Sexiest GEMS - The world of automotive design has seen its fair share of iconic creations that blend various styles and inspirations from across the globe. One such remarkable example dates back to the 1950s when
Jay Everett, a visionary designer, crafted a custom vehicle that seamlessly melded European elegance with American flair, captivating car enthusiasts of that era with his exceptional talent.
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| Designed by Jay Everett in 1955, the Astra Coupe stands as a custom vehicle that seamlessly melded European elegance with American flair, captivating car enthusiasts of that era with its exceptional talent. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
The genesis of this automotive marvel, known as the
Astra Coupe, can be traced back to
1952 when
Jay Everett resided in California and honed his skills at the
Art Center College of Design in
Pasadena, a renowned institution that nurtured many automotive design luminaries.
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| Since 2010, Franz Millnertisch of St. Valentin, Austria, has owned and restored the Astra Coupe to drivable condition. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
California, often hailed as the epicenter of hot rod culture in the United States, provided the perfect backdrop for
Jay Everett's creative endeavors. With a modest garage tucked behind his residence, he embarked on a journey to bring his vision of the
Astra Coupe to life amid the bustling custom car scene of mid-1950s California.
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| The 1955 Astra Coupe, constructed on a triangular frame made of 2,375-inch-long steel tubes, ensured the structural integrity essential for its distinctive form. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
The
Astra Coupe was more than just a car; it was a testament to craftsmanship and individuality. Constructed almost entirely from scratch, the vehicle was tailored to reflect the builder's unique tastes and aspirations. A bespoke chassis, expertly crafted by
Paul Koonz, formed the foundation of this automotive masterpiece. The chassis,
a triangular frame constructed from 2,375-inch-long steel tubes, provided the structural integrity necessary for the car's distinctive form.
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| Front view of 1955 Astra Coupe. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
The body of the
Astra Coupe, meticulously shaped from aluminum by
artisans Jack Sutton and
Dennis Powers, embodied
Everett's design ethos. Its radical exterior, characterized by front pontoon fenders and rear tailfins, created a sweeping, horizontal profile that exuded a timeless aesthetic appeal. The fastback roofline and low-slung nose further accentuated the car's distinctiveness, making it a true standout in the automotive landscape.
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| Right side view of the 1955 Astra Coupe. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
Upon its debut at the
Petersen Motorama in
1953, the
Astra Coupe garnered attention with its innovative front and rear grille design, featuring striking tube elements. The placement of the radiator in front of the rear grille showcased
Jay Everett's forward-thinking approach to automotive engineering.
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| The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1955 Astra Coupe. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
While the initial showcase in
1953 was more of a design study,
Jay Everett completed the
Astra Coupe in
1955, transforming it into a fully functional and drivable vehicle with enhanced interior and exterior refinements. The interior underwent a modern overhaul, featuring a handcrafted banjo-style steering wheel and racing bucket seats that underscored the car's performance-oriented nature.
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| Simple white-black trim seaters in the interior of the 1955 Astra Coupe. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
Powering the
Astra Coupe was
a robust V8 'Rocket' Oldsmobile engine boasting
a displacement of 303 cubic inches (4,965 cc), mated to
a Lincoln automatic transmission with overdrive. This formidable powertrain configuration ensured that the
Astra Coupe not only turned heads but also delivered an exhilarating driving experience.
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| The 1955 Astra Coupe was used a V8 'Rocket' Oldsmobile 303 cubic-inch capacity of 4,965 cc. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
Unsurprisingly, the
Astra Coupe captured the imagination of automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, earning coveted cover features in prominent American automotive publications such as
Motortrend,
Hot Rod, and
Rod & Custom. Its blend of artistic flair, engineering prowess, and sheer innovation cemented its legacy as a timeless automotive icon.
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| Rear side view of the 1955 Astra Coupe. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
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In essence, the Astra Coupe stands as a testament to the ingenuity and passion that drive automotive design forward, showcasing how a singular vision can transcend mere transportation to become a work of art on wheels. *** [EKA [02032020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | RUOTEVECCHIA | KUSTOMRAMA | UNDISCOVEREDCLASSIC ]
