New Chrysler-Plymouth Introduced

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22955, 5 February 1938, Page 12 (Supplement)

New Chrysler-Plymouth Introduced

A LTHOUGH few radical changes have been introduced, this year's ChryslerPlymouth incorporates a number of detailed improvements which will at once be appreciated by discriminating drivers, and which should materially enhance the already fine reputation for performance achieved by previous models of the samo car. The body has been improved in appearance by alterations to the bonnet and radiator, an entirely new hood design with fixed side panels being utilised. Visibility has , been increased 12 per cent by the adoption of a new wind-shield, and tho new pistol-grip hnnd-brnke mounted tmder the dash is an improvement which will be generally appreciated. An important alteration has been tjio reduction of tho steering gear ratio from 16.4 to 14.6 and tho Pitman arm to seven inches. This given an over-all steering ratio of 17.6 to 1 and in a trial run this week the new model impressed with the easy manner in which it responded to the slightest touch on tho wheel. A 30 per cent reduction in steering effort is claimed as a result of the improvements introduced this year. No less impressive than tho spaciousness of the two roomy seats providing extremely comfortable accommodation for Bix heavily-built persons are the riding qualities of the car. Although it was driven over the bumpiest bitumen roads which could be found conveniently close to the city, there was little movement to indicate that there wan any irregularity in the road surface. Simply manipulated, the front seat 'may be adjusted to the driver's requirements in a few seconds, and moves

MUCH LIGHTER STEERING

higher as it slides forward. Front seat cushions are of new construction and a new type of anti-sag mat is built into tho seat cushions at both front and rear. The interior fittings are lavish but quietly distinctive. Claimed to be even quioter than last year's model, the body of the new Chrysler has been improved by the use of special sound-deadening materials and a more rigid construction of tho floor panel. Added to this the motor is extremely quiet on both second • and top functions with impressive efficiency at tho lowest speeds. Although the model tested was fitted with a baffle, the smooth running of the motor at ,low speeds and tho lively response to tho slightest pressure on the organ-typo accelerator pedal revealed immense reserves of power. Of neat design and well-fashioned the dashboard also is of unusual interest in that all the controls are recessed in together in the centre of a safety measure. Tho dials are clearly marked and are now face lighted. An electric clock also is provided., The double-acting four-wheel hydraulic brakes (fitted also to previous Chryeler-riymouths) give the driver a sense of security and confidence on the steepest of hills. The pedal, has an extremely short travel and a slight pres-. sure only is needed to bring the car, smoothly to a standstill. '- ~, < ; Comfortable to the point of luxuriousness, extremely accessible and a pleasure to drive, the new models may well be claimed as the company's most outstanding production during its ton years' existence. •