The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-07
AUTO PRICES
ON TOBOCCAN::
/ BATTLE IS ON
National Show Opens, With
h Interest Centered in
Small Car Field.
iT'S FINE FOR BUYERS
Cheaper Machines Larger,
1923 Exhibit Shows;
E More Comfort.
By GNjted Press

By Enited Press
NEW YORK, Jan. THE motor
world today unveiled its 1928 crea-
tionS and introduced them to the
American public as the greatest
values in automobile history.
With the opening of the Ma
tional Automobile Show at Grand
Central Palace here the nations
motor car kings formally began a
campaign Of selling which promised
to Shatter endless records of
competition.
No doubt existed as To where the
competition would be hottest 1t
will be in the small car field, which
in the last week has become the
battle ground of q long-awaited
price war. between four of Americas
greatest motor magnates.
See Great Price SIashing
Automobile men from all over the
country we're virtually unanimous
today in the prediction that before
the end of 1923 the price-lashing
feud would exceed in its sensational
developments anything the industry
ever has known.
The new year, they agreed, will
be truly memorable one Tor the
Small-salaried .motorist.
For almost three decades the man
with a limited pocketoook wsited
for someone to challenge the su-
premacy of Ford. Then, in one
sudden rush, there came not one
challenge, but three.
The fireworks have started, and
more than few of the thousands
who attended the opening OF the
show today predicted long, grim
war, with possible fatalities, for the
four powerful conpetitors-Ford,
Chevrolet, Whippet and Star.
Cheaper Cars Larger
Meanwhile, however, the immense
crowds of manufacturers, dealers,
and motorists who gathered here
contented themselves with their first
inspection of the new models on
display.
Generally speaking, the 1928 buyer
Of an automobile will get a smaller
car in the high-priced class and
larger one in the low-priced group
The tendency, in other words, is to-
ward making the wheelbase in in
verse ratio to the price.
Thus, the cars that once were big
and unWieldy in traffic are becoming
easier to handle, while the small
ones are gaining more imposing
appearance.
AS for the bodies, there were few
radical changes, but the influence of
the younger school of designers is
readily apparent.
In such simple items as lamps,
doorhandleS, bumpers, and radiators
there is a noticeable breaking away
from the conventional year-in and
year -out types. Some designs show
the European influence.
Bodies Are ROomier
The bodies themselves have been
made roomier and more comfortable.
The use of steel framework and the
utilization of what heretofore was
wasted space has resulted in more
1eg-room and allowed form-fitting
EeatS with arm rests.
The latter features in past years
were found on only the higher
priced cars, but now are fairly
common.
Turning his attention from body
TO motor, the automobile enthusiast
will find much to delight him-prin-
cipally q widespread use of two new
gasoline saving devices.
One is the thermoStat in the cool
ing system, the other heat control
on the manifold. Both mean a.
smoother running engine.
Following the general tren d
among smaller cars this year. the
Chevrolet, Dodge, Hupmobile, OldS-
mobile, Pontiac, ExSkine and Falcon
models are built on larger lines.
Dodge Is 'Cutaway'
The chief feature of the new
Dodge is cutaWay chassis.
Chrysler is showing a special road
nter with the fashionable baSketry
trimming.
Three new chassis were introduced
In the Auburn exhibit
An entirely new line attracted
considerable a. alton to the
Chandler exhibit. Is
The Cadillac bodies we're virtually
the same as those in the salon ex-
hibition here recently, with several
ligllt-colored ones ruling fayorites.
Buick came out with new green
sedan.
The Essex coach, breaking away
from the old "box-car" lines, was
hailed likely fayorite in this years
market.
Has New Body Models
The Hudson, Essex,s big brother,
also sported new body models.
a light eight, to be known as the
"68," was the newborn child of the
Marmon family. 1t will sell around
1895.
Another new eight was added to
the Moon line.
The OldSnobile has been COM
nletely redesigned. Its new lines re-
aen1ble those of the La Sale.