Word: newe
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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This cheerful earful accounted for only part of Detroit's optimism. To most U. S. motormakers 1940 looked great. Some guestimated that 1940 output would jump 15% above 1939. With new cars priced a little lower than 1939's (but facing possible upward revisions), and with the public going strong for the advance models and ordering more, Detroit was sure its new four-wheel debutantes would not be left on the shelf...
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...
...beauties ballyhoo a multitude of little things: soft front-seat edges for comfort, better insulation against road-rumble, trigger-release parking brakes, direction signals and warning signals for low gas & oil, hot motor, faulty ignition, etc. Pointing up comfort, safety, economy, new models are generally longer, lower, wider, roomier, with increased visibility and lots more chromium. Steering column gearshift relegates to the archives the old wobble-stick. Running boards are mostly optional. Air-conditioned heaters are highly favored...
American Bantam, Tiny Tim of the streamliners (75 in. wheelbase), enters its third production year with a new Super 4 in two models: coupé & sedan, both convertibles. Prices: $399 to $449. Boast: "a revolutionary road-cling ride...
Buick has added two new series to its four stand-by straight-eights, claims 70 new mechanical achievements. It is lower, bolder-curved. Down in price from $17 to $281, it sells for $895 to $2,199 (lowest price range in company's history). Standard on some models are front & rear safety direction signals...