FOURS AND SIXES

The Tendencies of the New Cars, and the Effects of the War on American Makers

NOW that the announcements of at least two-thirds of the 1915 models of motor cars are out, the features of the trend of design for the coming season, touched upon in the last issue of Vanity Fair, stand out with increased distinctness. Of the noteworthy points the most important, perhaps, is the maintained and even increased popularity of six cylinder cars. Of course, the buying public will absorb more four cylinder cars than sixes, just as it has done since the motor car engine first resolved itself into these two types, but it will have a larger number of sixes to chose from than ever before and all things considered, a better field from which to choose them.

Undoubtedly the demand for lighter weight has been met in full measure. Not only all of the six cylinder models, with only enough exceptions to prove the rule, much lighter even than the lightened cars of the current season, but the slogan "light" has been extended to take in the four as well, and the "light four" is the companion of the "light six" in the propaganda of the majority of makers of both types. "Light" in this sense, is not a mere talking point either; the cars actually are much lighter for their horse power and wheel base than heretofore. The saving in weight is accomplished by the use of better steels, by simplification of design, by the elimination of some housings found to be unnecessary and in every way that the ingenuity of the engineers can devise. The reduction in a number of cases amounts to several hundred pounds, which is a good deal on the road and is sure to find its reflection in less frequent tire changes and a reduced drain on the gasoline tank. Even if you have no vital interest in the expense of motoring these two factors are important to you in the matter of convenience.

For the diminishing, but still considerable number of American motorists who have always felt that to satisfy their demand for the best in cars they must fill their garages with machines of foreign marque, the great war in Europe has presented an interesting question. It is a question which has, too, an important reverberation for the maker of high-grade cars in this country. What is to happen in the motor carriage import trade? It is still too early, perhaps, to answer that question completely, but two or three points have made themselves fairly clear.

In the first place, the far-sighted importer has prepared for a rainy day, so to speak, and laid in a goodly stock of chasses. He will be able to supply the demand for some time to come. The local agent of one of the leading French cars has been fortunate in this respect. He has enough chasses on hand to take care of his trade for many months and believes that his business could survive a war of a year's duration.

On the other hand, the dealer in a German make with a great reputation for speed has only two or three chasses left and feels that his business is temporarily, at least, at an end. At present it seems probable that the few makes of English cars which come to this country can be continued and the same may be said of the Italian makes. Nearly all of the importers have been provident enough to carry a large supply of parts, so that those who now own foreign cars need not feel any anxiety on the score of replacements. This is especially true because it is not probable that any of the foreign makers in countries involved in the conflict will bring out new models while it is in progress, and, therefore, the parts now on hand will be suitable for replacement in the cars in use.

to the war's effect on American makers there seems to be little doubt. Ultimately, if not at once, it must benefit them greatly. As regards the machines of the higher price, they may be confidently expected to take the place largely of their imported rivals. It offers them a unique opportunity to demonstrate the claim that as good machines are being made on this as on the other side of the Atlantic. Also, with the stoppage of supply from abroad, there must be a great demand in Latin America for motor cars and this is a demand which our makers alone will be in a position to supply. Therefore, in spite of the tension of the world situation caused by the conflagration in Europe, our automobile manufacturers belong to the genus optimist.

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IF, broadly speaking, we must supply the world with its motor cars for some time to come, we can still lake lessons from Europe in the matter of making their use as joyful and comfortable as possible. Indeed we arc doing so in ever-increasing measure, in point is the care which the Royal Automobile Club of England gives its full or associate members, whose numbers, by the way, form a majority of British motorists. The system of road patrols employed in England is too well known to need description here. It has recently been extended to provide against theft. Should a car be stolen every road man of the R. A. C. is at once provided with a description of the missing vehicle, minute enough to be useful, and, in nine cases out of ten, a quick recovery is the result. Similarly everything is done to enable the motorist to get the most out of his car. A step in this direction which is likely to be imitated in many parts of the country, is the recent extension of its efficiency bureau service by the Automobile Club of America. Under the new plan, daily observation is made of a member's car and a report prepared at stated intervals, showing just what mileage he is securing from his tires; just how many miles each gallon of gasoline is taking him; what repairs or adjustments, not essential to operation, could be made to give him more satisfactory running; and, last but not least, a complete table of costs.

Close supervision of this sort when the car is in the garage is the thing which spells long days on the road without worry or annoyance from minor breakdowns. It may make all the difference between exultant and vituperative motoring.

IF you are planning some Fall touring don't overlook the iml>ortant item of baggage. Proper baggage means touring comfort and there is little excuse for using ordinary hand luggage for the motor trip nowadays. Special trunks may easily be had not only for trunk rack, but also for running board and tonneau. A good thing to provide, especially at this season, is a water-proof carry-all, which may be had in a number of forms, for the robe rail at the back of the front seat. It will not only keep your extra coats and wraps dry but will protect them from the dust of the road and store them in the most, convenient way possible.

ONE of the interesting novelties of the season, illustrated in this issue, is the detachable sedan top. In this new form of body all the joining bolts, top irons and hinges are concealed beneath the lining of the car. The electric wiring is automatically connected as the two halves of the body meet. The work of converting the car from a touring to a closed form car can be done in a few minutes by anyone who can use a wrench and screwdriver. The top is a logical outgrowth of the two-door type of body.

TRUSTWORTHY rumors are in the air of the coming announcement, by one of the leading American builders of four cylinder cars, of an eight cylinder model. The new car will be no larger or heavier than the present four, it is said, although it will mount two sets of cylinders in V shape. This form is a new one to the American market, although a well-known French car of eight cylinders has been on sale here for more than a year.

To any single department— motors, for instance—Vanity Fair am naturally allot only a very small portion of its pages. It is however, always ready to take up in correspondence with its readers any matters of motor interest. We shall be glad not only to answer questions and secure catalogues, but, if you desire, to aid you in the selection of cars and accessories, and to keep you informed of the latest innovations in the automobile world. A postal card will bring you the name of the manufacturer of articles described in this department of Vanity Fair and advice as to where they can be purchased.