By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
When it comes to admiring the design of older cars a striking front grille always makes a great first impression, especially when it’s finished in shiny chrome.
In true Classic Yorkshire style I’ve picked five ‘hot’ grilles that I like from a range of British and European models. These are ranked in no particular order.
I’m sure you will have your own favourites and it would be great to hear your choices.
Jaguar XJ
Lauded as the best saloon car in the world when it came out in 1968, the upright radiator grille on the XJ (series 1, 2 and 3) would change very little over three decades. It seemed to complement the ‘old school’ charm of this British sports classic.
The later XJ40 model may have brought sharper lines but the slimmed down grille and quad headlights still charmed Jaguar customers.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mark 1
Have you ever seen a smiley looking front end like the Austin Healey Sprite (1958-61)?
The twin headlights above a modest looking radiator grille gave the car the nickname, the ‘frogeye’. The designers had planned flip up headlights, but cost-cutting at BMC put paid to this mechanism.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce
The front of the Giulia Spider Veloce from 1964 is simply a work of art. The car proudly sports a variation on the ‘trefoil’ design which first appeared on the post-war Alfa Romeo 6C 2500. This 1964 example was one of the last designs from Italian designer Battista Pininfarina.
Mercedes 300SL
Mercedes-Benz loved the chrome grille, so much so that it kept the same basic design all the way through to the 1960s.
The exception was the 300SL coupe from the 50s, a performance car that was given what the German maker called the ‘sports car face’. The famous Mercedes-Benz star sat at the centre of the grille flanked by a single horizontal bar and the design would prove a timeless classic.
Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6
The DB4, 5 and 6 shared very similar grill designs and made a bold statement in the 50s and 60s. By the 70s the grille shape became more subtle but the basic design was still there.
It’s fair to say we could admire many more bold grille designs, especially if we looked to the US and models like the Cadillac, Buick and Pontiac. But, I hope these European examples press your nostalgia ‘button’ – they do for me!
Hello, I trust all is well with you today.
I am somewhat surprised that within your collection of grills, you have not included the Rover P5, a truly impressive sight to behold. Remember, if it was suitable for the late Queen, then I am sure it is fitting for your collection.
I have checked it out and you are right. Thats a hefty chunk of metal.
Hi Stuart Michael – thank you for your comment with regard the Rover. As a Rover owner – present and past – I too like the P5 very much, but as I say these are my five favourites.
As readers will know I have covered Rovers many times in Classic Yorkshire – and will continue to – and in preparing the story I was keen to give coverage to other classic too. But, yes I love the P5 and agree its grille makes an impressive statement.
Thank you again for your view.
Tony
May I put forward the 1960s BMC Farina B-series grilles for consideration; in particular, the Riley 4/72, Mg Magnette and Wolseley 16/60 grilles?
Fabulous choice Howard. A real touch of class, Farina-style. Thank you for your post.
Tony