The original lines

[safrane]

Whilst I was at the Ace Café meet last week I took a moment to savour the original lines of the MK1 cars that were lined up there; it got me thinking just how pretty the original designs of the coupe were. Over the last couple of days I have also taken a keener eye on other cars who's first generation are in my humble opinion far nicer than the ones spawned as their replacements. Such as , Ford Focus - keen sharp lines that were so new back then; Mini - which is now some bloated Elvis look-a-like now, Lotus Elise...I could go on.

But I have to say I feel the classic (Classico as some like to say) 4200/3200 really was a nice svelte design...right from first day.

Here's my first one, no extra spoilers, holes/vents/bling etc just classic Italian flair.

 

[dickygrace]

Originals are usually prettier but we all get lured into the fact that the facelifted versions look better as the car is always improved in some ways; albeit not aesthetically. There's probably a word for it that I can't remember after an afternoon's rugby viewing. Nice pic by the way Peter.

 

[philw696]

Just beautiful Peter. I love the 4200 cc Classico and agree with Richard what a great picture.

 

[mjheathcote]

Generally the first generations are the classics. All the nip, tucks and facelifts, are done not to improve the car, but sell more as a visual indication of a new/younger car the owner has just bought.
Even more common cars, like the Focus as stated, look much better on the first generations.
Another modern example is the Audi TT. They were everywhere, but now when you see the first generation, it will be the classic one for sure.

 

[2b1ask1]

Sierra.....?

 

[Andyk]

Wrong picture Pete...If original is the best then surely it should be a 3200...... ;-) ....... Lovely picture all the same...

 

[Almichie]

Stunning but the wheels look different; what are they ?

 

[safrane]

They are factory 7 spokes. Think its just the angle

 

[safrane]

For sale 'up-north'...but god have they spoilt the car with those painted wheels.

 

[safrane]

Oh, and this looks so elegant and the multi spokes really make this car.



For sale on Auto trader (No connection)

 

[CliveP1]

I do like the multi spoke alloy's just looks class, but then I do have these on mine

 

[Catalan3200]

Mine has a couple of mods carried out by Andrew (previous owner) that add a spot of aggression. Yellow calipers and anthracite wheels. I like it anyway.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[dem maser]

I forgot thats Andrews old car....lovely

 

[bigbob]

I think must of us agree that car design is getting more aggressive and less pure. Shame.

 

[Andyk]

Oh, and this looks so elegant and the multi spokes really make this car.

View attachment 20228

For sale on Auto trader (No connection)

Much prefer the 7 spoke Pete to be honest...These sort of date the car now.....But hew still great looking

 

[Almichie]

Much prefer the 7 spoke Pete to be honest...These sort of date the car now.....But hew still great looking

They some how have that effect on the 4200 (perhaps the ride height?) but not on the 3200 where, IMO, they suit the car somehow. I was looking at one the other day with a slightly darker (only just) shade of silver and they transformed the car. I'm still not sure on the 7 spokes on the Coupe's

 

[Andyk]

Yep agree...Look great on the 3200 but not so good on a 4200....Why..???????....Thats odd.......

 

[Contigo]

Because of it's lower stance. When we had the 4200 and 3200 lined up next to each other at the Ace you can really see the differences in front end stance and design.

 

[SimonCC]

Here you go:

 

[Andyk]

Oh yes there is a difference...Now is it because the 3200 is lower than the 4200 is it the profile of the bonnet...The 4200 has that power bulge which makes it appear higher.....