Word: matic
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...Manhattan debut, "the daring new Dodge" did not look as daring as new models of other motor-makers. The chief changes were a slight lowering of the body, and a change from the swept-back stern to the bustle-back, thus providing more luggage space. An automatic shift ("Gyro-Matic") will be optional on the "Coronet" models...
...Lincoln Continental. A styling touch: the instrument-panel clock is in the center of a concentric-ringed radio speaker. Pontiac has dropped its Torpedo line in favor of the Chieftain. Both it and the Streamliner come as 90-h.p. sixes or 103-h.p. eights. Optional Hydra-Matic transmission ($185 extra) has proved so popular it will be built into 75% of all Pontiacs...
Oldsmobile's line is the widest in its 43-year history, includes wheel bases from 119 to 125 inches, engines from 100 to no h.p., prices from $852 to $1,575. A little more streamlined, new models look much like the '40s. Hydra-Matic drive (no clutch) is optional on all models...
Most widespread innovation for 1940 are the Sealed-Beam headlights on 95% of the models (result of cooperation between the industry, lamp & lens manufacturers). Lens, bulb and reflector are sealed into a single unit. The new lamps light the road without blinding. Another big development is the "Hydra-Matic" drive (see Oldsmobile), which dooms the clutch pedal, lets the accelerator control...
Oldsmobile boasts one of 1940's two major mechanical innovations (the other: Sealed Beam headlights) for its three series: "Hydra-Matic Drive" (a fluid flywheel combined with an automatic transmission which eliminates the clutch pedal, leaves nothing for the driver's left foot to do but play with the headlight beam at night). Prices: $765 to $1,075 (Hydra-Matic, $57 extra). Low, racy, graceful, Olds has a new eight-cylinder Ninety and its Sixty & Seventy sixes...