From passion to perfection

This book is not just about cars. It is also about people. Newly discovered letters, photographs and documents point to close relationships between the men and women who worked together and-in several instances-died together during World War.II as members of the French Resistance.

Now, after a silence of more than fifty years, this book reveals their heroic sacrifices. Among those killed was Georges Paulin, eminent designer of the Embiricos Bentley, shot in 1942 together with Jacques Kellner, President of the French Coachbuilders'Association.

Icons of French streamlined designs are found in these pages:

• The Figoni & Falaschi 1936 Paris Salon series, the Figoni & Falaschi Type 165 New York World Fair convertible, and all the Figoni & Falaschi T150-C-SS Talbot-Lago tear drops.
• Marcel Pourtout's coachwork can be seen in his Delage D8 120, the Embiricos Bentley and his series of Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS models. · Emile Darl'mat is introduced with his race-bred Peugeot 402 and 302 models.
• More exciting than fiction, the life of Georges Paulin, with previously unpublished drawings and designs, is presented here for the first time, debunking several longstanding myths.
• Current photographs of previously undiscovered cars.
  

These works of art continue to influence automobile manufacturers today in the creation of retro-styled cars. The popularity of today's models is a testimony to the beauty of streamlined designs dreamed up so long ago.

From Passion to Perfection: the Story of French Streamlined Styling - 1930 - 1939" is a labor of love that I have been happy to support. As an avid collector of French streamlined beauty for many years, the preservation of these rolling sculptures for the enjoyment of future generations is both a responsibility and a pleasure. We who are devoted collectors relish the stewardship involved in the restoration of the models, the verification of their authenticity and the preservation of their exciting history through research and documentation.

This book is your introduction to the world of French streamlined styling in the 1930s. It chronicles its evolution from the first concept of the Tear Drop to its final moment at the New York World Fair in 1939. The flowing lines were created by great artists -truly great sculptors- whose work was celebrated by much of French society. I have been lucky enough to meet some of the famous coachbuilders, the artist, carrossiers, hear their stories and share their passion.

It is no surprise that during this historic era these cars were the pride of the French nation.

Jacket illustrations: Front cover: Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, Chassis 90106 Rear cover: 1. Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, Chassis 90105 2. Peugeot Darl'mat - 402 3. Embiricos Bentley, Chassis B-27-LE 4. Dubonnet Hispano Xenia, Chassis 103

Peter W. Mullin

[Mr. Mullin is the owner of one of the world's largest collections of French streamlined cars]