After the 1903 Dourdan Speed Trials a Darraq is towed away. using real horsepower. The cutaways in the nose of the streamlined body were intended to aid in cornering.
G.N. Georgano, A Motor Racing Camera 1894-1916, David and Charles, 1976
Well, I certainly didn't make that claim! But it was early days of streamlining, anything was worth a try... maybe we should start a new series, "failed streamlining attempts". Another slightly later innovation was a V-shaped rad, I think that would also have been less aerodynamic than the designer hoped.
But maybe not, Mr G. Also, seems as if a swept-back radiator could be bigger (more surface area, more coolant tubes) than a flat, forward-facing one. Maybe it would have to be bigger to cool as well as the Great Wall type, though. I'm going to shut up now. Sorry.
Sorry Mr G, but it's been eating at me how exactly the cutaways help this
ReplyDeletestraight-line racer in cornering... :-/
... they defeat the attempt at streamlining also.
ReplyDeleteWell, I certainly didn't make that claim! But it was early days of streamlining, anything was worth a try... maybe we should start a new series, "failed streamlining attempts". Another slightly later innovation was a V-shaped rad, I think that would also have been less aerodynamic than the designer hoped.
ReplyDeleteBut maybe not, Mr G. Also, seems as if a swept-back radiator could be bigger (more surface area, more coolant tubes) than a flat, forward-facing one. Maybe it would have to be bigger to cool as well as the Great Wall type, though. I'm going to shut up now. Sorry.
ReplyDelete