![Automotive Aerodynamics](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads.png)
1932 Rockne
Instead of fumbling with task of explaining the concept of aerodynamics myself, I will simply lift some copy from the Porsche 924 ad seen below. Per Porsche:
Air resists the movement of a vehicle passing through it. Resistance increases with the square of the vehicle’s speed: twice the speed produces 4 times the resistance. The engine power required to overcome this drag increases with the cube of the vehicle’s speed: twice the speed requires 8 times higher power. Thus, even a small reduction in drag can result in a large increase in fuel economy. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche was among the first to reduce drag through body design. The Porsche 924 benefits from 70 years of Porsche aerodynamic development. It’s drag coefficient is a low .36. And it requires only 15 hp to cruise at 55 mph.
Two observations about the Porsche text. First, it’s clear Porsche copywriters don’t like commas. Second, this blurb ignores the 1921 Rumpler Tropfenwagen—a vehicle largely understood to be the first intentionally aerodynamic car. And, it boasted a better coefficient of drag than the 924. You can read all about the Tropfenwagen here.
![1921 Rumpler Tropfenwagen](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads.jpg)
The 1921 Rumpler Tropfenwagen is generally understood to be the first intentionally aerodynamic automobile.
Looking back, it’s clear that long before carmakers were making effective use of aerodynamic design, they were laying claim to having harnessed the virtues of low-drag silhouettes. For your consideration, we have amassed a gallery of classic ads, each of which touts the benefits of streamlining and aero design in some fashion. Check them out, and let us know which is your favorite. For the record, the Tatra ad—which is an ad, not a brochure—is absolutely my favorite.
1930 Tatra
![1930 Tatra Ad, Tatra 77](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-1.jpg)
1930 Tatra Ad
1932 Rockne
![1932 Rockne Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-2.jpg)
1932 Rockne Ad
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1934 Chrysler Airflow
![1934 Chrysler](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-3.jpg)
1934 Chrysler Airflow Ad
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1934 Kestrel
![1934 Kestrel Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-4.jpg)
1934 Kestrel Ad
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1934 Hupmobile
![1934 Hupmobile Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-5.jpg)
1934 Hupmobile Ad
Photo Feature: 1933 Hupmobile K-321 Convertible Coupe
1935 LaSalle
![1935 LaSalle Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-6.jpg)
1935 LaSalle Ad
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1949 Nash
![1949 Nash Ad, Nash Airflyte](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-7.jpg)
1949 Nash Ad
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1952 Willys
![1952 Willys Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-8.jpg)
1952 Willys Ad
Photo Feature: 1941 Willys 441 Station Wagon
1956 Plymouth
![1956 Plymouth Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-9.jpg)
1956 Plymouth Ad
Photo Feature: 1960 Plymouth Fury Hardtop Coupe
1968 Chevrolet
![1968 Chevrolet Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-10.jpg)
1968 Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette Ad
1976 Plymouth
![1976 Plymouth Arrow Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-11.jpg)
1976 Plymouth Arrow Ad
1978 Toyota
![1978 Toyota Celica Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-12.jpg)
1978 Toyota Celica Ad
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1980 Porsche
![1980 Porsche 924 Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-13.jpg)
1980 Porsche 924 Ad
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1981 Buick
![1981 Buick Regal Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-1.png)
1981 Buick Regal Ad
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1981 Buick
![1981 Buick Regal Ad, Concorde](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-2.png)
1981 Buick Regal Ad
Dynaflow Madness! A Gallery Of Classic Buick Ads
1983 Pontiac
![1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-14.jpg)
1983 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ad
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1983 Mercury
![1983 Mercury Cougar Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-15.jpg)
1983 Mercury Cougar Ad
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1984 Audi
![1984 Audi 5000 Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-16.jpg)
1984 Audi 5000 Ad
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1985 Ford
![1985 Ford Thunderbird Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-17.jpg)
1985 Ford Thunderbird Ad
Review Flashback! 1984 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
1986 Ford
![1986 Ford Aerostar Ad](http://themotorcyclepedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/streamline-madness-a-gallery-of-automotive-aerodynamics-in-print-ads-18.jpg)
1986 Ford Aerostar Ad
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Automotive Aerodynamics Gallery