SPRINGING A SURPRISE

Shannon News, 26 March 1929, Page 4

SPRINGING A SURPRISE

THE NEW CHEVROLET SIX. RESULTS OP COMPETITION ANNOUNCED. (Published by Arrangement,.) An event which may be expected to have lasting effects took place on Saturday evening, being the culmination of the surprise packet competition that was run throughout the week. Commencing with the initial letters of four words—T.N.C.S.—additional letters were published from day to day, and prizes of three focussing electric torches were offered to that number of people who were the 'first to guess correctly the < four words, which turned out to be “ The New Chevrolet Six. ’ ’ The sequel was a - ceremony at the Eclipse Garage, the main features of interest in which were the opening of the surprise packet —an operation equivalent to the unveiling of a monument, in this case an industrial one —and the announcing of the results of the,competition. The Levin Band played beforehand an enjoyable programme outside the Garage, and the proceedings ■which followed were attended by a crowd of between three and four hundred. Others called at the Garage later in the evening, to inspect the exhibit, bringing the total number to over five hundred.

The Mayor (hfr T. Hobson) acted as master of ceremonies, and at a suitable interval he announced the names of the prize-winners, as follows: — ' Levin.—Mr J. Cooper. Shannon —Mr E. 11. McKenzie. Otaki —Mr Scobie Thompson.

Inside the Garage the large showroom provided the setting for the act of revealment. Half-encircled by rural scenery was a. large rectangular object, the surprise packet, towards which ..all eyes were directed —in fact it was the cynosure of a large audience, which extended beyond the doors into the street. When all had taken up their positions/Mr J. 11. • Gamble, factory representative of General Motors, intimated that the Mayor had consented to address the gathering and open the surprise packet to disclose the wonderful new Chevrolet car. A DOMINION INDUSTRY.

His Worship expressed his pleasure in being able to welcome such a large gathering, which was evidence the people were interested in anything ithat was going to affect the welfare of the town and district as Avell as one of the Dominion’s leading firms. General Motors Were responsible for putting the new -Chevrolet* one of their cars, on the market. Only a few months ago tests were held in Levin which showed that these cars Travelled more miles to the gallon than any other cars. He was in favour of supporting New Zealand industry, and he was informed that 6§ per cent, of the money spent in biiying a Chevrolet remained in this country lo circulate among the people. General Motors were putting up good service stations throughout their territory—in other Words, throughout the world. Over four hundred people were employed in the firm’s works in Wellington. They had been established two and a-half years in the Dominion and had spent £1,041,000 in this country. This showed the concern to be quite a magnificent institution, and one which, with the local agent, Mr IT 0. von Ilartitzsch, deserved all the praise and credit that would be bestowed on them. His Worship then asked the representative of General Motors to say a few words. BENEFICENT RESULT OF MASS PRODUCTION.

Mr Gamble expressed the best thanks of the Arm and of the local agent for the large number who , had attended to help them to introduce ihe new Chevrolet Six! The car was a New Zealand production—that was to say, it was built in the Dominion, and built as far as possible-of New Zealand materials. A point of interest to those of the audience who were farmers was that the upholstering material in these cars was of New Zealand rvool made up in the Kaiapoi Mills. The glass was bought in Wellington, and very soon the firm would be obtaining it from the Ashburton glass-works. The material 01* the roof of the car, and the enamel and finishing materials were bought in this country. The car was made in Now Zealand for New Zealanders. Dy buying a Chevrolet," it was claimed, more money was left in the Dominion than by buying any other car. Portions of the money went to the shipping companies, the railways, and the Customs Department, and so helped to benefit New Zealand. For that reason the car was commended to the particular attention of the people. Mr Gamble went on to refer to the name of Chevrolet, which, he

said, .had..-always conveyed to the' minds of the public the idea of a cheap car, but when they inspected the. new Six they Would find it hard to believe that such a car could be bought for less than £3OO. Among its features were front and rear bumpers, a- brass radiator chromium plated, standard lamps, and a six-cylinder engine. The only reason why such a high-class car was possible at ,the price was the fact, that last year the Chevrolet Company ‘ produced one and a-half million* cars: the explanation of the price was mass production. If such a ear as the new Six" were built as a unit, it would cost £4OO or £SOO.

