Another Research Car

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31094, 24 June 1966, Page 9

Another Research Car

'THE latest firm to produce -*• a research car with revolutionary features is Chrysler, which has extensively modified a 1966 Chrysler 300 to try ideas on seating, car control, and crash protection.

Features include a retractable and adjustable handgrip steering unit, seats with adjustable air cells, key punch card operation of door locks and ignition, and two television sets: one to entertain passengers, and one, dubbed the “rear traffic monitor,” to replace the rear-vision mirror.

There are no outside door handles and punch cards must be inserted in slots to open the doors. The front passenger seat can be rotated to face the rear, and all passenger seats are reclining and have headrests. All seats have retractable safety belts.

The height of the fixed driver’s seat is adjusted by inflating or deflating air cells. The interior of the car is free from any projections and is heavily padded. The pedals are adjustable to provide for drivers of different height.

The driver steers the car by using the handgrips. Squeezing either handgrip sounds the horn. Lights, turn signals, wipers, screen washers and door-locks are all operated by push buttons.

Information on speed and instrument readings is projected on to a screen on the instrument panel. A small television set is stowed behind the rear ' seats, and when a button is pushed it whisks forward on a rail to a position where passengers, but not the driver, can see it. The car interior is lit by fluorescent lights, and warning lights come on if a door is ajar or seat belts are not fastened.