Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-03-20
|UTOPURCHASERS
more PARTICULAR
pblic Declared Willing to
Pay Higher Prices for
Better Cars.

ue to the prosperity which is prev
mt throughout the country, the
omobile buying public is becoming
|re particular as TO the design Of
omobiles. and low prices have taken
POND place as sales argument, In
u opinion OF Thomas J. Little, jr.,
Expressed recently before the lndi-
section of the Society of Automo.
Engineers. Mr.. Little is past
fstdent OF the society.
The public seems 10 he willing TO
more for cars OF smoother opera.
p, comfortable seating and better
pearance, Mr.. Little observed, and
price has ceased to he such an inn
tant argument Of the automobile
esman."
Trend Toward Small Cars.
n reviewing the trends in automo
design as revealed at the recent
pws, the speaker also said that the
nd this wear seems to he toward
small. high-powered high-perform
te.cnr. Although considerab BILE dis
Fsibn has arisen over the European
pe OF small car, MIR Little said that
Feels. that this type will have little
uence on American design because
European cars are too small to
peal. to Americans. and in this coun
weshave no excessive tax on horse
Ver as calculated on cylinder dimen.
ns and no heavy fuel tax.
MI cars are now being built much
Yer. than formerly, and more taste
displayed this year by many com
pies In their selection and blending
colors in paint and upholstery To
Pduce harmonious combination.
Controversy Over Steel Bodies.
A great controversy is going on re-
fding the relative merits of the all
lei body and the composite wood and
lei body. Metal is unquestionably
3onGer than wood. the speaker said,
the cost Of tooling-up for produC
4, Of pressed steel bodies is so great
kt II can be undertaken only for
rs that are in very large production.
brio bodies undoubtedly will come
10 limited use because of their light.
BIS.
pther trends seem to he toward In.
Easing use of engine temperature
htrol devices such as rheostats on
scoolinS system 4 to enable the car
|get under way more quickly in cold
Ather: thermometers that indicate
the instrument board the tempera
re OF the water in the cylinder block
H the removal of heat-indica ting de-
les from the radiator cap: oil filters
n oil rectifiers to reduce engine
Jar; the placing of electric light .oper
ing switches on the steering column:
Ftef headlamp illuminat ion and re-
etion of glare; and reduction of
Leaks and rumbles in the body.
frocellulose finishes are now uni
Fsai and riding qualities have been
ZEN increased attention.
~ Engine Power Increased.
Inc ratio of engine power to car
light has been increased in many
ts to give better acceleration, espe.
|lly'in small high-powered cars. Low
|eap.line bodies have brought for
|rd new type of axle that is very
let. and rubber has come into exten.
Ii use to contribute to quietness.
rae influence of racing car design
stock cars will be seen next year.
|. Little believes. in the adoption by
my companies of general new de-
In TO increase speed and improve the
around performance and riding
alities. He feels certain that en-.
les will be built to operate at higher
BED as stronger alloys are available.
tier fuel is obtainable and highways
Better.