The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-11
e1ultation in the hardihood demanded by

exultation in the hardihood demanded by
q wide open car.
Throughout the procession Of the devices
style Of automobile which does suficiently
protect the occupants, but 1t has been
scorned as too eifeminate by the general
run Of automobiles Still, In the flush OF
the first enthusiasm the type q completely
has been deemed as tit only for tender
feet and women. Yet the limousine type Of
body is the only one yet devised for touring
cars Of the road that yields real protection
just as the coupe, which has grown 30 popu-
lar, affords proper shelter for winter transit
about town.
A few limousine bodies have been made
by American manufacturers and quite a
number imported. They are more ex-
pensive and are generally built only to
because to turn aside for one or a few special
styles interrupts the rapid progress and
greater profit In factory where certain
fixed types are being produced in quantity.
Yet there Is NO installing that along with
the demand for the side door entrance and
fort there Is a slowly increasing demand
for limousine bodies, which portends a
striking change in the character Of the
motor vehicle to be found on the road in
the near hereafter.
It would seem unquestionable also that
II the automobile Is to become the vehicle
OF permanent utility and general service
ability which 10 being conceded TO be its
province and its destiny. the modifi-
he so Of Sene ~ Hehee G ior
the summer or for the spring and fall, or
for any limited season. Heretofore the
manufacturers Of motor vehicles have not
been forced by fulnees Of supply and scanti-
competition to anticipate the advance Of the
user toward 81 eater conf orts, to originate
and offer a variety OF styles. The manu-
facturer has been following the demand.
With the growth Of the industry change
in this respect must come and certain signs
indicate proximity to that point.
The United States has followed the lead
Of Europe in all phases OF automobiling.
The demand Tor roomy tonpeaus, side
entrances and limousine or enclosed bodies
on touring cars is showing an unmistakable
increase across the ocean, while yet only
the first faint reflections Of it are noticeable
here. Farsighted makers are preparing,
however, and the tide Of change is quite
likely to come with the swiftnees OF head
waters. These are the same forehanded
more and more attention to the develop
ment Of the commercial motor vehicle
Ultimately IL would appear that the
automobile industry must depend for its
perpetuation largely upon the production
OF commercial motor vehicles and cars Of
moderate cost for the great number of that
middle class which can afford temperate
indulgence In luxury, those having incomes
neither large nor small. This probability
and its imminenoe involve further modifica-
tons in the predominating type Of motor
car. In calculating upon permanent
demand and supply for the great majority
not classed as wealthy the cost Of main
tenance Is the desideratum that is most
vital. Some in the industry who are classed
as shrewd predict a reaction from the big
demand for four cylinder cars. The con-
tention Is that the cost Of maintenance ia
multiplied directly with the number of
cylinders an engine has, the greater COM
plexity Of construction involving more
frequent breakage and arrangement
moderate size and measure of power
which can be furnished consistently by an
engine Of one or two cylinders will soon
be in greater demand than the four cylinder
cars now are
Should this augury be correct and the
demand fer the comfort OF an inclosed body
hold good, a large number Of motor vehicles
OF a style that has been formerly only a
curiosity would be seen upon the roads
a medium sized car somewhat hack-like
in appearance, but built to be operated
from within, when the partitions are all
closed.
The sSresd upon facts seem to be that
the coming automobiles will be built with
more attention TO the comfort OF the users
and less to sportsmanship and speed and
with q much greater consideration Of econ.
omy In maintenance. The much repeated
story OF the man whose motor car cost him
doubly more for maintenance the first
year than it's initial purchase price is an
exaggeration, but there ia 30 much Of truth
'Rjt that 1t must give pause-and 10 doing 20.