The New Models

Detroit made a fast start into 1956 last week. As most of the automakers rolled out their new models for the press, the assembly lines were already turning out the cars at a rate of 124,000 a week. Though many dealers still worried about the number of '55 models standing on their lots, the carryover was rapidly shrinking. G.M. reported the best early September sales in its history.

As expected, prices will be up on almost all new cars. Ford, first to hand out its list, tacked almost 5% on to the prices of last year's models, and other car prices are expected to be more or less in line with Ford. What will buyers get for the extra money?

Cadillac's 1956 standard models were only face-lifted from last year. The major change is in the engine, with a boost in horsepower from 250 to 285 on most models. An optional new feature: gold-trimmed front grilles and wheel disks.

Cadillac's biggest news was the Eldorado Brougham, which will come out in midyear as the answer to Ford Motor Co.'s $10,000 Continental. The low (54-in.), four-passenger Brougham will have pivoting seats (for easier entry), a 3O5-h.p. engine and an $8,500 price tag. Cadillac has no worries about its '55 inventory. At the latest count, dealers had an average of only 1.4 unsold '55 models--and a total of 64,000 unfilled orders for '56 models.

Buick made only minor changes, announced that its new models will go on sale the first week in November. After elbowing Plymouth out of the industry's No. 3 spot last year, Buick Manager Ivan L. Wiles has fixed his sights on the No. 2 spot, now alternating between Ford and Chevrolet. Buick will up production by 100,000 cars to 900,000 in '56, and to a round 1,000,000 in '57.

Studebaker-Packard has spent $100 million for new design, retooling and facilities in a bid for bigger sales this year.

Studebaker abandoned the bullet-nosed, sports-car look designed by Raymond Loewy, in favor of a car that more closely resembles those of the Big Three. President James Nance thinks that an independent auto cannot compete by radical design, must be built to look like other cars. Packard offers minor changes in grille, hood and chrome, and a pushbutton transmission control mounted on the steering post.

Mercury added three new models, including the low-priced, two-door Medalist, with less chrome and decoration. It also upped its horsepower from 198 to 225 on some models, and adopted the Ford safety package: "deep-dish" steering wheel to absorb impacts, crash-resistant door locks, optional seat belts.

Since the mid-1930s, Britain's famed MG sports car has made few changes in its appearance. Every time Morris Motors suggested a styling change, devoted MG owners rose in protest and demanded that the company preserve the oldfashioned, unstreamlined body with its high fenders, running boards and narrow hood. But last week the '56 MG showed up in U.S. showrooms with a new face. It had rakish lines, fat fenders, a curved windshield--and looked just like any other small sports car.

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