What car is more beautiful than an Emira?

I'm shocked that the Pontiac Aztek has been overlooked in this thread

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My favorite US design that has withstood the test of time...View attachment 67316
Oddly, I haven't liked a single Corvette model that came after this one.
Oddly enough, for many years, this was THE car that I lusted after, given its simple lines/"sexy curves". Then one day to my shock (some 40 years ago, when I had no money), I was walking in my apartment parkade and saw one (but with a red exterior; my preferred sport car color) parked in a visitor stall. It was the first one I'd ever seen, in-person. I quickly got close enough to longingly peer inside. Then after closer inspection and further thought, my (then) "car world" came crashing down. I realized it was a "1960's vintage" car, without any of the more modern conveniences I'd come to enjoy: no seatbelts (no big deal, but a noticeable safety change), plain interior with a lousy stereo (a big one for me; I love my tunes), steering wheel you had to "man-handle", uncomfortable seats w/o headrests, etc. Prior to that I always thought I was someone who'd eventually own/drive these wonderful classic cars, but it hit home to me then, that looking at and admiring one, was a far cry from actually driving one where I'd have to sacrifice the "mod cons" I'd come so much to enjoy and take for granted, were I to actually own/drive one. Ever since, my attachment to these classics has changed: I still love the way they look, however and until I win the $$$$$ lotto and can maintain a car collection, I'll likely never buy one. This also helps explain why I bought a 2020 followed by a ++ more loaded 2023 C8 Corvette and came to enjoy their new styling (which I know some "true Corvette fans" loathe, being such a change): the options/comfort/power/mid-engine cornering...were an intoxicating combo and good value, so the entire package (looks/function) fit well together, making them great daily drivers. My different perspective on these beautiful older vehicles.
 
Oddly enough, for many years, this was THE car that I lusted after, given its simple lines/"sexy curves". Then one day to my shock (some 40 years ago, when I had no money), I was walking in my apartment parkade and saw one (but with a red exterior; my preferred sport car color) parked in a visitor stall. It was the first one I'd ever seen, in-person. I quickly got close enough to longingly peer inside. Then after closer inspection and further thought, my (then) "car world" came crashing down. I realized it was a "1960's vintage" car, without any of the more modern conveniences I'd come to enjoy: no seatbelts (no big deal, but a noticeable safety change), plain interior with a lousy stereo (a big one for me; I love my tunes), steering wheel you had to "man-handle", uncomfortable seats w/o headrests, etc. Prior to that I always thought I was someone who'd eventually own/drive these wonderful classic cars, but it hit home to me then, that looking at and admiring one, was a far cry from actually driving one where I'd have to sacrifice the "mod cons" I'd come so much to enjoy and take for granted, were I to actually own/drive one. Ever since, my attachment to these classics has changed: I still love the way they look, however and until I win the $$$$$ lotto and can maintain a car collection, I'll likely never buy one. This also helps explain why I bought a 2020 followed by a ++ more loaded 2023 C8 Corvette and came to enjoy their new styling (which I know some "true Corvette fans" loathe, being such a change): the options/comfort/power/mid-engine cornering...were an intoxicating combo and good value, so the entire package (looks/function) fit well together, making them great daily drivers. My different perspective on these beautiful older vehicles.
Well said in thinking about classics I’ve lusted after, coincidentally including this one
 
