New Chevrolet

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 331, 17 April 1928, Page 6

New Chevrolet

Fisher Bodies and 4-Wheel Brakes

IMPROVED BEYOND RECOGNITION

ONE of the outstanding motor attractions this year is the new Clievrolets recently introduced by General Motors (N.Z.), Ltd.

• “Headlight” recently had the opportunity of inspecting one of the new cars and the following review describes the important iniprovements that are now offered.

r FHE new Chevrolet reflects the ad- -*■ vantages of quantity production and testifies to the facilities and .resources of .the General Motors organisation in making such a car possible at the price. Before going on to the more detailed specifications, it should be pointed out that the car has been altered in nearly every department, but the two main advances are (1) power plant materially improved in line with the current trend, and (2) adoption of the famous “Fisher” bodies, in conformity with the present demand for comfort. It will be seen therefore that the new 1928 Chevrolet is a distinctly up-to-date car. THE FIRST LOOK No one could let one of the new Clievrolets pass him on the road without being immediately interested.

The first reason, of course, is the colouring, for the sedan is finished in a soft buff and dove grey. The body is considerably longer and lower and the lines of th© “Fislier” bodies with the graceful curving forever eclipse the onee-humble Chevrolet. Even the radiator is new—rit is now narrower and deeper, with the familiar Chev. monogram set in a large bronze scroll. Disc wheels, domed mudguards, sun vizor and bullet-type' headlamps all add to the stylish look. Add to this, a high “waist,” streamlining, and window reveals in tone with the colouring, and the beauty of th© car is understood. INSIDE, TOO The interior is in keeping with the high quality of the whole car. The upholstery of the sedans would grace any drawing-room, and the colour scheme outside is also carried out on the wide dashboard. The instrument board is indirectly lighted and on a mottled grey panel is grouped everything required. A neat fixture, seen for the first time on last year’s model, is the coincidental lock on steering and ignition. In the closed-car models the fittings such as door handles and window winders are bright nickel and neatly artistic. Another interesting improvement on the closed models is the device to prevent the doors swinging open too far. Usually this is a strap, but in the new Chevrolet is a bar and springs operating out of sight in the top of the door. As for room in the seats, that is ample. In the .rear seats of all models is cut a niche under the back of the front seat, and one's toes fit there very comfortably. Before dealing with the engine there is one feature on the bodywork that deserves mention. This is for ventilation in the front seat. The front screen winds up about four inches, but instead of tli© wind blowing straight in, it is diverted down the back of the dashboard —a good idea. UNDER THE BONNET Under the bonnet the new Chevrolet

presents an entirely different appearance from earlier models. The entire engine and cylinder block is covered in, or rather boxed in. A wind tunnel is made for the fan to work in and there are louvres son the back of the .radiator. But the improvements are more deep-seated than this. The famous Inver-strut alloy pistons are fitted, ensuring constant clearance with high compression. Thermostat heat control and crankcase ventilator have been added. Two exhaust outlets from each cylinder allow the burned gases to pass out more quickly and in combination with the new head design gives better valve cooling. OTHER MECHANICAL FEATURES The frame has been deepened and strengthened to make a smoother riding and better-balanced car. Exceptional ease of steering is made

possible through the use of new ballbearing steering mechanism. NEW SPRING DEVICE Th© springs are particularly interesting, in that they represent a serious and presumably successful effort to control spring action simply and effectively. There are two rebound springs for each leaf spring located near the ends of the leaf spring. It may be described as a flat, inverted bow, several inches long, its ends pressing down on the main leaf, and its centre being fastened to a clip which passes round the leaf spring, pulling up on the leaves. Thus, in effect, the leaves aro pressed together by a spring vice, and the increased friction thus secured is said -to adequately smother the rebound. The .rebound springs also aid in stiffening the leaf spring when a very severe bump is encountered, thus reducing the occasional tendency of the axles to hit the frame. SPEED DEMANDS FOUR-WHEEL BRAKES Although the engine of the new Chevrolet has the same bor© and stroke as the last model it has been so improved that it develops over 8 h.p. more at 2,000 r.p.m.—a notable achievement. This horse-power means speed, and to enable more effective and safe use of this speedier car, four-wheel brakes were necessary. So four-wheel brakes were fitted, in spite of J:he low price. The front pair are of the internal expanding type and the rear wheel of the external contracting type, with a total braking area of 189 square inches —259 square inches with the hand brake. Adjustment for each wheel is provided and is simple and accurate. With these brakes and with this engine the car can be driven, without worry, at the mile-a-minute mark. In conclusion, the expression that most aptly characterises the new Chevrolet is summed up in the phrase which is used to advertise it —“Bigger, Better and Proven.” These things “Headlight” has seen for himself.