Paru le 15/02/2003 | Relié sous jaquette 285 pages
Public motivé
photographies Jean-Paul Caron | préface Claude Figoni
This book is not just about cars. It is also about people. Newly discovered letters, photographs and documents point to close relationships between the men and women who worked together and-in several instances-died together during World War.II as members of the French Resistance.
Now, after a silence of more than fifty years, this book reveals their heroic sacrifices. Among those killed was Georges Paulin, eminent designer of the Embiricos Bentley, shot in 1942 together with Jacques Kellner, President of the French Coachbuilders'Association.
Icons of French streamlined designs are found in these pages:
These works of art continue to influence automobile manufacturers today in the creation of retro-styled cars. The popularity of today's models is a testimony to the beauty of streamlined designs dreamed up so long ago.
From Passion to Perfection: the Story of French Streamlined Styling - 1930 - 1939" is a labor of love that I have been happy to support. As an avid collector of French streamlined beauty for many years, the preservation of these rolling sculptures for the enjoyment of future generations is both a responsibility and a pleasure. We who are devoted collectors relish the stewardship involved in the restoration of the models, the verification of their authenticity and the preservation of their exciting history through research and documentation.
This book is your introduction to the world of French streamlined styling in the 1930s. It chronicles its evolution from the first concept of the Tear Drop to its final moment at the New York World Fair in 1939. The flowing lines were created by great artists -truly great sculptors- whose work was celebrated by much of French society. I have been lucky enough to meet some of the famous coachbuilders, the artist, carrossiers, hear their stories and share their passion.
It is no surprise that during this historic era these cars were the pride of the French nation.
Jacket illustrations: Front cover: Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, Chassis 90106 Rear cover: 1. Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, Chassis 90105 2. Peugeot Darl'mat - 402 3. Embiricos Bentley, Chassis B-27-LE 4. Dubonnet Hispano Xenia, Chassis 103
Peter W. Mullin
[Mr. Mullin is the owner of one of the world's largest collections of French streamlined cars]
About the Autor
Richard Adatto is one of the world's leading experts on French aerodynamic cars produced before the onset of World War II. He sits on the Advisory Board of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and for over 20 years has been a judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Meadow Brook Hall. Mr. Adatto is a past director of the Classic Car Club, Pacific Northwest Region and is the technical advisor for the Classic Car Club of America on French-built cars. He is a published author whose articles have appeared in major magazines, and is the American correspondent for the French Delahaye and Talbot-Lago clubs. Mr. Adatto is himself a collector of French cars and the GEO of a construction company in Seattle, on the West Coast of the United States.
About the Photographer
Jean-Paul Caron started his automobile career as a test driver for Aston Martin, driving in the 1954 and 1955 seasons. He turned his talents to Formula One photography becoming the foreign correspondent for Auto Journal in France and publishing his photographs in other magazines throughout the world. Over the past 30 years, he has written several definitive books on French cars, and is currently working for Car Graphic and Super Car Graphic Magazine in Japan. Mr. Caron is a judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and at other major concours and rallies in Europe. He is considered to be an expert on Bugatti, Hispano and streamline styling as well as an expert on amphibious vehicles much in demand by the movie industry. Mr. Caron lives in Theillay, France.
About the Editor
Diana E. Meredith is an interpreter, translator and editor working in English, Spanish and French. A native of Chile, she is based in Seattle, Washington.
