POST WAR: 19?? Model

In Detroit this week war-busy automakers still had some time to dream of their first love: automobiles. They had pretty definite ideas about the car of the future:

Scheduled to appear about a year after war’s end, the new cars will be streamlined into ladybug-like lumps. Using aluminum, magnesium, other featherweight metals, they will weigh 1,200 Ib. (v. 2,700 to 4,200 Ib. now). Aviation gas (100 octane) will power lightweight engines, mounted in the rear. Wheels will be smaller (13 in. and less) to save rubber, permit a lower center of gravity. Bodies will be of plastic, tops will be of transparent plastic such as is now used on bomber noses. Best feature of all: prices as low as $400 (if the dollar doesn’t fall through the floor).