MotorTrend June 1953

HIGHLIGHTED BY SPECIAL EXHIBITS from numerous automobile manufacturers, the first annual Michigan Motor Show will be held in Detroit, June 2-7, in three large buildings at Michigan State Fair Grounds. A limited amount of commercial space is still available. Anyone interested in obtaining such space or in exhibiting a car for show purposes should write or call Harry Cushing, Michigan Motor Show, Inc., 3107 Book Bldg., Detroit 26, Mich. Woodward 3-8660. SAME DODGE THAT WON its class in the 1953 Mobilgas Economy Run (with 23.42 mpg) will take a crack at AAA National stock car record, Class “C” closed car division. Attempt will probably be made sometime around May 1st. Car was impounded by AAA after Run to certify its stock condition. Highest speed in Class “C” is held by…

NEW IMPROVEMENTS ON THE ‘53 DODGE Gentlemen: Just a few lines to let you know I liked your report on the ‘53 Dodge V-8. Think it may have had a little to do with getting the improvements made on the ones coming out of the factory now. The latest ones have backing in rear of front seat, more foam rubber in the seats, better covering on floor of trunk, better insulation of body, better finish on inside and outside, rear vent glasses open now, etc. Would like to see you make a test of the V-8 with Gyromatic and regular transmission later on. Read the article on DSM coil in the March issue. Think test of all accessories should be made on popular American-made cars. More people would be interested.…

DETROIT, MICHIGAN—High performance V-8s from the auto industry’s mass production lines are set to challenge the world’s top race cars this year. At Le Mans an American team will enter a radically new Allard in the 24-hour grind. It is powered by a Cadillac engine essentially the same as that installed in the GM firm’s experimental Fiberglas show car. The major difference in the two mills is a lower compression ratio (8:1, necessitated by poor quality European fuel) and the fitting of a full-race camshaft plus two four-barrel carburetors. Hydraulic valve lifters are retained, which may surprise many enthusiasts, and there is no change in bore and stroke. With these modifications, the engine puts out 260 bhp @ 5200 rpm. A three-speed manual gear box is used for swapping cogs.…

INTEREST IN THINGS automotive has been steadily growing since the end of World War II. In many ways it has been only natural. During the war people got along with their 1941 or older cars, accepting their lot without much beefing. Once the war ended, everyone turned to the No. 2 investment in most families—the automobile. In 1946 new models were sold at premium prices as fast as they could be produced. Sales have kept up a fantastic pace with little sign of leveling off. Prices—that thorn-in-the-side of every prospective purchaser of a new car—may finally be on the downgrade, with Chrysler initiating the lead in this welcomed direction. It’s too early to tell, however, and there are no immediate indications that other manufacturers will follow suit. Have you ever…

In Spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of—a summer vacation. Young or old, you may be making plans now for that yearly excursion to places new or old, that mean a change from the winter’s grind. We hope these tips add miles of pleasure to your travels this summer. When you start planning where to go and what to take, plan on taking your car to a reputable garage for a complete checkup. If more than minor repairs are necessary, be sure your car will be ready in time for you to leave on the day set for your trip. Your car may run perfectly around the city, but you may find the engine misses at highway speeds. To avoid this; have your spark plugs and points…

YES, MR. MOTORIST, the traffic problem is yours—all yours. You created it, you suffer in it, you pay for it; but fortunately you can solve it. Much has been written about this unwanted, hydra-headed monstrosity that has been growing up with you. The traffic problem is almost accepted as a necessary evil. The average person has developed an almost casual indifference to the congestion, destruction, and death which flirt with him daily. The waste and inefficiencies caused by the traffic problem reach into every home and have a major influence on our national economy. Increasing automobile registration and increased numbers of drivers on the highway add yearly to its scope and seriousness. The solution lies in your awareness of the effect of the problem on you personally and in your…