this post was submitted on 31 May 2024
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Oldtimers, Youngtimers and Vintage Motoring
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I never knew the wing was actually taller than the roof, I always wonder if someone actually put one of these cars on a wind tunnel to see how effective the extra aero is
I know the nosecone definitely is a big improvement but I've always wondered about the wing
I guess the sides of the wings would work as lateral stabilizers to help keep the car straight
The roof line would have generated a lot of lift, so I suspect the wing helps (be high enough speeds). Aerodynamically it should be pretty efficient since the underside of the wing is unobstructed, but the OG wings were metal, so you were mostly just carrying around a weight penalty on your trunk.
Why does the roof line generate lift?
The way the top slopes down on fastback cars draws air down with it, and creates a low pressure zone above the trunk, which results in a lifting force over the back wheels.
Edit: here’s a good 12 minute overview of common care shapes and aerodynamic drag and lift in 12 minutes.
https://youtu.be/n7EYKVEL7Ds