OLYMPIA MOTOR SHOW

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 90, 13 October 1934, Page 9

OLYMPIA MOTOR SHOW

OPENED BY DUKE OF KENT

FEATUKES THIS YEAE

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, October 11,

The Duke of Kent, Prince George, this morning opened the International Motor Exhibition at Olympia, when an array of cars, nearly all of which show important improvements over last year's models, were unveiled.

The popularity of black in preference to other colours is one of the first superficial impressions, of the exhibits. The tendency to mako bodies more streamlined is another noticeable feature, and, in order to avoid interference with the streamlining, the practice of enclosing spare wheels in the luggage boot is much more general. The car differs widely in build, number of cylinders, the amount of automatic gear changes, and suspension. On. exhibition were, models for power and speed in many forms, and up. to over 150 horse-power and 100 miles per hour. Prices vary from just over £100 to well over £3000. The tendency towards higher horse-power is proved by the unusually large number of 20 horse-power models on view.

When the Duke of Kent opened the show, ho mentioned the fact that the British motor industry within the last twelve months has been able to expand its trade both at home and abroad, to such an extent that it has been possible to take off the unemployed register and replace on the roll some 100,000 men.

"As a motorist myself," said, the Duke, "I can appreciate that ■ tho quality of your products has been even further improved during tho last year, and I am glad to see that one of tho various devices to increase■ safety on the road has been tho keynote of tho work of designers and production engineers."

There was an exceptionally large attendance at the opening, and the presence of more visitors from overseas was particularly noticeable. This is the twenty-eighth show of the series, and it is definitely international in' character. Although there are few, if any, decreases in price, • models contain many'improvements. Bodies are roomier, more solidly constructed, and show improved finish, and an increased number have independently sprung wheels, semi-automatic gear boxes, and draught-proof ventilation. The streamline tendency is general. The show remains open for ten days.