The Mayor made tl\e fiist move in the opening of the surprise packet, and when all the coverings had been removed the Chevrolet Six stood Revealed in all its beauty, the model ; being the two-door coach, glistening in enamel of medium and light green. The manager .stated that the price was £267 10/- in Levin. Photos were displayed of other models of the Six, which, with their prices, *were: —Four-door sedan, £287 lOsj coupe, £292 10s; tourer, £227 10s; roadster, £227 10s; one-ton truck, £235; half-ton truck, £175.

The. results'of the competition were given out by the Mayor, and the public were then invited to inspect the new car, an opportunity of which they readily availed themselves.

After the demonstration several orders were booked , right away. All Orders will be dealt with strictly in rotation and as each- agent gets his quota as it comes off the line intending purchasers who do not require their cars for a month or even two would be well advised to place their order early so that delivery may be made oil the desired date. ■ The' invitations issued for the display were sent out- from a hastily compiled list and in consequence there were perhaps many whp are interested in motor construction ■ who were inadvertently overlooked, and these are invited to' visit the Garage, where a full demonstration of its merits will be 'given. DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CAR.

The model displayed was the coach, built on similar''lines to some of the heavier cars. It is of magnificent appearance, but, of course, the big feature is the engine, into which have gone four solid years of research, experimentation and testing. It was not just a six-cylinder engine designed and flung on the market. As a matter of fact more than 300 six-cyliiider engines were designed, built .and, tested before the final engine was approved. Experimental cars were run for millions of miles at the General Motors testing grounds in all weathers, so that every feature of performance , might be checked. The result is an enclosed engine automatically lubricated on similar lines to the Buieli valye-jn-liqad : Ld providing 32 per cent, greater power than the previous Chevrolet engine with approximately 20 per cent, greater speed, with . sensationally faster acceleration and the same economy for which the Chevrolet has long been famous. It performs with a smoothness and quietness of operation that has never before been approached in a low priced car. It has a high compression non-detonating Ihead and develops unusual power at comparatively low speeds. It is equipped with a new sturdy crankshaft, new camshaft design for unusually quiet operation, fabric timing gear, air cleaner, crank-case ventilating system, largo, efficiently lubricated main and connecting rod bearings. It is statically and-dynamically balanced and is made of the finest crankshaft steelAnother feature is the improved cooling system, a large Harrison honeycomb radiator, water pump and fan. This ensures constant circulation and efficient cooling at all speeds.

INTERIOR COMFORT. The first thing that strikes the casual observer is the comfort provided in the interior of the ear. The upholstery is on a lavish scale and comes well up the bade, giving rest to the shoulders. The driver k seat in all the, enclosed models is also ‘ adjustable. Lovcjoy shock absorbers are fitted, and these resist the recoil of the spring and thus provide the greatest riding comfort. Bouncing, galloping,, side-sway, upthrow and shimmying are reduced to a minimum.- ■

BRAKING SYSTEM. New improved four-wheel brakes are fitted, positive, quiet and safe in operation. The service brakes on tin rear wheels are provided with a simple adjustment at the Tgar of the drum. Semi-moulded lining ensures quiet, uniform application of the brakes. The separate emergency brakes are of the internal exp a q ding type, controlled by the emergency lever. Non-locking internal expanding brakes are specifically designed to make steering easy.

A SIN AT TIIE PRICE OF A FOUR., These- are the main features that •meet the eve at a casual glance. Much could be- said about the improved external appearance of this outstanding Chevrolet, but the big feature in a ear of this class is the price, and it comes as a distinct surprise that, taking the extra fittings into consideration, this will compare more than favourably with the present Four. Those who were not able to be at the opening demonstration should call at the •Eclipse Garage during the week, when Mr von Hartitzseh will be pleased to explain . the improvements that have been effected.