Streamlining For Effect On New Cars At The Olympia Show

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18581, 15 December 1934, Page 9

Streamlining For Effect On New Cars At The Olympia Show

LONDON, October 11. TWO great motor shows opened their doors in London to-day—that great annual gesture bv the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, at Olympia, and the Ford display, at the Albert Hall. The latter is the largest one-make show ever staged, but the former is the most spectacular and varied exhibition of ail Olympia Motor Shows. On almost every stand at Olympia — and there are six miles of stands — there is tit. least one example of a streamlined body, built to meet the modern taste of motorists rather than to increase efficiency. In their hearts, tho majority of manufacturers know perfectly well that these “ultra” designs do not make a ha’penny worth of difference, to a car's performance on the road. Thoy admittedly conduce to more silent and cleaner travel at high speed, but their chief appeal, after all, is that they look “functional” and appropriate for something which is meant to travel fast. In the main, the front of the cars remains normal, but the back is downswept in a graceful curve from roof to tail lamp, enabling moro luggage accommodation to be provided, together with suitable housing for the spare wheel.

As was foreshadowed, the 25 per cent, horse-power tax reduction, which will operate from January 1 next, has resulted in a noticeable increase in the average horse-power rating of engines. With characteristic caution, British manufacturers have in some instances produced models with alternative engines, so that buyers of new cars can choose between two advantages —a cheaper tax for the same power, or greater power for the same tax. It will be instructive to note public reaction to the concession. Surveying in general I he new cars, there is not a single model which does not incorporate a greater degree of safety, economy, comfort, and easy driving than its predecessor. And many individual striking developments are revealed. [’rices, on the whole, show a slight increase, though there are a few low records, and quite a number of prices unaltered. Improvements which have moved nearer than ever to perfection are found chiefly in brake design and control, independent springing on all road wheels, pre-selectivo and other simplified methods of gear changing, ventilation, quiet running, amounting in some, eases almost to silence, permanent jacking, and flexible engine mounting, (’onchwork lias undoubtedly improved in style and appearance. Ease of maintenance has been carefully considered from the ownerdriver's viewpoint. All-round comfort is now a genera! feature, and equipment, at an inclusive price, is complete to the smallest detail, who-

tlier in tho very cheapest or in the most expensive vehicles. Another significant feature this year is the number of cars of all prices fitted complete with radio sets,, neatly concealed either under the bonnet or the dash-board. For long-distance runs in particular, the addition of wireless is jiist beginning to be appreciated in this country.

. Angular bonnets, once accepted as inevitable, are now subject to the usages of the slimming craze. They are longer and more sweeping in line, and' their length is accentuated by false radiator fronts, mostly sloping and shield-shaped. One of the minor effects is the disappearance of some radiator caps to a position under the bonnet, their former points of vantage now being occupied by neat, little emblems and fancy figures. Direction indicators, once anathema to the motorist over here, are, despite their apparent unpopularity, becoming part of tho standard equipment on the large majority of ears. By next year probably, they will be universally fitted. Mechanical Improvements. Among the more serious and advanced'developments must be mentioned automatic chassis lubrication. Two or three of the new typos of ears are oiled throughout, springs included, without any assistance beyond the regular replenishment of the engine sump, gearbox, and back axle. More remarkable still, these ears, which are of first-class quality, compote in price with models not boasting such facilities. Apart from these few, there are quite a. number of lubrication systems which are nearly fully automatic. Operated by engine suction, tlq> system is so designed that small and measured quantities of oil are delivered to the chassis parts, including steering head’s on the front axle. | For the first time for many years,' however, the cars for the coming year, show no single important engine do-1 velopment; Last year was a synchro-, mesh-gear year. Transmission for | 1935 in general reveals nothing so, spectacular, but there is a noticeable . and important tendency—to extend | the synchromesh system from two to J three gears, and here and there, to the ; whole range of gear ratios. One de-! signer at least lias gone so far as to introduce a clutch and , gearbox that make Upward changing entirely automatic, apart from ciutdi.-pcdal depression. As the pedal is released the gear lever pro-selects the next higher gear. With those particular cars yon draw up to the kerb with the gear apparently still engaged. You apply the brake, and' the engine ticks over unconcernedly.

Drivihg controls have been beneficially simplified, and automatic ignition is becoming more general, though this trend does not .call for much commendation at this date, for the system was proved and perfected years ago. The practice of using the thermostat to adjust the starting mixture is gradually eliminating the strangler. Other details which make for increased driving comfort in most of the new cars are much improved shock absorbers (some of which are adjustable in transit from the steering wheel), wider tyre sections, more .scientifically designed seats, and upholstery of a more pliable nature. j Little is to be said on the subject of suspension, because this has already

been improved beyond belief during the last voar or two. It can at least lie. stated that designers are not yet satisfied that they have achieved the ideal. In some cars the advance towards this goal by the combination of strong chassis and finely built springs is evident to a remarkable degree. Indeed, it is apparent that progress in suspension development has generally been steady and satisfactory, i Altogether there are over 500 exhibitors at Olympia xni this occasion, including 54 makers ot cars six more iliian were present last year, lhe display is, therefore, thoroughly representative. It is also of international ; interest, for no fewer than 24 faetori ies abroad are displaying models. As a matter of fact. ensure the attend- [ ance of oversea traders special induced travelling facilities were granted, and more than 4000 invitations, of which most have been accepted, were issued. As for the .Ford exhibition less than a mile away, one can only say that it is a blaze of light and color, and an example of perfect organisation, everything being arranged to catch the eye of the visitor and appeal to his sense of values. For the moment the Albert Hall has been transformed into a vast window display, one end oi the huge structure envisaging “the City of the Future.” This piece of scenery had to ho painted on tin* spot, for it was too gigantic for any painter’s screen. In the foreground is a ire- J mentions .array of cars and com'inercinl vehicles, including lhe new £lO tax | de luxe model, which had iorinerh been seen only by dealers.—Sydney Morning Herald.