Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-19
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than other models in the Ram
bier series.
BY rotating the Hydra Matte
transmission % degrees counter
clockwise, and changing the po-
sition of its rear springs, Olds-
mobile engineers have lowered
the latest model three inches.
Cadillac in its completely new
form has three inches added
wheelbaSe.
Overall length of Plymouth has
been increased from 1898 inches
to 1884 inches.
But while all this adds variety
to the general picture, the stellar
attraction continues to be this
search for distinction. It had
reached a point where stream
lining efficiency has been set
aside in favor of styling.
While Nash. Buick, OldSmo-
bile and Cadillac scoop air for
the ventilating and heating sys-
TENS directly below the wind
shield most body trim is for ap-
pearance only.
Doesn't Hold Tire at All.
Typical of the current think
ing is a rear deck spare wheel
and tire carrier for use on sew
eral current models. and which
doesn't hold the spare tire at
all!
Revival of the Lincoln Cont
mental has not yet materialized,
but its influence is everywhere
present.
To point up this style theme
for 1854 some of the manufac-
turerS have come forth with
completely new numbers.
Leading eye-openerS in this
department are the Italia, Hud-
sons new sports car by Milan'S
Carrozzeria Touring. the Cor
vette which Chevrolet has put
into a second cousin to mass
production. and the Kaiser OAR
rim 161.
Like Studebaker'S new sports
car for 1854. the Starliner hard
top convertible, the Italia reveals
more nearly a streamlined sill
huette with slanted hood and
rear deck. 1t has Hudson's step
down design and is nearly 10
inches lower than standard Hud-
son models.
First in Production with PlaSticS.
Corvette is a two-seater sug-
gestive of the hnderslung Ameri-
can of years ago. It is the first
production car with a plastic
body. The rear wheel housings
are cut out as on Packard's
Caribbean and Bucks Skylark-I
just a shade more than on the
completely re-styled Olds 49,
Starfire and the "98" Holiday
coupe.
Like Nash. the Hudson Italia
features both front and rear
wheels partially covered-a styl-
ing merger that seems to tie in
with the financial wedding of
these two makes.
Something that will prove a
real treat to believers in cycle:
is the placement of the selector
lever for the Powergil1e auto
matte transmission in the Cor
vette. 1t is on the floor just
where the gear shift lever used
to be.
This trend is being accelerated
by the fact that in the cockpit of
the Kaiser Darrin 161 the over
drive transmission is operated by
a short competition-type shift
lever mounted on the driveshaft
floor tunnel right at hand level.
Incidentally, the new selector
shift for Chrysler is somewhat
reminiscent of the letter H"
which was basic for mechanical
shifting in the pre-automatic
days.
Transparent Tops.
Mercury and Ford have a new
twist in their Monterey Sun
Valley and Skyline models re-
spectively in which we find strong
PleXiglas serving as the front
section of the roofing.
This has revived rumors that
General Motors may bring its
sunshine roof back into the pic
ture. That was the sliding roof