STYLES AND NAMES

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 71, 20 September 1930, Page 29

STYLES AND NAMES

HOW COUNTRIES DIFFER

Comparison of the French, American, and English systems of body nomenclature reveals that the French is the most complete. The Chambre Syndicale dcs Carrossiers has worked out a system of 22 separate designs, based on the numbers and position of doora and window, which can be expanded, by the addition of convertible roofs and tail sections, to make 54 distinctly dift'errnt models, each readily recognised at a glance. Tlio criticism that could be made of the French system of nomenclature is that it is a little technical for sales purposes. It does not offer easy model mimes for salesmen and buyers, but is more adapted to custom work. Automobiles are divided into four general categories—permanently enclosed cars, convertible, or all-weather cars,

open cars, and cars with chauifoura. Addition of a tailpiece puts all models automatically in the sport class, the word sport being merely added to the regular model name. The possibility of installing a removable roof over the chauffeur's compartment makes tho model a half-enclosed car. The American system, as brought out by the Society of Automotive Engineers, is more simple, if loss complete. It includes 16 body styles, most of them closed. Of the number, 10 are really basic in design, the sport roadster, sport-coupe, sport-imperial-phaeton, touring car, landaulet-sedan, and town car being only modifications of standard models. It contains but two models for chauffeurs, which are so popular in Europe. One of the significant features of the American system is the great predominance of closed models. Open and convertible types are not used nearly so much in the United States as in England and on the Continent, where the climate is milder. In England particularly, open and allweather models are popular. Of the 20 types officially recognised by the British Engineering Standards Association, only four are permanenti* closed jobs. The others are all open or convertible. Nothing could be more indicative of the British love of the open air and desire to see the country. England is also noted for the number of motorists who use automobiles for touring and camping purposes. Hitching a trailer carrying tent and utensils on behind one's car, and going off on a tour, is very popular in England. In America and in England most model names are of French origin, although they may be used without regard for original meanings of the words.