SPECIAL ROAD TEST

Grey River Argus, 9 May 1936, Page 8

SPECIAL ROAD TEST

NEW CHRYSLER AIRSTREAM A REVELATION JIN Eb'FLCTENC Y A recent test on New Zealand roads revealed the distinctive, charm ami performance of tho 1936 Chrysler Airstream. It- was obvious at the first glance that the new car is a sleok, trim, beautiful creation. The flowing line has been notably beautified giving long, low, flnfiely tapered lines and smoothly rounded curves that express modern style with high individuality. While built on the same length chassis as the 1935 model, the- 1936 Chrysler A'irsteam actually has the appearance of being many inches longer. Th rough a unique rearrangement, and redesigning of the interior, three inches more width in the rear seat and ■also in the front compartment have been accomplished. Within the body itself, there* is an increase of four and one-half inches of passenger space. This has been made possible by moving the dash forward and by redesigning the rear panel. Additional leg room is also provided. Several important improvements in the ventilating system permit, a scientific circulation of fresh air to suit individual passengers and to prevent draughts. The interior of the ear is well-groom-id ami in good taste. Comfort and luxury of detail have been accented. Upholstering is of extra, tine quality and of a type found usually only in' cars soiling'at much higher prices. The radiator is a flashing shield of stainless steel and enamel beautifully designed to carry out thy greater streamlined appearance of this 1936 Chrysler Airstream. The body of the* the car, solidly built of steel and welded into one unit is fastened directly to a frame of exceptional strength so that the two serve to strengthen one another. The combination of new frame design and direct body mounting lowers the, whole body one inch, adding greatly to stability ami roadability. An important improvement in the new car consists of rubber pads which completely insulate 1 the body from the f’-ame. At no point whatever are the frame and boiTy in contact—<thus road noises cannot lie transmitted through the frame of the body. Even on cobblestone pavements there is no rumble inside the body, due to this effective insulation. In addition to the new stronger body which contributes to riding comfort because of the greater solidify, rigidity and silence- of the entire structure, there are other improvements that also play their part in the Chrysler’s better ride. There is a. new and better mount Jug of the Chrysler sway eliminator, that prevents the roll of the body when taking turns at high speeds. Contributing measurably to riding -and driving ease is an improved synchronised springing which duplicates, without. mechanical complications, the effect of the m'orc reliable types of independent front wheel springing, with out the expense of maintenance. Further refinements had been effected in thy Chrysler Synchro-Silent transmissions, making gear shifts remarkably simple ami silent. The- new comfort, and efficient arrangement, of the driver’s compartment present, a strong appeal. The exceptionally wide front; seat is placed at the proper height from the floor and is formed to give comfortable, support under the knees and at the back ami shoulders. The new Chrysler steering equipment finally and completely banishes '.-ill mad shocks from the- steering wheel, giving a new driving comfort. A roomy, graceful trunk designed and built integrally with the body, enhances the flowing body lines. The closely fitting lid has ingenious fastening hardware. The test revealed other surprising Chrysler features, too many to be reported in this short description. Suflice it to say that the new car is full of delightful improvements, making lit an outstanding achievement of mod cm engineering and science.