CHEVROLETS FOR 1939

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 46, 24 February 1939, Page 5

CHEVROLETS FOR 1939

MASTER DE LUXE AND MASTER R 5 Mechanical innovations ushering in brand-inew concepts of safety, comfort and operating ease unite with a host of time-tried fundamentals in the completely restyled Chevrolets for 1939. The two series are designated as the Master De Luxe and the Master 85. They are identical as to power plant, and, except for suspension and gear ratio, as to chassis as well. The Master Dp Luxe features a completely redesigned independent front suspension. and the Master 85 remains conventional: but both springing systems have undergone sweeping revision, resulting in a smoother ride, greater roadability and more positive control. Steering has been made much easier throughout both lines. An improvement destined to take first rank among advances in the industry this year—the gearshift steering column control—is fitted to Master De Luxe models. Chevrolet engineers, however, have gone a long step beyond mere relocation of a hand-actuated gear-shift lever, and, have perfected a positive vacuumoperated gear-shift mechanism. A flick of a finger, without removal of the hand from the steering wheel, now performs all the operations possible

with the conxentional gear-shift lever. On the Master 85, front and rear springing have been carefully harmonised with each other and scientifically balanced for maximum riding ease. Spring leaves are thinner, and are tapered. Double-acting shock absorbers like those on the Master De Luxe are employed in front, and single-acting hydraulics in the rear. The ride stabiliser is an important feature of both senes. The frame is the well-known box-girder construction, which has proved so successful on previous models, even further strengthened for 1939. Hydraulic brakes are. of course, retained, with the .jointed link mechanism exclusive to Chevrolet. Interiors reflect good taste, as well as the engineers' effort to embody maximum safety, comfort, and convenience in the new line. Harmonising variants of brown, in the upholstery, control knobs and trim, are relieved to a pleasing degree bychromeplaled hardware and fittings, and by sparing use of brighter colours on the instrument panel. Upholstery is of genuine leather in all models. Softrolled front-seat backs are retained. Instruments are regrouped for easier reading, but remain in their former location directly before the driver’s eyes. Control knobs are recessed for safety, and new chromium-plated locks are now furnished on all Fisher no-draught ventipanes.