Word: compacter
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...slip back again to two; some rare species, such as the flat-backed, silver-mouth Edsel, vanish altogether. Thus, in the '50's, when cars became monstrous, chromium-plated caricatures, buyers reacted against this somewhat unnatural selection and rushed for the European small cars, so Detroit turned compact. Now again, reaction...
Last week, as the automakers got ready to shut down the lines for the changeover to the 1962 models, the major move was from the small compact to the big compact, or "intermediate"; not BIG, as Comedian Menasha Skulnik would say, but big. And since the buyers are hot for it right now, Detroit is also supplying lots of pizazz (sports car touches) and is adding improvements that reduce maintenance requirements...
...capped with a heavier-looking grille. The Fairlanes, with a 115.5-in. wheelbase and 197-in. overall length, have interior dimensions approximating the 1961 standard Ford. Flat grilles have a forward thrust, and the round taillights and metal trim are reminiscent of earlier Ford models. Falcon, the best-selling compact of the year, will have a rakier look, achieved by a simulated air scoop in the center of the hood, a raised, squared hood, bigger grille and taillights, and altered metal trim. Added to the Falcon line: a station wagon with simulated-wood side paneling...
...bucket-seat treatment and the rest of the optional works. The Corvette, the European-style sports car, again will get only the most minor grille changes. Pontiac will have a big car, the Grand Prix, with such pizazz optionals as four-speed manual transmission and tachometer. The compact Tempest, with a new convertible model in the works, will sprout two tiny ridges that are not quite tailfins, will change the traditional split-tear grille to a horizontal, continuous...
Oldsmobile's F85 compact gets a convex grille and some trim alterations, but little other change, though there will he an F85 convertible added to the line. The standard big Olds joins the parade to the square look. Buick's compact Special will be available as a convertible and also with a new V-6 cast-iron engine as well as the current aluminum V8; the Six's price will drop to compete with other compacts, and it, too, will lose its pointy look. The bigger Buick, newly squared, will come in a hardtop convertible model...