Single bow

Single bow is a term used in car design. (In the UK often called "straight through".)

Cars were traditionally fitted with two wheel arcs, one over the front wheel and one over the rear wheel. This traditional style from horse carriages was adapted by motor-cars in double bow designs. The single bow design appeared in the 1950s and has been the norm of car-design since.

A prime example of a single bow design. The shoulder line runs in a single bow from front to rear (Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow).

An early electric automobile, the Columbia Mark III Phaeton from 1899-1904, showing why they were known as horseless carriages

An early motor-car showing the two mud-flap-wings over the wheels

A typical 1920s and 1930s design, retaining the double bow design.

A typical 1950s and 1960s design, retaining the double bow design (Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud).