Indholdsfortegnelse for July 1958 i MotorTrend

WE HAVE BEEN IN on many discussions, both inside and outside our offices, as to why new cars are not selling at the rate they were last year. We’ve heard all sorts of reasons, ranging from, “They have too much horsepower,” to “I don’t trust any new car dealer.” Some of the other excuses for not buying a new ’58 have included: “I can’t afford one. They’re too high.” “I don’t like any of the styles.” “Our salesmen don’t know how to get out there and make the ‘hard sell’.” “They’re just too darn big. Why don’t they make them smaller like the little foreign jobs?” “I’m confused by the prices I get from different dealers. You can’t tell if you’re getting a good deal or are being taken.” “They…

LETDOWN IN AUTOMOBILE production in Detroit has brought a plethora of panaceas to get things back on the beam. Some are as silly as suggesting to a quail hunter that he shoot his dog to flush the covey; other are sound. Best of the bunch is the idea now being considered in Washington (and may already be law when you read this) to attach the manufacturer’s suggested delivered price to the windshield of every car leaving a plant. This listing would show the equipment included in the price, and the removal or revision of the suggested price tag would be illegal. ALL FACTORIES and the majority of dealers have endorsed this move, which would certainly go a long way toward removing the hocus-pocus that has been a bugaboo to car…

The new racing novel Twenty-Four Hours at Le Mans by J. A. Gregoire is one of, if not the best fiction yet derived from racing. The author is a solid member of the racing fraternity, having driven the Le Mans circuit four consecutive years during the ’20s in a Tracta—taking first in class twice. He is better known to the younger generation as inventor of the first French gas turbine record car, the Hotchkiss-Gregoire automobile, and the engineer who pioneered the front-wheel drive used in the Citroen and the Dyna Panhard. With this broad background in the field of automotives and racing, Mr. Gregoire’s novel reads more like an exciting description of fact. Except for the “Maller” turbo car and its assorted crew and hangers-on, most of the characters and…

BRITAIN’S RALLY-BRED SUNBEAM RAPIER has been given a new suit and a bucket full of vitamins. Without becoming too flamboyant, the Rapier has been “Detroitized” through the clever use of old and new body panels. Gross horsepower has been boosted from 67 to 73 bhp by boring the engine from 1390cc to 1494cc (91.13 cubic inches), raising compression, adding larger valves and an extra carburetor. In keeping with the car’s world rally successes, the new engine has been labeled the “Rallymaster.” The MT test car was one of the first Rapier convertibles to reach the West Coast, and is a new venture for the Rootes Group. Through the ingenious use of hoops, hinges and arms, the top can be adjusted to three positions: fully closed (it is watertight); fully open…

NOT SINCE DRIVING the Moretti coupe have I seen so many people gawk in admiration as I drove by, and not since the first TR-2 arrived have I had so much fun just driving around—all this in a beautifully styled Abarth-Fiat coupe. Entering the tiny machine for the first time (point your derriere and drop in) is a surprise. For a car sporting an overall length of 11 feet, a height of 3 feet 10 inches, and weight of 1200 pounds, the Abarth has an unbelievable amount of usable space. A six-footer (once he’s in) can push the plush bucket seats back until he can just toe the pedals and hold the beautiful competition wheel at arm’s length—with plenty of space behind the seats for luggage. Lineage of this miniature…

At the time the following interview was conducted, 56 cars had been entered in the 1958 Indianapolis race—11 of them without drivers and nine of them with drivers who had not yet passed the rookie driver’s test. Does this imply that there is a shortage in championship race driver material? This is possible and yet we receive many inquiries from young people as to how they can begin a career in racing. Sam Hanks seemed a logical person to ask. Here are his answers. Q. Sam, many of our young readers are thinking about adopting racing as a career. If you could go back to 1936, when you first started, would you do it all over again? A. I’ve been racing for 21 years and if I had to live…

LEAK-LOCATOR—Summer-thin lube often leaks through winter-shrunk gaskets. (See sketch at right.) Look for: A—Leaks here suggest need for new timing-chain seal. B—Oil-pan gasket leaks. Tighten or replace. C—Main bearing engine oil seal (heavier lube indicates leaking transmission seal). D—Transmission cover gasket or speedometer seal. E—Transmission rear bearing seal, also indicated by oil splattered across under-body. (If car has torque tube, oil may run back, over-fill rear end and be forced into brakes.) F—Differential oil seal. G—When back of wheel is covered with oil, replace axle oil seal to prevent brake grab and slip. Check “E.” H—DANGER! Brake leakage. I—Tighten or replace differential gasket. Tighten plug. J—Leaky shocks usually need replacement. YOU’ LL WONDER WHERE THE YELLOW WENT—You can clean the plastic lenses of dashboard dials and gauges—and even remove minor…

WHEN A CAR BATTERY is low, the regulator automatically increases the generator charging rate until the battery is fully charged; the regulator then cuts down the charging rate to avoid harmful overcharging. The function of the regulator is dependent on battery condition. As batteries grow older a chemical change takes place which increases internal cell resistance and makes the battery more difficult to charge. Thus a regulator set charging rate to avoid harmful overcharging. A device called Battery Brain is designed to compensate for this normal battery aging. An electro-thermal switch overrides the regulator action when the battery charge is low so that the charging rate is increased. The device also serves to protect the generator from exceeding its rated output to a point where damage could result. A ’55…

“CAR OF THE YEAR“ Gentlemen: Now that the Thunderbird has switched to unit body construction, which was pioneered in this country by American Motors, you give them an award. I suppose if a Ford should ever become as economical to operate as a Rambler you’ll give Ford an award for introducing economy to the American automobile scene. Abner Hord Huntington, W. Va. Gentlemen: I nominate to oblivion the 1958 Thunderbird. Its front end is ugly, the rear deck dowdy, the side lines lack symmetry. H. S. Durland Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Mr. Woron: THUNDERBIRD? Forest P. Clark State College, Pa. “SHARE THE PROFITS” Editor: About this Reuther vs. Detroit “Share the Profits.” L. L. Colbert, President of Chrysler Corp., says rising costs are caused by people not giving a full…

CUSTOM RANCHERO Here is a drawing of a customized Ford Ranchero, which, in my opinion, would make an ideal inexpensive custom. The cab, bed and trim will retain stock Ford Ranchero parts and the front fenders, grille, bumpers and hood possibly could come from a 1958 Edsel Ranger or Pacer. As for the engine, I believe the 1958 Mercury 400-horsepower Super Marauder and overdrive transmission with Mercury limited-slip rear end would complete the package. John Paul Ortmann Toledo, Ohio REVIVE THE CLASSICS? This classic design started out as a jest against the “revive the classic” school of thought. The finished product, however, seems to me an interesting study. I tried to design every known stereotype of that era into the car. It is a low car with a long wheelbase,…

SIMPLY STATED, the question was this: “Are the sixes good economy buys?” The “sixes” meant today’s six-cylinder automobiles. “Good economy buys” meant are the sixes less expensive to operate than the modem V8s? To find the answer to this question it was necessary to take a step back into time. I felt something like the man on the television program who had a machine that would transport him back in time to any date he chose. The only difference was that he had fun. Getting behind the throttle pedal of a six-cylinder engine today is like ripping the last five years from the face of automotive history. And those good old days weren’t too good as far as the performance of some automobiles was concerned. Few automobile manufacturers are doing…

IN ALL FAIRNESS, I must start off by admitting that I have been a Porsche-hater for lo these many years. Therefore, it was with misgivings that I wheeled a 1600 Super Speedster from the spotless confines of Competition Motors in Hollywood. Some 14 days later (under much pressure) I reluctantly returned the beautiful little car—a fresh convert to the ever-growing congregation of avid Porsche worshipers. It seems that while I have been nursing memories of the old unpredictable post-war models, Dr. Porsche has been busy rearranging the innards of his silver spoons without carving up the exterior. Capitalizing on the example set by Daimler-Benz, Dr. Porsche has been using his racing teams to develop the touring Porsche. By rearranging the chassis member, the Porsche engineers have been able to mount…

UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO Italy conjured up for me a vision of spaghetti and meatballs, pizza pie, fast cars, beautiful women, and “Arrividerci, Roma.” Since my visit through the northern part of the country, I have a new picture. In it I’ve substituted tortellini, fettucini and saltimbocca for the American version of Italian dishes, added fast drivers to the fast cars and the slow ones, and even more beautiful women. Liberally sprinkled over this picture is a variety of subjects older than yesterday, and newer than tomorrow, an assortment of automobile factories that produce as few as 12 cars a year and as many as 1300 a day, bicycle and motor-bike traffic to confuse your path wherever you go, and more custom-built small cars in one square on one…

BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING for a used car, spend a few minutes with a pencil and paper to jot down how you will use the car, and how much of your budget you can devote to your car—either on a cash or a time basis. This small “think” session will save time and costly mistakes. Some basic questions to ask yourself are: Do you want prestige? Must you keep up with the Joneses? Do you need just a utility car? IN A PRESTIGE CAR, stay with a brand name and a car with not too many accessories, for best resale value. If you are buying nearly new, remember that a car depreciates 25-30 per cent in its first year, sometimes more. From then it graduates down to 20-25 per cent…

HOW MANY TIMES have you been stuck with more stuff than you can possibly cram into the trunk or back seat of your car? That’s what happened to us recently when we were planning a weekend outing of fishing and fun in the high Sierras. Our outboard motor, fuel tanks, thermos jugs, fishing tackle, sleeping bags, and other usual camping paraphernalia would have had to go into a second car if we hadn’t come across one of the handiest carry-alls seen in a long time. This particular one-wheeled trailer was originally developed in Sweden about 10 years ago. Most interesting advantage of the unit is that it is fully collapsible, folding into an easily storable package of 12×43 inches, plus a small space required for the 4.00x8 tire. It can…

Requirements are: copy limit of 25 words (not including name and address); 1st come, 1st served; we reserve the right to edit where necessary: we are not responsible for accuracy of description, although we will reject any misleading statements. This service is not open to commercial advertisers. No ads will be accepted if payment is not made in advance, and such communications will not be acknowledged. Only one CAR may be listed in any single Sell ’N’ Swap insertion. This limitation will not apply to parts, catalogs, etc. The charge is $4 per insertion. If your car is unusual and you have a photo of it suitable for publication, you may submit it with your ad. If we decide to print it there’s no cost to you for the cut,…

“One car in 1959 will have a compound contour windshield which will extend well back into the forward end of the roof line, permitting the driver to see a traffic light almost directly overhead.” TRUE—All GM lines for 1959 will have this type windshield and some models will have similar rear windows or backlights. “Some cars in 1959 will have cyclops headlights mounted in the center of the radiator with normal running lights mounted in the fenders.” TRUE—At least as of now. Our spies say Oldsmobile will divide its lighting equipment in this way—but, of course, that can be changed. “Willys Motors Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, in conjunction with other American interests, will shortly resume production of its passenger car lines (discontinued in the United States with the 1954 model)…

THE DAIMLER-BENZ purchase of controlling interest in Auto-Union, reported here last month, appears to be only the beginning of new combinations, secret or overt, which are steps toward a European common market. Faced with the decision of whether to fight competitors or come to terms with them, heads of leading independent factories in France and Germany are adopting the latter course. Far-reaching agreements for division of markets and avoidance of competitive models are currently being drafted. Fiat, who controlled Simca before World War II, have resumed close technical collaboration, assigning top Fiat engineers to Simca in Paris. Ford is said to have a 17 per cent interest in Simca following absorption of the French Ford factory by Simca. Another agreement gives Peugeot the right to use Renault distribution facilities in…

WHEN ROBERT MITCHUM decided to film Thunder Road, his own story of the illegal whiskey traffic in the south-eastern section of the United States, he wanted the scenes of the hazardous transporting of “moonshine” by hopped-up cars to be spectacular. He also insisted that “the stunts be rigged so it’ll be safe for everyone concerned.” Mitchum’s first move to insure “spectacle with safety” was to hire one of Hollywood’s top stunt men, Carey Loftin, to work out the details of each of the numerous “turn-arounds,” “crash-throughs,” and “flip-overs” called for in the script of the United Artists release. The toughest stunt of the picture came when Robert Mitchum, as a “moonshine transporter,” speeds along a deserted mountain road at night, wheels around a gradual curve and suddenly comes upon a…

UNTIL THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, customs from the East could easily be distinguished from those modified in the West. Not so, today. Molded grille shells, extended and reshaped front and rear fenders, installation of quad headlights, changed side trim, and the usual lowering so that the car hugs the ground, are Eastern customizing efforts seen in the photos on these pages. Different perhaps, however, is the Meteor grille used on th ’56 Ford convertible (top photos). This type of installation, of course, probably resulted from the proximity of Canada to Wyandotte, Mich., the originating point of this custom. Also set apart from the West are the small window opening in the convertible (right), and the bubble-type rear fender skirts (above). Be that as it may, the custom trends of…

