FORECAST OF FASHIONS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 January 1931, Page 13

FORECAST OF FASHIONS

Nowadays it is; the body rather than the chassis which sells a car. That remark is almost a commonplace one, but it is, nevertheless, true. The chassis is taken for granted, at least, in the matter of reliability, for in these days of intense competition no unreliable chassis could command a market. With coach work it is a different matter. Reliability, in such things as freedom from petty troubles, may uc taken for granted, but comfort and convenience are matters on which the prospective purchaser can himself, or herself, pass judgment and make comparisons.

Naturally, therefore, the new British designs are already under consideration. They are not by any means settled, for in many details alteraitions may he decided upon. There is. in fact, nothing more deceptive than a body design. On the drawing hoard, even drawn out to lull size, it may appear admirable, but when the first sample is built it may prove disappointing. But on general lines many of the 1931 British body designs are actually settled and samples have been made. As regards style, there are no

strikingly new designs to he expected. The two-door body' has waned rapidly m popularity during this year, and for 1931 will hardly be .seen,’except in a few cases, where it has been specially built because it meets the requirements of the particular owner-driver. Four doors are now almost universally demanded, even for the closely-coupled saloons, which, incidentally, are likewise losing favour.

There seems, in fact, a reaction from the somewhat small and semi-sporting codies of the last year or so, and the 1931 models are likely to offer roomier and even more comfortable accommodation. Increased headroom, in particular, is likely to be universally given, and a leading firm has decided to give lj-in. greater headroom in all models. There is also a demand springing up for cloth upholstery of good quality. This may to some extent he due to the changing feminine fashions, and certainly a good quality cloth is more in keeping with the fashionable flowing draperies than is the softest of upholstery hides.

To sum up, therefore, the popular car of 1931 will probably prove to be a four-door, four or six-light saloon, with a sunshine roof, and ipossbily cloth upholstery, and will have sweeping lines to modern, but not advanced ideas. That is to say, side panels will extend to the running boards, and long, sweeping wings, will probably be fitted, for the close-fitting, cycle type wing is not sufficient protection from mud unelss it is carefully designed. Metal panels .with cellulose finish will replace the fabric formerly used below the waist-line in many cases. A:s regards luggage accommodation, the built-in locker is not likely to be popular, except; on special coachwork.