THE LONDON OLYMPIA

Hawera Star, Volume L, 29 November 1930, Page 12

THE LONDON OLYMPIA

new SEASON’S MODELS. IMPROVEMENTS IN DESIGN. Exhibits estimated in value at more than £2,000,000 were seen at the British MooTr Olympia, which was field recently in London. live hundred and nine models of the cars of all nations were displayed. Britain had 292, or 31 different makes, France 91, oi 18 varieties, and the United States 69 from 17 firms. Italy contributed 36 from five firms, Belgium JLO from two l firms, Austria six from one, Germany four from one, and Spain a single model. The cheapest car in the show was priced at a little more than £10U; the most expensive at £3200. Great interest was shown by the public in the 50 h.p. 12-cylinder Daimler, as this is the chassis of which the King and Queen ordered five recently, and also because of its “fluid flywheel,” hydraulic clutch and pre-selective selfchanging silent four-speed gear-box. There were no fewer than 300 sixcylinder cars on view, compared with 104 of the four-cylinder type. Of eight-cylinder cars there were 88, and the United States led in the number of eight-cylinder exhibits, but the least expensive of this type was a British vehicle. OOACHWORK STYLES. Owing to the decline in popularity of the fabric body, with its dull finish, polish and brilliant colours were more in evidence this year. Pressed steel for body work has come largely into use, and this means the beginning in England of an important new industry. The permanent glitter of untarnis'hable plating:, now universally employed, has been another factor in the regained popularity of highly polished bodies of metal panelling. Designers are also breaking away from the fashion of continuing the high bonnet .and scuttle line into the waistline of the 'body, so that the windows stop at about the chin level of the driver. Several exceedingly attractive bodies have big windows which start at six or eight inches lower than the scuttle-line of the car. The fashion of “tumble-in” sides and back was stronger than ever. The slight inward slope not only improves appearance without appreciably decreasing the space within, but has the very real advantage, as far as the back is concerned, of preventing the driver being dazzled by lights shining through the rear window, in cases in which the wind-screen is vertical. Great attention is being paid to the appearance of mudguards and running boards, and also to the fitting of valances over the front dumb-irons, which aids the impressive effect of the high, narrow radiators and big headlamps that are overwhelmingly popular. The best move toward greater driving comfort is the tendency to rake the steering wheel at a bigger angle, and to bring it closer up to the driver’s chest. The big, thin-rimmed wheel was as popular as ever. The best move toward greater riding comfort, in addition to the increased head room was the general improvement in shock-absorber svstems fitted. IMPROVED GEAR-BOXES.

Greater attention is being paid to the gear-box, and the general tendenov now is to provide a four-speed