Oddly enough, for many years, this was THE car that I lusted after, given its simple lines/"sexy curves". Then one day to my shock (some 40 years ago, when I had no money), I was walking in my apartment parkade and saw one (but with a red exterior; my preferred sport car color) parked in a visitor stall. It was the first one I'd ever seen, in-person. I quickly got close enough to longingly peer inside. Then after closer inspection and further thought, my (then) "car world" came crashing down. I realized it was a "1960's vintage" car, without any of the more modern conveniences I'd come to enjoy: no seatbelts (no big deal, but a noticeable safety change), plain interior with a lousy stereo (a big one for me; I love my tunes), steering wheel you had to "man-handle", uncomfortable seats w/o headrests, etc. Prior to that I always thought I was someone who'd eventually own/drive these wonderful classic cars, but it hit home to me then, that looking at and admiring one, was a far cry from actually driving one where I'd have to sacrifice the "mod cons" I'd come so much to enjoy and take for granted, were I to actually own/drive one. Ever since, my attachment to these classics has changed: I still love the way they look, however and until I win the $$$$$ lotto and can maintain a car collection, I'll likely never buy one. This also helps explain why I bought a 2020 followed by a ++ more loaded 2023 C8 Corvette and came to enjoy their new styling (which I know some "true Corvette fans" loathe, being such a change): the options/comfort/power/mid-engine cornering...were an intoxicating combo and good value, so the entire package (looks/function) fit well together, making them great daily drivers. My different perspective on these beautiful older vehicles.
I definitely agree with you that the 60's Vette beauty is only skin deep and it's not considered an enjoyable, comfortable or even safe ride nowadays, particularly given all the auto innovations that materialized and spoiled us in the past 50 years. Owning any such classic car has to come with checked expectations and most end up as garage queens and collectors' items anyway.
Here in Miami, I do see a few 60's Vettes driven around on sunny weekends. Coincidentally a neighbor of mine has one. Imo, what the Emira has in common with 60's Vette is a beautiful design that will endure the test of time. The C8 is arguably the best sports car in terms of value that money can buy, but when it comes to design, imo, the letdown is the rear section.
Money not being an object, I find the latest Ford GT model, to be the most beautiful sexy looking sports car design, US or foreign, ICE or EV and takes my GOAT trophy. Incidentally, despite its outer beauty, the Ford Gt's interior is spartan, lacks many modern convenient features and it's not very comfortable to ride in but, then again, it's essentially a race car for the street.
 
A big thumbs up to all the pictured cars above with the exception, imo, of the last one, the Bugatti which, at first glance, reminds me too much of a stag beetle, not the most attractive of bugs...

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To be kind, I'd give it a thumbs up for design originality, particularly considering how long ago it was introduced.
 
Interesting thread!

There are definitely design cues from other cars in the Emira, but they are stitched together very well!
It's definitely one of the prettiest cars we've yet owned...
 
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After @VL3X's pic of the Miura which is #1 for me, the next one has to be the Dino.
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Have followed after and dreamed of this car ever since I saw my first one at the Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance many many years ago. I unloaded a whole roll of film (yes it was that long ago) on just one I picked out of a row of about 10, red over tan leather with the targa roof. 10 years later in a different So Cal city, I met, worked, and became good friends with the guy who owned that car (and was showing it in Santa Barbara 10 years earlier) and eventually got to ride in it. Definitely a thrill and although not blisteringly fast, it sounded and looked fantastic.
 
After @VL3X's pic of the Miura which is #1 for me, the next one has to be the Dino. View attachment 67481
Have followed after and dreamed of this car ever since I saw my first one at the Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance many many years ago. I unloaded a whole roll of film (yes it was that long ago) on just one I picked out of a row of about 10, red over tan leather with the targa roof. 10 years later in a different So Cal city, I met, worked, and became good friends with the guy who owned that car (and was showing it in Santa Barbara 10 years earlier) and eventually got to ride in it. Definitely a thrill and although not blisteringly fast, it sounded and looked fantastic.
I have always liked the Dino. The Emira and the Dino are to me of the same character, just from different generations (comparing it to my AMG 4 Emira)
 
After @VL3X's pic of the Miura which is #1 for me, the next one has to be the Dino. View attachment 67481
Have followed after and dreamed of this car ever since I saw my first one at the Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance many many years ago. I unloaded a whole roll of film (yes it was that long ago) on just one I picked out of a row of about 10, red over tan leather with the targa roof. 10 years later in a different So Cal city, I met, worked, and became good friends with the guy who owned that car (and was showing it in Santa Barbara 10 years earlier) and eventually got to ride in it. Definitely a thrill and although not blisteringly fast, it sounded and looked fantastic.
I owned one of these for 15 years, and let it go some 4 years ago. The Emira share a lot in common with the Dino. I think time will show this. There dimensions and general form are almost identical. Lots of flowing curves in a sea of sharp angles.
 
Love the Series 1's with the enclosed headlights! Also, not often people keep the sport wheels like is on yours - they look amazing on the coupe. Looks like yours is also Opalescent Silver Blue?

So is the F40 yours as well?
F40 not mine but cared for by the same restoration shop, Classic Jaguar in Austin, TX. My car is Opalescent Silver Blue which is the original color of the car.
 
I owned one of these for 15 years, and let it go some 4 years ago. The Emira share a lot in common with the Dino. I think time will show this. There dimensions and general form are almost identical. Lots of flowing curves in a sea of sharp angles.
Exactly! The sexy flowing wheel arches and side profile are what drew me to the Dino, and then the Elise, and now the Emira, which executed on this so much better than its predecessor IMO. I was never drawn to the Evora’s shape but was stunned and knocked out when I first set eyes on the Emira.
 

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