The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-09-09
THEY TALK OF The NEW
SELF-STARTER IN The
1878 ABBOTT-DETROITS
Abbott Engineers Think That
They Have the Correct
Principle
ARE SEVEN NEW MODELS
Many Original Features in the
New Cars-Comfortable
and Roomy
ARE SEVEN NEW MODELS

The announcement OF the Abbott
Detroit line for 1913 is attracting
widespread attention and an inspec.
ton OF the new models shows that
the manufacturers have not only kept
close touch with the progress during
the past year and incorporated the
latest and best, but have taken an ad-
vance step in devising several new
mechanical features OF rather sensa-
donal nature.
Perhaps the most interesting and
striking thing to an expert Is the new
self-contained electric self-starter
with which all cars are equipped. For
several years 1t has been the asser-
ton 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 requirements de-
manded OF such a device.
Believing their theory TO be a cor
rect one. they have after two years
OF indefatigable work and experiment,
succeeded in constructing a starter
that bids fair entirely to revolution
ize this field.
The success and efficiency OF this
new starter largely lies in It's SIM
plicity. It is nothing more or less
than a small electric motor mounted
on the engine base and connected
to the crank shaft by train of gears.
Unlike other starters, II Is not con-
nected In any way with the lighting,
Ignition and other systems but Is a
complete and separate unit In itself.
as are the other aforementioned fea-
lures.
BY this arrangement, the many
troubles arising from cross-wiring,
completely and inaccessibility are
avoided The starting operation is the
simplest thing imaginable. Instead
OF throwing the gearshift and per-
haps several other levers, II is only
necessary 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
operated by the button, and the en-
CINE at once responds and In ready
for action.
As soon as the starter has per
formed its function, all working parts
pertaining thereto, stop automatically.
The switch can only be operated when
the spark Is fully retarded and the
lever assumes its proper running po-
sition when released after the engine
is started. On account OF the SIM
plicity OF the starter, the most mex
perienced person will have no diff
fculty In keeping 1t In perfect condi-
ton.
The seven new models are carried
en- two GLASSES, known as the $40
and 1880, with wheel bases Of lie
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 enbloc instead OF in pairs as In
the larger model. The 34-40 carries q
touring car and three
roadster, while the 1880
comprises two limousines, seven
touring car, demttonneau
and battleship roadster.
The Abbott company have greatly
enhanced their reputation as expert
designers and the new 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 flared panels, exceptional
roominess and suspended body con-
struction IL a strong appeal to ones
sense OF comfort.
The rear axles are OF the full float
ing type and the drive IL taken di-
rectly by the radius rods, thus per-
hitting the rear springs to be shakled
at both ends, which insures easiest
riding qualities. The multiple dry
disc clutch consists Of IL plates, each
alternate one being faced with Ray
bestos. and render a high degree or
serviceability and efficiency. The
10 Of the selective tvpe
with three speeds forward and re-
verse. The springs are semi-elliptic
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 over
size Goodyear No-Rfm-cut tires
mounted on-Peoth- demountable rims.
Spicer universal joints and Timken
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.
These and many other features con-
tribute In making the Abbott-Detroit
one OF the foremost lines OF cars found
on the market.