(3 of 3)
Oldsmobile boasts one of 1940's two major mechanical innovations (the other: Sealed Beam headlights) for its three series: "Hydra-Matic Drive" (a fluid flywheel combined with an automatic transmission which eliminates the clutch pedal, leaves nothing for the driver's left foot to do but play with the headlight beam at night). Prices: $765 to $1,075 (Hydra-Matic, $57 extra). Low, racy, graceful, Olds has a new eight-cylinder Ninety and its Sixty & Seventy sixes.
Packard styling appears unchanged from last year except for narrower radiators with rounded edges and more chrome grille work. Four lines (two of them brand new) are priced $20 to $100 lower this year at $867 to $6,283. The new 160 & 180 (eight cylinders, 160 h.p.) replace the Super Eight and Twelve. Shop talk: big gains in power-to-weight ratio.
Plymouth, Chrysler's popular-priced car, looks like the rest of the brood, is roomier (12 more cu. ft. inside), longer (117 in. wheelbase), flares out at the bottom instead of in. The two series, Road-king and De Luxe, sell for $645 to $805.
Pontiac introduces a new Torpedo eight this year to pep up its design, has restyled its Special six series with longer, lower hoods. Prices: $758 to $1,072.
Studebaker's low-priced Champion, Commander and President ($660 to $1,095) have lost almost all exterior fixtures except close-fitting door handles. Trim and neat, the 1940s have new hood locks, optional overdrive.
Willys, licking its chops over an impending $2,500,000 RFC loan, has slicked up its two series (Speedway and De Luxe) this year with deep-skirted front fenders, a beltline chrome strip from front to back. All by itself in the ultra-low field, Willys has dropped its prices 12% to $495 to $620. Improvements: New-type soft springs with rubber-lined clips, counterweight crankshaft, automatic carburetor.
*No. 1 industry: steel.