The concept of partially invariant solutions is discussed in the framework of the group analysis of models derived from the Nambu–Goto action. In particular, we consider the nonrelativistic Chaplygin gas and the relativistic Born–Infeld theory for a scalar field. Using a general systematic approach based on subgroup classification methods, nontrivial partially invariant solutions with defect structure δ=1 are constructed. For this purpose, a classification of the subgroups of the Lie point symmetry group, which have generic orbits of dimension 2, has been performed. These subgroups allow us to introduce the corresponding symmetry variables and next to reduce the initial equations to different nonequivalent classes of partial differential equations and ordinary differential equations. The latter can be transformed to standard form and, in some cases, solved in terms of elementary and Jacobi elliptic functions. This results in a large number of new partially invariant solutions, which are determined to be either reducible or irreducible with respect to the symmetry group. Some physical interpretation of the results in the area of fluid dynamics and field theory are discussed. The solutions represent traveling and centered waves, algebraic solitons, kinks, bumps, cnoidal and snoidal waves.