RUMORS HAVE ABOUNDED in recent months to the effect that there would soon be a new small Chevrolet offered for public sale. We are now in a position to confirm those rumors. We have actually tested two prototype examples! How did we accomplish this almost impossible feat? It was simple. Driving up outside the famous General Motors Proving Grounds at Milford, Mich., we waited until the gate guards were busily engaged in keeping out a group of GM development engineers, then marched right in with a platoon of maintenance men. Once inside, we just walked purposefully to the experimental garage. Nothing to it. Looking at the two experimental small Chevrolets we found there, we were immediately impressed with the degree to which their design had been influenced by the more…

OUT ON THE VIA TRECATE in Turin, deep-chested Carlo Abarth has built up a nice business promoting deep breathing by internal combustion engines. His multi-carburetor manifolds and low-loss exhaust systems persuade extra power from most Italian production engines and a large number of foreign ones. Conversion sets are available for the British Ford Zephyr and Austin A-30, for France’s Citroen, Simca, Dyna Panhard and Peugeot 203, and for Germany’s Volkswagen, Mercedes 180 and 220, and Borgward Isabella. His silencers are standard equipment on Alfa Romeos and Ferraris. The constant demand for Abarth transformation magic keeps 110 workers busy. The innumerable competition successes gained by Abarth products, combined with Abarth’s German origin, might lead one to expect elaborately instrumented laboratories with air-flow rigs, meters for measurement of gas flow, manometers and…

Cash prizes for your racing and motor sports pictures. The editors of MOTOR TREND are looking for the three best photos or sequences of photos taken each month in the field of motor sports. And this includes all forms of motorized racing—sports cars, stock cars, motorcycles, drag racing, midget autos, sprint cars, speedboats—anything that is exciting and pictorial. This month’s winners should give you an idea of what we are looking for. Picture quality, good composition, current news value, and photos that tell a story are what we want. First prize is $25, second $15 and third award is $10. If we select a picture sequence, we will pay the place award for the first photo plus $7.50 for each additional picture used in the series. Please identify all photos…

ROCKER PANELS take a beating from high curbs and gravel and are highly vulnerable to rust and corrosion. To cover up damaged rocker panels on older cars and as a protective “dress-up” accessory for new cars, a new Rocker Panel Moulding has been developed. The mouldings are constructed of stainless steel in a fluted pattern. A unique telescoping feature makes two sizes fit 90 per cent of all cars. Installation requires about an hour, and screw-heads do not show when the job is completed. The 2½-inch width are $17.95 per pair and the 3½-inch width $22.95 per pair. The manufacturer is Gro-boski Industries, 4344 S. Western Ave., Chicago, Ill. WE COULD NOT HELP but admire some new hand-wrought, heavy-gauge, sterling mono-gram jewelry. Each piece is individually cut out, hammered and…

RECENTLY A NUMBER of home chrome-plating kits have reached the market and we were anxious to see if they would solve the problem of touching up damaged chrome. We deliberately picked a difficult test area in the form of a ’56 T-Bird bumper which was badly pitted and corroded in the vicinity of the exhaust tips. Our plating kit was the Empire Speed Plater containing 11 items and selling for $34.95 (smaller kit for $13.95). We followed the directions and found the grinding and buffing to be the most important operation. All old chrome, pits and scratches must be removed and the base metal must be absolutely clean and smooth before the plating is applied. The actual plating is done with an electric brush connected to the car battery. First…

TWO SPINSTER TEACHERS finally realized one of their life-long ambitions—a summer vacation in Europe. To be in the latest traveling fashion, each rented a small rear-engined car to tour some of the country. During their first day on the road one of the cars conked out. The two non-mechanical tourists finally dared to raise the front hood of the stalled car, and peek underneath. “Why, no wonder, Matilda,” said the driver of the other car knowingly, “you’ve lost your engine. But don’t fret—I have a spare one in my trunk.” HOPPED-UP HERITAGE Seen at Sebring among the cars in the parking area was this sway-backed, high-roofed custom that bore this legend: “Mother was a Mercury. My Daddy? Ford, GM, Chrysler, Hot rod? Mother doesn’t know.”…