The world's first streamliner vehicle design by Paul Jaray

The rapid development of automotive technology in the 1920s could not be separated from the many studies conducted by engineers who then proceed with the manufacture of concept vehicles to present the results of the research.

The 'Ugly Duckling' or (replica) 1923 Auto Union streamline concept while exhibited at the Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales and was hugely influenced by Paul Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2MNafGH)

One of them was the work of a Hungarian-born engineer named Paul Jaray who was very significant then influenced the automotive industry in the next few decades. He was among the earliest proponents of automotive aerodynamics and streamlining, a look that defined the futuristic look of many cars in the 1920s and 1930s.

1922 Ley T6, the world's first streamliner vehicle design by Paul Jaray during a test drive. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2MMIPAP)

As quoted from Autoevolution which states that he was the first started by completely redesigning the now-famous Zeppelins from looking like a tube to the streamline shapes we know today. Paul Jaray was born in Vienna in 1889, and after studying mechanical engineering he moved to the town of Zeppelins and Maybachs, Friedrichshafen.

The blueprint of Paul Jaray's first working prototype was announced on September 8, 1921, and followed with a patent application that made at the Berlin office. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Uy6j0M)

Since 1912, he has been actively involved in aerodynamics in every shape or form, besides the dirigibles. And one of his most famous and revolutionary works which he later brought to car design. His first working prototype was announced on September 8, 1921, and followed with a patent application that made at the Berlin office for those inventions of his.

1923 Ley Stromlinien Wagen racing car using Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2MMIPAP)

In the short, the Jarray' inventions as mentioned above might be described like this, "the lower part of the body has the form of a half streamline body and covers the chassis with the wheels, the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. The lower surface is even and runs parallel to the floor space. On this main part, a substantially narrower streamline body is set, which is carried by a framework-like construction, which is developed on the chassis for its part." Which came to be known in the world's automotive as teardrop-shaped vehicle design.

The American' Chrysler test car using Jaray's aerodynamic principles.(Picture from: https://bit.ly/2MMIPAP)

A year later, he collaborated with Alfred Ley from Rud. Ley Maschinenfabrik A.G. which then led them to give birth to the world's first aerodynamic car named the Ley T6. By follows Jaray's streamline principles, which makes the car capable of reaching speeds of more than 100 kph (62 mph) by using a 1.5-liter engine with only 20hp. If the car is built by using the 'regular' bodywork design at that time, so it is estimated that the maximum speed that can be achieved will not exceed 70 or 75 kph (40-45 mph).
After success in the car testings, then many other car manufacturers requested and even stole the Jaray's streamline principles. Nevertheless, Jaray pushed on. Then he set up his own design consulting company, Stromlinen Karosserie Ges. in Zurich, and licensing his streamlined designs to manufacturers. Tatra used the concept until 1975. Maybach was another car maker to embrace the style and BMW developed a Jaray-penned concept.
But it was Audi (Auto Union) with which he is most closely associated. The 1923 Auto Union streamliner concept sadly no longer exists; a faithful replica was built and is the one used in the A5 adverts. Jaray’s influence can also be seen on Auto Union's ‘Silver Arrows’ race cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | ECOMODDER | AUTOCAR]
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