Manawatu Daily Times Motors at the Show

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3495, 3 November 1926, Page 8

Manawatu Daily Times Motors at the Show

The most arresting feature for the average Show visitor is probably the line collection of motor cars. A tasteful exhibition, excellently arranged, appears to make provision for all tastes and fancies, with a range of prices within the reach of almost any pocket. In no other sphere of industry has there taken place within a generation, such remarkable progress and development as in the motor car industry, and nowhere is this fact more clearly demonstrated than at the Motor Olympia, Wonderful improvements have been made in the largest as well as in the humblest car of the day. So much so in fact, that in essentials the modern motor has reached a state of perfection to which the future can add but little. In the latest types that are being introduced, attention is given, even in moderately priced cars, to luxurious refinements, high-class finish and a degree of comfort enjoyed a few years ago only in the largest and most expensive types of cars. The sharp contrast in design and general appearance which has at all times existed between the British and American car is still in evidence. Indeed one might feel inclined to say that it is more pronounced than ever. Manufacturers from both countries certainly present several chassis types in a new dress, as distinct from what are actually new designs. But the tendency to change over from the open to the closed-in car, so pronounced in American manufactures, is still absent in the British types. The introduction of the guncotton finish—generally called cellulose paint—alterations in the shape of the radiator slope, new dash-board devices, four wheel brakes, etc., arc some among the novelties to Ire found on the latest models. A preponderance of sixcylinder engines also seems to confirm the suggestion that a strong tendency has set in, in this direction. But the greatest evolution has taken place in the body work, and American manufacturers appear to be concentrating practically the whole of their attention and resources on developing and perfecting the coachwork of their cars. ) Though the British manufacturer appears to be paying greater attention to the peculiar needs and requirements of the Dominion, the wide range of cars—both in price, design and horse-power—-offered by his American competitor shows the tremendous task before British industry and at the same time, prices of British cars some makes of light cars are certainly increasing in number in New Zealand, particularly within urban limits. The great interest shown by young and old in the Motor Olympia is simply a reflex of the important part played by the motor-car in our everyday life. Whether for utility or luxury, business or pleasure, the motor-car occupies a premier position in every sphere of our existence. It has done more in equalising rural and urban con ditions than any other invention and has by no means exhausted the whole of its possibilities.