Who Won the $50 Prize
��The Popular Science Monthly's automobile-naming contest was a close one. There were several hundred contestants. The prize of $50 was awarded to Herman
- F. Lippe, of New York, While seventy-eight contestants gave the names of the
cars correctly, he gave the best reasons for the adoption of the features shown in the photographs that we published. Below are the winner's answers.
��1. PACKARD twelve-cylinder motor, char- acterized by great power per unit of weight due to small cylinders with light pistons; short length due to cylinder placing; even power application due to frequency of cylinder explosions and small vibra- tion due to light reciprocating parts. It is identified by removable cylinder heads for ease in cleaning; hot water-jacketed intake manifold to heat incoming gases for better carburation and use of lower grade fuel; removable water jacket plates for cleaning and silent chain camshaft and generator drive for quiet- ness. Crankcase fins cool motor oil. Cooling water under thermostatic control for motor efficiency.
2. Cab of the PACKARD twelve-cylinder car, identified by brake and gearshift levers on left and separate control box on steering column under wheel. The control box mounts the carbureter adjustment, switches for vehicle lights and ignition switch which must be turned before motor can be started. This control arrangement is convenient for driver who does not have to reach forward to dash panel or take his eyes off road in dimming lights. Car is also identified by ventilating cowl to admit air desired. Windshield is adjustable to suit weather conditions. Gasoline pressure feed pump on steering column is convenient.
3. The LOCOMOBILE seven-passenger touring car is identified by distinctive headlights with dim- mer lamps in rectangular recesses at top for city driving. No other car has headlights of just this shape. Shape is for distinctiveness and integral con- struction for economy as small side lamps are un- necessary. Note pleasing shape of engine hood and graceful joining with body. Note tool compartment doors in running board apron for convenience and rear tonneau step light to prevent mis-step at night. The high body sides keep out much dust in touring, while comfort is obtained by deep upholstery.
4. STUTZ touring car showing low body, ex- treme pitch of steering wheel and low driver's seat. The low-sided body gives style and a low center of gravity for safety and speed, a characteristic of the car. Low driver's seat and wheel position are for comfort. The outside horn enables it to produce a louder noise. The windshield braces strengthen it at high speeds against breakage. They also make windshield end bars stronger to support top. Center cowl with compartments for gloves, etc., is con- venient. The aluminum band between body and hood adds distinction of no practical value.
5. Tonneau of the LOCOMOBILE touring car, distinguished by shape of front seat and upholstery for comfort; large door handle for ease in opening and two auxiliary seats which fold into a recess in the rear of the front seat when not in use. Seat supports give plenty of leg-room for rear seat pas- sengers, for comfort when touring. Supports are out of way in floor recesses when seats are not used, giving plenty of room in tonneau without floor obstruction. This is also a comfort-giving detail. Large tonneau door also makes for ease in getting in or out.
��6. The PIERCE-ARROW, distinguished by in- tegral headlights and fenders for distinction; the graceful fenders for beauty and the ventilators in hood top to allow heat given off by motor to escape. The integral headlights are optional equipment. They permit free access of air to full radiator front; outline width of car at night ; throw light in path of wheels but are difficult to repair when fenders are bent by collision, sometimes due to extreme over- hang when turning sharp corners. The heat through hood top is deflected by windshield which is kept clear of snow due to melting.
7. SCRIPPS-BOOTH car, showing radiator with V-shaped front for distinctiveness, less wind resistance and greater cooling space for engine; short hood and Igng cowl with unusual yet pleasing angle break between curvature of cowl top and side. Note the low frame and body for lower center of gravity and safety in driving. Notice outside door handle for easy opening and rake of steering wheel for staggered driver's seat. Due to narrow width of the small car, staggered seats are employed for roominess and comfort. In the roadster model, a detachable stool seat is employed for the third passenger.
8. Distinctive radiator and power plant of the OWEN-MAGNETIC. A six-cylinder gas engine is incorporated with an electro-magnetic clutch to transmit the power to the rear wheels by magnetic lines^of force through an air space. The propeller shaft has no mechanical connection with the engine and cannot transmit shocks. This driving method eliminates the conventional gearset, flywheel and clutch, and their levers, and the starting and lighting units. Any number of speeds may be obtained by varying the slippage of the electric clutch. Smooth running and extreme ease of operation are features.
9. The STUTZ four-cylinder, sixteen-valve motor, identified by the two-bladed aluminum aero- plane radiator fan which is lighter than the usual three-bladed type to perform the same work. Two intake and exhaust valves on each cylinder enable high motor speeds and greater power to be obtained by quick gas ingress and egress. Two small valves instead of one large one give less warpage due to heat, less wear due to lighter springs necessary, and less occasion for regrinding. Note the ribbed ex- haust manifold to radiate heat of gases because of high speeds.
10. The MARMON car showing the unusual frame construction in which the vehicle frame and running board riser are integral and combined with aluminum running board and fender. This construc- tion rnakes for lightness and resultant low cost of operation and besides eliminates squeaks and rattles between usual frame and riser. The three-part body is mounted directly on the frame without sills, giving low center of gravity and easy riding. Car is distinguished by horizontal joint between fender and running board, and is featured by aluminum cylinders with steel inserts for lightness to save tires and fuel.
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