THE NEW DE SOTO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 77, 24 January 1947, Page 4

THE NEW DE SOTO

BEAUTY, COMFORT, SERVICE MANY OUTSTANDING FEATURES Beauty, comfort and a distinctive style and performance are perhaps the foremost features of the new 1947 De Soto Custom model. Built by Chrysler in Canada, it not only incorporates a large number of technical and engineering improvements,. but also presents a highly pleasing external and internal appearance. Stepping into the car is a positive pleasure. Deep, restful seats provide real comfort for driver and passengers, whilst controls have been made to operate smoothly and simply. A feature of the car is the De Soto Fluid Drive, with “Tip-Toe” gear shift. This takes the strain out of normal driving by doing away with clutch pressing and gear changing. In the “high range” gear used in all normal driving, a little pressure on the ‘gas’ pedal, and the car moves off with power-boat smoothness. Lifting the toe from the accelerator for a moment allows the transmission to shift automatically and silently into top gear. For “heavy going,” or ease in parking, there is a “low range” of two gears which operates in the same manner as the “high range.” The principle of the “Fluid Drive” is similar to that of a motor boat, which uses power provided by a propellor turning in water. In the De Soto, a propellor attached to the engine swirls oil in an enclosed housing. This forces another propellor similarly built, to equal speed, and it *is this second propellor, which powers the rear wheels. There is no metal to metal contact.

With the driving mechanism so effectively cushioned it may be expected that the car will last longer —and it does. Furthermore, service cost is minimised. Parts are so constructed that they are less likely to wear out or. loosen. The oil in the unit doesn’t have to be changed, and (if you’re thinking of taking your car to the South Pole) Fluid Drive is just as effective below zero as above. >

Foremost mechanical features which typify the many numerous improvements to the car are the new two-cylinder front brake, and the improved rear brake. These are perfectly balanced, and provide smooth, easy stops, with 25 to 30 per cent, less foot pressure. The new petrol tank filter guarantees freedom from the annoyance of dirtchoked gas-lines. As the filter is fixed at the bottom of the tank, gasoline is filtered before it enters the pipes. The filter is self-cleaning by action of the gasoline in the tank. Sediment collects in an easilydrained sump. A new intake manifold, and a new rotor-type o'il pump are also featured.

Fittings, outside and in, are .ultramodern. Door and window handles are of sparkling chrome and plastic, whilst everything is designed to provide the utmost in ease and comfort for passengers and driver alike. A roomy luggage compartment at the rear, large enough to contain the spare wheel and a full family load of baggage, sets off the smart lines of the car.

Ultra-streamlined throughout, the new De Soto Custom may be regarded as one of foremost 1947 automobiles on the road.