Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-09-14
CAR GETS BOOST
IN SELF-STARTER
New Feature of Abbott Detroit
1913 Line Attracting
Much Attention.

Detroit line for 1913 Is attracting wide
spread attention, and an s%nspection
of the new models shows that the
manufacturers have not only kept in
close touch with the progress during
the past year and incorporated the
latest and best, but have taken an
advance step in devising several new
mechanical features of a rather sem
sational nature. Perhaps the most in
teresting and striking thing to an ex-
pert is the new self-contained electric
self-starter with which all cars are
equipped.
For several years it has been the
assertion of the engineering force of
the Abbott company that all self
starters heretofore devised were
wrong in principle and therefore could
never adequately meet the require
ments demanded of such a device.
Believing their theory to be a correct
one, they have, afterstwo years of in
defatigable work and experiment, sue
ceeded in constructing a starter that
bids fan to entirely revolutionize this
field.
The success and efficiency OF this
new starter largely lies in its sim
plicity. 1t is nothing more or less
than q small electric motor mounted
on the engine base and connected to
the ~crankshaft by a train of gears.
Unlike other starters, it is not con-
nected in any way with the lighting,
ignition and other systems, but Is
a complete and separate unit in il
self, as are the other above-men-
toned features. BY this arrangement
the many troubles arising from cross
wiring, complexity and inaccessible
ity are avoided.
The starting operations is the simp-
lest thing imaginable. Instead of
throwing the gearshaft and perhaps
several other levers it Is only neces-
sary to retard the spark lever on the
steering column and push a button,
by which direct connection is had
TO the battery through a switch OPP
Grated by the button, and the engine
at once responds. and is ready for
action. As soon as the starter has
performed it's function all working
parts pertaining thereto stop auto
m~atically.
The switch can only be operated
when the spark is fully retarded and
the lever assumes its proper running
position when released after the en-
CINE is started. On account of the
simplicity of the starter the most
inexperienced person will have no
difficulty in keeping it in perfect con
dition.
The seven new models are carried
on two chassis, known a IS the 34-4o
and 44-50a with wheel bases of ZIG
inches and 121 inches, respectively
The smaller chassis is a mechanical
duplicate of the larger, except that
the cylinders of the Continental motor
are cast en- bloc, instead of in pairs,
as in the larger model. The 34-4O
carries a five-passenger touring car
and a three-passenger roadster, while
the 44-50 comprises two limousines, a
seven-passenger touring car, a demi-
tonneau and battleship roadster.
The Abbott Company has greatly
enhanced their reputation as expert
designers. and the1new line in it's en-
tirety is perhaps the most beautiful
ever placed on the market. Many
things bear witness of originality,
and the great hared panels. excep-
tional roominess and suspended body
construction is a strong appeal to
ones sense of comfort. The bodies
receive t~wenty-four separate paint
ing operations, requiring about five
weeks, and have an exquisite piano
finish, The upholstery is twelve inches
deep and the cushions are of the
latest Turkish roll design.
The dash is tuffed ad covered with
leather and beautifully lighted at
night with an electric light. The but
tons, switches and various dash APP
pliances are also of exquisite design.
Nothing in the way of adjustable
robe and footballs, pockets. combi-
nation drawers, mats, etc, have been
overlooked. A handy clock set, is
combined with the speedometer, the
windshield is of a new rain vision and
ventilating type, and the Jiffy storm
curtains can be used in converting
the open cars into closed vehicles
within a few moments time.
The rear axles are of the full float
ing type and the drive is taken di-
rectly by the radius rods, thus per-
hitting the rear springs to be
shackled at both ends, which insures
easiest riding qualities. The multiple
dry disc clutch consists of seventeen
plates, each alternate one being faced
with Raybestos and render a high de-
gree of serviceability and efficiency.
The transmission is of the selective
type with three speeds forward and
reverse. The springs are semi-ellip-
tic in front and three-quarter-elliptic
in rear, and of the best oil-tempered
steel.
The control is on the inside and all
cars are equipped with oversize Good
year no-rim-cut tires, mounted or
Booth demountable rims. Spicer uni
versal joints and Tinken roller and
Shafer ball bearings are used
throughout. The brake bands are of
unusual size and all spring bolts are
fitted with integral grease cups
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