The Latest Fords

Hutt News, Volume 11, Issue 38, 2 March 1938, Page 5

The Latest Fords

TWO NEW 78 CABS MAKE THEIR ABPEABiANOE. •For the first time in motoring history-' :-.v) distinctly different cars are carry-' ing the world-famous Ford V 8 symbol which are now on view at the showrooms of Messrs Stevens Motors, High Street. Ford V 8 has broadened its appeal for 193$ by the introduction of these two new and distinctive cars—the New Standard, and the New Big De Luxe which is the biggest Ford car ever .fcuilt. Their initial showing has aroired exceptional interest because whhsL varying in size, in style and in appointments, each car is impressive in its beauty of line and its obvious quality. The beautifully styled radiator grille of the New Big De Luxe is set almost vertically between the deep, wide fenders with recessed headlamps. The bonnet cover is offset from the grille by a smooth shoulder which tapers .back towards the centre of the car in a grace- 1 ful sweep emphasising bonnet length and blending with the general form of the car. The whole appearance of this new Big De Luxe gives an imtant impression of smooth, forward motion. All lines flow cleanly towards the rear, accentuating length and sleekness. Starting at the V-tyjpe windshield, the' roof line flows back and .acefully downward in an unbroken swerp to the extreme lower edge of the ba;'k panel. Two advantages result from ll.is treatment: a very low appearance obtained without sacrifice,of headroom and much more usable space is made available for luggage in the exceptionally lairge luggac compartment concealed under the downswept rear panelling. A new type of combination rear compartment door handle, lock and light is especially distinctive. The effect achieved is that of the streamlined hub of an aeroplane propcllor. Tail lights are recessed into the centre of each rear fender. The quality of the uphostorv is a decided tribute to New Zealand manufacture, as all upholstery materials used in both the New Big De Luxe and the New StandJteL.Ford- V 8 are products of Woollen Mills in New Zealand. Seat cushions and backs in the New Big 'De Luxe are finished in piping and pillow effect with rows of tufted ornamental buttons. Door panels are trimmed to harmonize with seat cushions and mouldings. Ash trays are fitted in rear seat arm rests. New Standard Ford V 8 The New Standard Ford VS has strikingly new lines and increased bodyroom. Front end, grille, bonnet, fenders and hub caps have been entirely redesigned so that they create a new and larger appearance. Fenders are deeply crowned. Headlamps are recessed more than formerly. The radiator grille bars extend back along the sides of the bonnet, forming the louvres. Concealed hinges are used on the luggage compartment door so that the rear body lines arc unbroken. Aeroplane hub type combination door handle, lock and light as on 'the Big De Luxe. 100 per cent New Zealand upholstery with seat cushions finished in piping' and pillow effect ■ and doors attractively panelled to harmonize with interior trim. The interior fittings match the outward grace and beauty in both the New Big De Luxe and New Standard cars. Control knobs are recessed, door fittings are curved for safety.

Instruments are arranged in two neat groups on the instrument panel directly in front of the steering wheel. In the'centre of the panel is the radio speaker grille, .for easier installation of radio. On the right of the speaker grille, are knobs for the ash tray and choke, and on the left, those for the cigarette lighter and throttle. Ihe ig nition switch is located directly in front of the steering column,with key inserted from the right side. Instruments are lighted by what is called fringe illumination. Numerals on the dials and the hands are illuminated from light passing into the centre through the glass and beh.nd n. The result is an even illumination of instruments without reflections which might interfere with driving vision. Numerals and letters on instruments are of the style mo're easily read. They are black on a gold background. Twin rear compartments lights are located on the right and left pillars of sedans and over the rear window of coupes. Night driving safety is increased by the addition of a headlamp beam control switch on the floor-board. It is operated without removing the hands from the steering wheel 1 . A tell-tale light on the instrument panel indicates the position of the beams. Each of the new cars has the famous Ford V-type 8-cylindcr engine, with still more power in the New Big Do Luxe. Seats arc cradled towards the centre of the 'bar, between, instead of over the axles, on the exclusive Ford "centre-poise" springing system. The new steel-cable sealed braking gives smooth, positive stopping with exceptionally light pedal pressure. The handbrake (with pistol-grip control lever conveniently situated under the dash, away from the flood) operates on all four wheels. Helical, silent type gears are used in all speeds in transmissions. Worn-and-roller type steering gear with 18.2 to 1 xatio provides virtual finger-tip control. Smooth, quiet operation is obtained by generous use of rubber insulation and roller and ball bearings. There is no metal-to-metal contact between body and frame and cars move entirely on Toller and ball bearings in all forward speeds. Both cars arc engineered for silence and safety. No wood whatever is used in their construction. Bodies are onepieec all steel with steel floor and safety steel roof. Safety glass is fitted to windshield and all windows. Clearvision ventilation is also a standard foature. Both cars are available in a pleasing

range of smart colours, and generous use of bright, rustless steel mouldings helps to further enhance the dignified beauty of their lines. These two new Ford V 8 ears arc now on display and they certainly warrant the praise and attention they are receiving fVom their enthusiastic admirers.