Motor Car Bodies of 1916—
Good and Bad
By John Jay Ide
THE average American automobile manufacturer has finally grasped some of the essentials of streamline form as far as open bodies are concerned. There are now only a few makers who cling to such features as the wide radiator, straight-sided hood and bulging cowl, low body sides affording little protection to the occupants, and upholstery protuding above the top rail. Of the cars offending in the respects mentioned several are splendid productions mechanically. One would think that the makers would be ashamed to mount coach work of such antiquated design on their chassis.
Fortunately, these are extreme cases; the average body is a credit to the American industry. Strange to say, some of the cheaper cars are better looking than their higher priced competitors, although the palm for beauty must be awarded to a fairly expensive machine produced in Ohio. The builders of this car introduced the double cowl into stock body design last year and its effect may be seen in the number of double cowl bodies offered to the public for 1916. In fact, this type bids fair to become more popular than the body with an aisle between the front seats. In this connection it may be remarked that in December, 1912, the writer designed what is believed to be the first double cowl body mounted on an American chassis. A photograph of the car is shown on this page.
Among the features adopted on some 1916 cars is the "concealed" door, having no mouldings around it. As the hinges are not exposed, the streamline effect is heightened, but, unless the workmanship is very good, the joint between the door and body widens so that in time the door is concealed only in name.
A sporting type body designed by the author. Notice the high sides, pointed wind-
shield, concealed top and disk wheels. In insert, above, a double cowl body designed
by the writer in December, 1912. The two rear seats are divided by an arm
For years the windshield of the aver-
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