New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-06
PALACE AUTO SHOW
DRAWS THOUSANDS
Brisk Business Marks the
First Full Day OF
Exhibition.
MANY PROSPECTS
LISTED AT BOOTHS
Progress in Design Over Last
Year So Notable as to Evoke
General Comment,

Emboldcncd by the cessation OF the
storm. immense crowds OF actual and
prospective owners Of motor cars poured
into the Grand Central Palace for the
afternoon and evening sessions OF the
automobile show yesterday. and there was
some brisk selling done, while lists OF
prospects filed up with rapidly that
surprised even the most optimistic Of the
dealers and factory representatives.
More than ever this show has started
out TO be selling affair. Apparently
the financial tension that has psralyzed
business during the last few months has
ended. and the motor car makers are hrst
10 feel the change.
There was a very general expression OF
pleasure. frequently combined with sur
prise at the show as whole ANY
fears that may have been entertained az
TO the exhibition suffering markedly d!
comparison with the shows held In Madi-
son Square Garden we're dissipated almost
at first sight Viewed not as spectacie
but as a comprehensive. well arranged
and dignifed showing Of the product OF
the automobile industry, the Palace exhi-
btion is an undoubted success
The exhibits are easily reached and
examinations can be made with remark
able facility. What is better yet, visitors
discovered at once that what there was
20 see was we'll worth seeing. The opin-
ION was general that never before hau
there been gathered together In this couh-
try such a remarkable collection of cars
accessories and parts as are now on view
II was TO have been expected that an
advance would have been made In the
mechanical features OF the cars shown
But that there should have been sucn
remarkable progress made In body design
and construction has caused surprise ana
much favorable comment.
One scarcely knows whether 10 owen
most on the closed or all weather cars or
on those OF the touring or runaoout type
Among the former there are so many
specimens Of what may be termed the
superlative in body building that IL IS
difficult 10 particularize. Most or these
are either stock patterns or can be fur
nished TO order. A few have been pro-
duced for display at this show. and moth
ing more luxurious or In better taste
could possibly be imagined
In the open cars there is noticeable a
combination of comfort and luxury that
appeals to all Every one remembers how
tiresonne a Journey Of one hundred miles
or more was a few years ago, and how
passengers as we'll as driver were IRE
ouently exhausted after journey only
little longer than this.
II Is safe TO say that to-day all the oc-
cupants OF both touring cars and run
abouts Will be as comfortable as II at
home In the easiest of morris or rocking
chairs. Deep cushions, raised at the
front: rests for the arms, foot rests, tops
and wind shields that really exclude rain
and biting winds, are found on practically
sn'the vehicles shown.
i number Of the exhibitors have wisely
arranged their stands so that there is
plenty Of floor space not occupied by cars.
Consequently. there is plenty OF room FOR
visitors 70 come In and move about.
This fact was taken advantage OF by
the crowds that swarmed about some of
the big sellers, conspicuous examples be-
ing the Studebaker, Overland, Buick and
Hudson exhibits. on the upper floors the
crowds which gathered about the little
cars selling at less than 800 did not have
go much room. and for this reason the
congestion was at times very great.
A car that attracted a great deal OF at
tention was the Overland Speedster. This
ia a special officially known as model
7eS. It's distinguishing features are the
lack OF a cowl and the cutting away OF
eyerythfng between the dash and the
seats except the steering wheel and
operating levers and pedals. This gives
this portion OF the car an appearance OIL
nakedness that IS almost startling.
The much heralded Jeffery car and
especially tho four-oylinder model. has
come IN for a great deal OF close inspec-
ton. To many II did not seem possible
that such a car could be furnished com
pletely equipped at It's price But 1t Is
there, and there was great deal OIL
praise OF its design and general appear
ance. as we'll as its inherent merits
Visitors 10 the Cartercar stand had an
opportunity 10 examine the friction drive
which is a feature Of all models OF TINS
make. The simplicity and effectiveness or
this gear were demonstrated on a chassis