The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-11
OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO COME.
Qualifications IN STYLES AND
THOSE PRESAGED.
Decided Change Now Noticeable Turn
Away From Sporting Ardor Toward
the Luxurious-varfat1ons That Have
Served, Yet Failed to eatisfy,

Away From Sporting Ardor Toward
the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. That Have
Served. Yet Failed to satisfy.
In the evolution Of the automobile there
has been a steady progress from the primi-
tive and rugged type built for the ardent
and strenuous sportsmsn, toward tho up
holstered coach built for the luxury loving
classes; but while, for tho most part the
changes along this line have been so gradual
as not to attract much attention, the modi-
f1cations now being made, and those pre-
saged in this same direction, are particu-
larly noticeable.
1t is far cry from the early forms Of
the fifty designated -horselees carriage, :"
which looked like a doctors chaise from
which some one had stolen the thills, to the
big touring car Of the present, with its
engine under the formidable looking hood
In 'front.' its roony tonneau with six inch
cushions and its canopy top and adjustable
plate glass shield in front; yet it is quite
apt to be further cry from this huge, open
bodied touring car to the automobile Of
family service that will frequent the streets
and highways in the near future. As yet
the sporting edge Of automobiling has not
worn of, but 1t is dulling perceptibly. The
enthusiasm that led the pioneer users of
the motor vehicle to consider almost any,
thing that combined motor with wheels
and a seat over them acceptable has cooled
enough TO permit of fastidious considera-
tions entering into the demand for a car.
To the sportsman's spirit that gloried in
the strenuousness demanded by automobile
ing has been grated the demand for per-
sonal comfort brought about by a more
extended use among all classes and the
gentler sex. The stiff springed, jolting,
hard seated noisy and high odored run
about. with its baok-to-back seats, gave
way rapidly to the smoother running,
quieter, becushioned runabout with flexible
springs and bigger pneumatics, and it in turn
to the upholstered tonneau car with its
canopy or hood, it's protecting front and
seats with doubly curved backs. Yet now
| further details Of comfort and ease are
being demanded.
In this march from the severe to the
| sumptuous which Is experienced by nations
as well as individuals In the swing from
the stage Of pioneer toward the efYete.
the automobile is but following the history
Of other vehicles and other implements,
which after being introduced as accessories
o sport have become articles Of utility.
A somewhat similar record has been written
by the bicycle. At first it was a thing which
only one imbued with the spirit OF a sports
man could care for, and the old high wheel
was one that called for the qualities of the
true athlete In its rider. With the extension
OF use among both sexes and all classes per-
mitted by the production OF the easier
running safety came a decline Of the
enthusiasm evoked when cycling was a
! sterner sport, but came also wider us e
OF the vehicle as one Of utility and a demand
! for greater comfort from those who con-
tinued TO pursue its use as pastime. Then
came the upturned handlebars, padded
| saddles, spring forks, cushion frames
coaster brakes and two-speed gears which
are In demand to-day for pleasure cycling.
| The automobile appears rs going through
/ much the same course at present, but there
| Is the great difference that the element OF
| athletic personal exertion cannot be wholly
| eliminated from the bicycle, while the auto
| mobile may beoom as stately in its invita-
| ton to the indolent as Ia a prima donna g
private parlor car.
1t was in the nature OF things that the
pleasure loving and leisurely inclined after
| a first furry OF athletic fervor over the
| novelty Of bicycle exercise should surren-
| der 1t to the true devotee OF athletics and
| the utilitarians. So also it IL in the nature
Of the case that large percentage of
the wealthy automobile enthusiasts shall
| tire Of crawling in the dust OF mud In order
| to lie on the back under q car and inspect
| its bowels OF oogs and shafts, that they
l shall tire Of being all-around mechanics