An Automotive Thoroughbred

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 14 (Supplement)

An Automotive Thoroughbred

NEW CHEVROLET'S VACUUM GEAR CHANGE

BEARING the unmistakable stamp of General Motors' ingenuity and solidarity, the Chevrolet for 1939 is an automotive thoroughbred. Without question it is the most handsome car introduced by Chevrolet, incorporating a host of time-tried fundamentals along with some brand-new mechanical concepts for safety, comfort and operating ease. All point to another busy year for Chevrolet, which headed American car sales last year. To the casual observer the new Chevrolet has one change, its rakish tapered chromium radiator grille and bumper-level horizontal louvrea, which characterise the design of most American models this year. Externally, too, it is noticed that bodies are longer and lower, and the smooth streamlining is within the bounds of good taste. But with these items the changes actually begin. Other new features are revealed only to those who take a more searching glance into the completely restyled Chevrolet.

eoonomy in running and servicing and dependability. The plant itself is the famous ~ six-cylinder high-compression 85 horse-power valve-in-head engine, giving sensational top-gear running and breath-taking acceleration. \ : Interior fitments are grand, harmonising variants of brown in the genuine leather upholstery, control knfcbs and trim, being relieved by chromium hardware. Instruments are grouped in one oblong panel for easy reading directly before the driver's eyes. Of particular merit is the slender twin spring-spoked steering wheel and crescent attachment to blast twin highpitched horns. A choice of five Chevrolet models is offered the Auckland buyer. The de luxe touring sedan and coupe with all equipment are priced at £399 and £355 respectively, and both have spacious rear luggage compartments. Having conventional front springing and gear lever, the business coupe costs £314, the four-door sedan, £335 and the special 85, £365.

Whatever pleasing impression the car itself engenders, the real thrill of the new Chevrolet is to get behind the wheel and enjoy its charming performance. Right from the outset it offers exciting motoring. _ It introduces the driver to the vacuum hand-actuated gear-shift control on the steering column, an improvement destined to rank high among advances in the motor industry this .year. A flick of the little finger of the left hand, without taking the hand from the steering wheel, suffices to perform all the operations of the conventional gear lever. Actually, the gear change

Uneven Brakes Tests by mechanics for renewal of Warrants of fitness have shown a high proportion of. cars to have un-evenly-adjusted brrk.es. Apart from increasing the hasurd of driving on Wet roads, this fanlt also results in uneven tyre Wear, and is therefore one to be rectified as soon as possible. •

is merely a miniature of the usual gear positions located in the compass of a letter H, inverted in this case. Synchromesh silence Simplifies the change from top to second gears, while any further change-down in exceptional circumstances can be normally accomplished with ease. - ••• t The feather-light touch of all Mechanical operations extends to clutch, brake, accelerator, steering and even to the winding of the windows and closing of the doors. Shock-proof steering, is so effortless that the car seemingly seeks its own path, while the two-and-a-half turn lock is so sharp that the car can be swung round in three-quarters of the width of a normal road.

Another important advantage is the improved visibility for driver, as well as passengers. The fault of recent models with low seats and high cowl, tending to obscure vision along the bonnet has been righted in determined fashion. It is now possible for the driver, no matter how short, to obtain an extensive view of the road, the driving position being as comfortable as any specially ordered. In a road test this week a master six touring sedan presented the true worth of the Chevrolet in every department. It was in tho rough country that the car offered its big surprise, when the softness of the springing was proved. Front-wheel vertical .travel has been assured by an ingenious adaption of the wishbone type of individual suspension, previously confined to costlier cars, and co-ordinated with a stabiliser to eliminate £oll and sway, and aeroplane-type shock absorbers. Thinner, tapered leaf springs serve the rear, mounted in rubber, and encased in steel on de luxe models.

All models have identical engines and chassis. While basically the same as last year's tho engine and its closely-related units have undergone some refinements, resulting in greater