Quirks from both sides of the pond

• 

Here at PostWarClassic, we are convinced that the golden age of motoring took place after WW2. When the ashes had descended and the ruins had been rebuilt, ingenuity reached its peaks in the US and the UK – to name just two motoring nations. Among a huge amount of adventurers, buzzing with motoring ideas, there were some who made it and some who didn’t. Our favourites are of course among the latter. Now, this weekend, auctioneers Gooding (in the US) as well as Historics (in the UK) offer prime examples of oddballs that were born in this exiting period.

The Goodings car is a Muntz Roadster, one of the very last cars built by ‘Madman’ Muntz. A self-made man, Earl Muntz was a second hand car dealer turned tv-producer turned motor manufacturer. He teamed up with Kurtis in order to build his roadster with fiberglass fenders and a Lincoln V8. This one comes with the optional ‘Boa’ snakeskin-pattern vinyl interior and Muntz AM radio/eight-track player. It’s gorgeous in all its unconventionality.

From the other side of the pond comes Historic’s Jowett Javelin. Albeit being totally British, this is an equally quirky machine. William and Benjamin Jowett teamed up with Gerald Palmer for this one and they used a flat four push-rod engine, independent front suspension and a unitary body construction. The British Lancia Aurelia? This 1948 example may get sold for a fraction of what these catch nowadays. Mind you: it will always remain a lot rarer.

(Words Jeroen Booij, pictures courtesy Gooding & Co./Historics) 

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.