The trend of bodywork design is to be as low
as possible, this often curtailing the size of the windows owing to the high waist-line. To overcome the consequent lack of ventilation, single pane wind screens which slide in vertical guides, and ventilators in roof and scuttle are being extensively used. In the opposite direction, a number of cars arc fitted with foot- rests heated by the exhaust. Two points are, to my mind, of paramount importance ; one is the use of some form of unsplinterable glass throughout ; the other is a device for dipping headlights. The latter in one of its several forms is becoming more common and in a number of cars is a standard fitting. The special glass is almost without exception an expensive extra. The exclusion of rain is a point which so far has not been cared for as it should. At present the only way to exclude rain is to close all windows and ventilators tight. This keeps out the rain, it is true, but the. atmosphere becomes unbearable in a short tinie, and the steamy moisture quickly formed prevents one seeing through the windows. Seating is generally loW, and tools which were-too often-underneath the passengers' seats are now generally accommodated in boxes let into or below the running boards. A neat device of a stream-lined and detachable tool box between the front dumb irons has been brought out ; this is particularly accessible and does not break the clean line of the running board. Flexible steering wheels which prevent the driver's arms being jarred by road shocks arc now to be had, which, combined with the medium pressure balloon tyre now so widely used, greatly reduce jolting and, fatigue to both driver and passengers. NOVELTIES AT OLYMPIA.
It is impossible to give details of even a fraction of the types and makes which are being shown. There are in all one hundred stands showing different cars and of this number it is gratifying to note that forty-five are British. Next comes France with twenty-one " and Ainerica runs her close with seventeen. Two German and two Austrian makes are shown. A new and noteworthy -exhibit is a range of Mercedes cars shown by the British Mercedes Company. There are six models from a- 16/50 2 litre to a Grand Prix sports rated at
36/220 h.p. Four of these models are fitted with super- chargers, and the maximum speeds given for the different
chassis range from 55 to 11025 m.p.h., the large chassis price being £2,000. It must be remembered that while the super- charger is in use it is somewhat noisy, but that normally it is seldom required and the ear runs quietly and swiftly withoui
it. A visit to the Rolls-Royce stand reveals only minor alterations to the New Phantom of last year. Hydraulic shock absorbers, a new petrol tank. with a reserve, and a dash lamp which lights up when the engine gets too hot are almost the only changes. The price is the same, and the 20 h.p. model has now four wheel brakes fitted as standard and sells at £1,185.
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