Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-19
individuality
Hallmark Of
1854 Models
Industry Is Meeting
Buyer Demand for
Cars of Distinction
By Frederick c. Russell
Member. Society Of Automotive
EngineerS.l

It will still be played up as
the big theme of the automotive
year. but power is no longer the
chief attraction. All down the
line even those who read as they
run will find that individuality
is the star act of 1854 Mr..
Motorist wants his car to be a
standout.
You can credit the sports and
classic car craze for this.
For 1854 Detroit has achieved
the unusual feat of gearing it's
mass production genius to this
revived demand for distinction.
There seems to be no other ex-
PLANTATION for the big producers
going in for strictly sports mod
els. virtually every producer hav-
ing something in its line that
goes beyond the average motor
lists needs.
Public Eyes Sales Pace.
All eyes are on the sales pace
of these special models
If they go over as expected
there will be more new announce
mentS during the year. and it's
safe bet that many of the spe-
cial features. now seen only on
these ultra models will become
part and parcel of regular pro-
duction.
Many observers, noting that
even the least glamorous of the
1854 cars have more complicated
motors, tranSmiSSionS and con-
trolls. are saddened that no pro-
ducer of the current crop has
honored the request Of the prac-
tical-minded motorist for a good
1884" automobile.
But with the motor world 60
ing so delightfully."- beserk. most
commentators will gladly wait
for all this later on, meanwhile
thoroughly enjoying push button
motoring at its best.
Trends and Novelties.
Secondary trends and novelties
are receiving special attention
because they once again prove
that the industry is never con-
tent to rest on it's laurels
We find ball-joint front-end
suspension, first revealed on last
years Lincoln now extended to
Mercury and Ford.
General Motors now uses its
unusual panoramic windshield
on the complete Buick, Oldsmo-
bile and Cadillac lines. De Soto,
Dodge ard Chrysler have
switched to a fully automatic
transmission with torque con-
verter. leaving Plymouth unique
in the field with it's Hy-Drive
converter teamed with a con-
ventional transmission and
clutch.
The new AC speedometer on
Buick represents a complete de-
parture from the conventional
clock-type speed indicator, the
cars gait being shown by a con-
tinuous horizontal red line on
rectangular face.
Hudson has a special reserve
tank for fluid used in its hy-
draulic braking system-one of
the unsung safety standouts of
the year.
Studebaker's brakes are self
energiZing and self-centering,
requiring only one adjustment
per wheel.
Chrysler continues to feature
disc type brakes for its Crown
Imperial while Lincoln and
Packard are using special tire
tread design which is said to
be squeal-proof.
WaterprOOfed Ignition.
Significant also is De Soto's
ignition system which is water
PROCEED.
Then there is the "Y" block
of the new Ford va overhead
valve engine, and those neo-
prene umbrellas" fitted to the
valve stems to check loss of oil
through the guides.
Air conditioning is definitely
in the air, the latest develop
ment being elimination of the
luggage compartment as a site
for some of the equipment,
Practically every car maker
offers power assists" as OPP
tional, including power brakes,
steering window lifts, tops and
front seats.
Some interesting developments
concern the dimensions of the
1854 cars. Models in Pontiac's
Star Chief line, for instance, are
IL inches longer than other Pom
tiacS for this year.
The new Nash Rambler four
door sedan runs inches longer
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