CLOSED AND OPEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 91, 8 July 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

CLOSED AND OPEN

ANE of the first things that will " strike a visitor to Olympia is the big increase in the proportion of closed cars to open.

This is a complete reversal of the situation which existed not so many years ago when closed cars were almost unknown. In the early days of the industry, cars were open and offered no protection from wind, sun, dust or rain. Tops were extra: tvindshields were extra. Curtains which flapped in the wind supplied about the only thing which was furnished gratis—plenty of fresh air.

As time went on the open body became more weather tight. Doors were fitted with a greater degree of skill, misfit curtains were replaced with tailored jobs.

“Then came the first enclosed cars, which were often designated in those days as glass boxes on wheels. They had their faults also. Windows rattled, doors that automatically opened whenever the car hit a bump—these were some of the things that owners of early enclosed cars had to endure.

“But in spite of discomforts and the great cost in comparison with open bodies, the public preferred the enclosed car and this type of body was made in ever-increasing numbers.

The public demand for closed cars has been so insistent during the last few years that the manufacturers, turning their attention more and more to closed car work, have to-day brought manufacturing costs nearly to the level of the open cars.

This has stimulated even more the demand for closed cars, and indications are not wanting that the indication of closed to open will increase rather than decrease the future.