Fojpvlar Science Monthly 



age American was distinguished by mas- 

 sive stay rods, attached to the frame and 

 fairly successfully blocking access to the 

 motor. Now, however, except in one or 

 two cars it is made strong enough to 

 stand alone. Many screens appear to 

 have been attached to the body as an 

 afterthought. This is the result of fit- 

 ting ready made shields instead of de- 

 signing them at the same time as the 

 bodies. 



The ugly filler board at the base of the 

 windshield is not considered as indis- 

 pensable as formerly, but one well-known 

 car continues it in the guise of a venti- 

 lator. On some machines the sides of 

 the screens curve in at the bottom. This 

 is not only ungraceful, but also inefii- 

 cient, as the front seat occupants are not 

 so well protected as they would be if 

 the screen was its full width at the base. 

 The slanting windshield was introduced 

 last year, but has not yet been much 

 copied. 



Auxiliary seats, instead of folding 

 against the side of the car, now often 

 disappear into recesses behind the front 

 seats. The double cowl lends itself well 

 to this construction. 



Most cars have crowned mudguards 

 but a few are equipped with the more 

 advanced domed type. Domed guards 

 not only look better, but also can be 

 moulded in one piece with the aprons, 

 thus removing a possible source of 

 squeaking. Many mudguards are not 

 carried far enough down behind the rear 

 wheels to protect the spare tires or 

 trunk from mud. Also, the clearance be- 

 tween top of the wheels and the guards 

 is often absurdly great, even when the 

 car is fully loaded. 



The detachable top for winter use was 

 brought out last year and is now sup- 

 plied by a number of makers. It gives 

 some of the advantages of a sedan for 

 a few hundred dollars. A bad feature 

 is the impossibility of opening any win- 

 dows except those in the doors. Very 

 rarely does a detachable top look any- 

 thing but what it is. The veriest novice 

 would not be deceived. 



In the average American car the top 

 of the frame is about twenty-six inches 

 above the ground and the running board 

 is eighteen inches. And yet the manufac- 

 turer wonders why he cannot obtain that 



99 



This body builds up too much towards 

 rear. Frame and running boards are too 

 high. Exposed upholstery and wind- 

 shield stay rods are relics of the past 



Height is too great. Windows when 

 lowered clear down, are little more than 

 half way. Curved door top breaks 

 sweep of roof. In spite of these de- 

 merits the appearance is good 



Fine, large rear side lights. Windows 



open only partially. Handle of front 



door should be concealed as it is not 



on level with the rear one 



Clearance between front of rear whee 

 and mudguard is insufficient. Rear 

 deck terminates ungracefully. Other- 

 wise the car is successful 



