One thing I've noticed on cars nowadays is the lack of a forward "rake" on the hood, along with a boxy rear end. On some cars it works but on most I've noticed it doesn't. The PT Cruiser is not a bad looking car and neither is the new VW Bug imo. But those cars are designed to be retro looking. Hangtime's picture of the old panel truck even has the look of power. The hood and grill is slightly tilted forward. Btw that would make a great hot rod project Hang.
An example of the stepping away from the forward rake became evident with the Dodge Ram trucks about ten years ago. This was a radical look which I didn't like at first. Too different for a pickup truck at the time. Though am used to it now. The new Mustang kinda has a rearward rake up front, which looks ok but could be better with the forward rake. Just would look more powerful with a forward rake instead of the aerodynamic look. However I like it just the same, it looks better to me than the previous Mustang. Would a little forward rake affect gas mileage that much?
I know it's silly, but seems like modern car design is becoming more and more submissive looking and less distinguishable in individual design. And the "toaster", well there's no excuse for that at all from a safety standpoint, never mind the looks.
Les
