, it debuted at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in a class reserved for Motor Trend Cover Cars.

There’s more at the link, including many more (and larger) images, both from 1948 and of the Streamliner in its current, fully restored condition. Recommended reading for automotive enthusiasts.

That’s absolutely beautiful! I’d love to drive it, just for the aesthetic pleasure of traveling in a work of art! Fortunately, one doesn’t have to own beauty to be able to appreciate it. Thanks to the good people at Dark Roasted Blend for putting up pictures of this magnificent creation.

Peter