"AIRFLOW" DE SOTO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21856, 19 July 1934, Page 3

"AIRFLOW" DE SOTO

NEW MODEL IN AUCKLAND FINE ROAD PERFORMANCE Few motor-cars have created such keen interest in Auckland in recent years as the new "Airflow" Chrysler and Do Soto models which arrived here recently. With them the principles of streamlining are carried to their logical conclusion and many other modern advances in motor-car craftsmanship are incorporated to givs road performances which are quite exceptional. A road test of the six-cylinder Airflow De Soto this week gave a convincing demonstration of the car's effortless power, its smooth speed, its fast acceleration, its extreme comfort and its general all-round capabilities. Although its ultra-modern design presents a startling appearance at first sight, its fascination soon weaves its spell and only a trial at the wheel is required to remove any last trace of prejudice from the mind of the most conventional motorist. It gives a top-gear performance which is amazing and enables it to take such difficult left-hand uphill turns as those from Upper Queen Street into Karangahape Road and Grafton Road into Lower Symonds Street with the greatest of ease in top even at a low speed. The 27 horse-power engine develops 100 horse-power at 3400 revolutions per minute.

Although the Airflow model takes up no more room on th.3 highway than the conventional car, the front seat is many inches wider and the car carries six passengers with the utmost comfort. The two seats have the appearance of modernistic settees supported by tubulai - chromium-plated metal framework, with padded arm-rests at the rear. The fact that the rear seat, instead of being over the rear axle as in the past is now about 20in. in front of it is an important factor contributing to the car's riding comfort, which is enhanced by the increased length' of the semi-elliptic springs. The rear seat is hinged at the top and swings up to' reveal an unusually capacious luggage compartment. Air currents have been studied not only as they concern streamlining, but also for the purposes of ventilation. The front seat is raised off the floor to enable air from the cowl ventilators to pass through the entire car if required. The frame and body framework are one rigid steel unit extending from bumper to bumper, providing exceptional safety. Ease of control has been achieved to a remarkable degree and the driving position is most comfortable, the horizontal steering column and the freewheeling device being notable features. Altogether the Airflow De Soto is a revelation of what can be achieved in motor-car design by courageous manufacturers. SAFETY MEASURES A conference of traffic officers recently convened by the Commissioner of Transport and held in Wellington, considered ways and means of increasing the safety of the road. Neglect of strict attention to the adjustment of brakes and headlights was considered by the conference to be conducive to accidents and it is proposed in the near future to execute a Dominion-wide movement for securing an improvement. The co-operation of the automobile associations is being sought and a certificate issued by an automobile association or a reputable garage to the effect that the car had recently received attention to brakes and headlights will, it is proposed, be accepted as evidence that the motorist is endeavouring to comply with the motor regulations. During the winter months A.A. patrols tour the whole of the Auckland Province adjusting the on members' cars without charge. 1 lie effect of this work can be noted when driving on the country roads, but there is still a large percentage of motorists who are apparently under the impression that once their lights have received attention they will remain in focus and adjustment indefinitely. This is quite contrary to fact and lights require regular attention to prevent them becoming a menace by dazzling an approaching driver. The incorrect adjustment of brakes is undoubtedly the cause of many accidents even where another vehicle is not involved. On many highways, where there is loose metal, the sudden application of unevenly adjusted brakes under certain conditions will cause the car to skid violently and it is considered by experts that this is one of the causes of many cars skidding into water tables or overturning on the side of the road. There can be no doubt that many owners generally fail to appreciate the urgent necessity for more strict observance of the regulations, and the campaign to be inaugurated will, it is understood, he conducted more 011 educative lines than for the purpose of prosecution. However, continued, neglect must result in prosecution 11 these safeguards are to be enforced. OAR RADIO SETS Car radio is experiencing the greatest boom in the history of the radio industry. Figures issued recently show that last year's car radio sales in America exceeded 700,000. r ihis year, it is anticipated, they will be well over a million. So great has the demand become that even the cheapest cars are being wired at the factory for radio. Yet the first car radio set made its appearance only four years ago. It is now estimated that one in every 17 cars is equipped with radio.