Car hoods that open forward (like a hat-tip) just look way cooler than their more common rear-hinged (opening like a croc mouth) counterparts. Even if they’re more mechanically complex.
Car: 2021 Jaguar F-Type R AWD
Location: Southern California
Photog: Peter Nelson (Instagram + Twitter: @16vPete)
Camera: Canon 6D + EF 50mm 1.8II AF
They just add a certain amount of instant class. When I think of a front-hinged sports car, the first two that come to mind are this Jag F-Type, and a vintage Ferrari Daytona. Also, E30-and-older BMW sport coupes.
I’m sure it has its trade-offs in regards to wrenching; stuff that’s further back in the bay might be more accessible, but everything up front is probably easiest to access with the whole hood removed.
This design is also safer at highway speed; there’s no threat of the latch failing and sending a big sheet of aluminum or steel onto the windshield in a frightening manner. Sure, this isn’t as much of a concern with modern cars (queue: jokes about modern Jag quality control), but regarding vintage fare like an E30 or old Ferrari… yeah, I like that inherent safety aspect.
