The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-30
FOUR BRAKES NOWI IN PACKARD S|X'
New Model Also Has Many Other Important New
 Features

FedIuTeS
 Four-wheel brakes and a number of other important features and re- finements are incorporated in a new model of the Packard SingleSix, just announced by the Packard Motor Car company.
 Mechanical simplicity and result ing economy of both operation and upkeep of former single-six models have been retained as have the beauty of both the body lines and finish and the comfort of riding. The wheel base remains the sane, 126 and 1S3 motor with its scven-bearing crank schaft. its thermostatically controlled cooling, its perfect balance, accessi- bility, ample power and its IT or more miles to the gallon of gasoline.
 The fuelizer, an exclusively Pack ard feature, which is declared to make starting easier and to add greatly to gasoline economy, also is found in the new model. The car has been made even easier to drive with a larger steering wheel and the same ball barring steering knuckles that are used in the new Packard Straight-Eight.
 The factory is running to capacity and enough single-sixes of the new model have been built In the last 45 days to permit shipments to all parts of the country.
 Packard largely was responsible for the adoption of four-wheel brakes in this country, pioneering them in its straight-eight, announced early in the year. Since the advent of the straight eight engineers of the Pack ard company have been at work on the new single-six model. adapting the fourwheel braking system to it.
 AS in the straight eight, the four wheel brakes are a built-ln part Of the car and the systems on each car are identical. There is the same planetary gear construction on the brake pedal which stops up the ac= tion as the pedal is depressed and flexible steel cables are used to ac tuate the front wheel brakes. constant ratio of braking pressure is maintained between the brakes on the front and on the rear wheels and also a constant equalization between the opposite wheels, both front and rear.
 For the foot or service brakes in ternaI expanding brake shoes are used on the front wheels and external contracting bands on the rear wheels. The hand brake is of the internal expanding type, acting on the rear wheels only and is entirely separate from the other system, thus giving six brakes to the car. No matter what the condition of the road, it is asserted, the car comes to a gentle but quick stop when the four-wheel brakes are applied. Skidding is re- duced to a minimum, and while Re stop is made quickly, passengers are not disturbed by it. Adjustments are declared to be extremely simple and necessary only about half as often as with rear wheel brakes only.
 The transmission has been made heavier than that of the former sim proved type of gears used in the straight-eight has been adopted. The gears are of such shape that there is a constant bearing, one tooth against the other all the time the gears are in mesh, making for great CT smoothness and more quiet opera ton. Greater life and economy of upkeep are certain also because of the heavier gears and construction.
 Built into the transmission hous- ing Is the planetary gear for the brakes operated by the brake pedal and the switch for operating the warning stop light. This stop light construction is another feature, new in motor car designing, adopted from the straight-eight. It makes the light, heretofore considered to be an accessory. an integral part of the car, with clamps and pull wires eliminated and all of the operating mechanism completely enclosed, leav- ing the only care to be given it that of sin ply replacing the light bulb when for any reason 1t becomes nec- essary.
 Heavier construction Is used in the wheels, which are of the artillery type. The now wheels also add much to the appearance of the car.
 Nh ia cause considerable favorable com ment Is the manner In which the Dat tery has been placed. It has been located in metal container built into the right running board and front fender for greater accessibility tery Is obtained simply by remov- ing a plate on top of the box. which also provides a step when 1t Is found necessary to examine the motor. This makes 1t unnecessary for driver or passenger to leave the car when the battery is inspected at service station.
 Cable terminals for the battery also are brought up to fittings in the box In such manner that when the battery is removed there is no ne- cessity of bending heavy wires about or having second person hold them out of the way as the battery Is lifted out.
 Among several important refine ments in the regular equipment are a gasoline gauge on the instrument board; adjustable window regulators on the rear windows of sedans and sedan -limousines new instrument board with walnut finish; interior tonneau lights for all open models and handsome toilette cases for most of the enclosed models.
 When the added equipment, the four wheel brakes and other refine n.ents are considered the price which has been placed on the new single six represents actually reduction from that of the former car, IS there has been added only s100 to the re- tail price of all types. except the runabott. which has been changed from a two-passenger to a four-pas-