Why This Vehicle?

 

The 1930s was one of the most creative periods for car design. The transformation from the formal, coach-like designs of the 1920s to the sweeping streamlined designs a decade later is nothing short of startling. And there is something about those designs that has a timeless appeal. Three-quarters of a century later, we still look back at those designs with admiration. Yet all of this was taking place in the context of the stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent world-wide depression.

The origins of these designs began prior to the Great Depression with the Art Moderne movement of the 1920s. Later, influenced by the Depression, the movement led to a focus on simpler, more functional forms. Then a branch of that evolved into the streamlined designs of the 30s.

Figoni & Falaschi was one of a handful of notable coachbuilders that produced streamlined bodies. The company was based in Paris but had been founded by and was run by two Italians, Giuseppe Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi. Giuseppe Figoni was the artist. He created some of the most radical, streamlined designs of the mid to late 30s; mainly for Delahaye, Delage and Talbot-Lago.

In 1936 Figoni & Falaschi were asked by the Prince of Nepal to build a sports saloon. A 1932 Phantom II was purchased (originally bodied by Windovers) and a new Figoni & Falaschi body provided. It was the only Rolls-Royce chassis ever bodied by the firm and proved to be one of the most original bodies ever on a Phantom II chassis. It’s sweeping, low profile lines anticipated the shape of cars that would not be designed for another 20 years.

So 'the best motor car in the world' plus one of the most striking streamlined body designs created a truly unique vehicle. Reason enough to attempt a 1:8 scale version.