Styling:
* Streamlining: Streamlined bodies were still very much in vogue, though the extreme teardrop shapes of the late 1930s were softening. Cars were generally longer, lower, and wider than their predecessors.
* Art Deco Influence: The design language still carried over strong Art Deco elements, with flowing lines, chrome accents, and often prominent, sculpted fenders. Tailfins were beginning to emerge as a stylistic feature on some models.
* Headlights: Integrated headlights were common, often housed within the fenders or integrated into the grille.
* Grille Designs: Grilles were often large and ornate, contributing significantly to the car's overall appearance. Many featured horizontal bars or complex patterns.
Mechanical Features:
* Engines: Most cars featured inline six-cylinder engines, though some offered V8s, particularly in higher-end models. Engine power was generally modest by today's standards but considered adequate for the time. Technological advancements included improvements in valve operation and ignition systems.
* Transmissions: Three-speed manual transmissions were standard, with some higher-end cars offering semi-automatic or fully automatic transmissions (though these were still relatively new and less common).
* Suspension: Independent front suspension was becoming more common, offering a smoother ride than previous solid axle designs. Rear suspensions were typically live axles with leaf springs.
* Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes were standard.
Other Features:
* Interior: Interiors featured more luxurious materials than in previous years, often including cloth or leather upholstery, along with wood trim. However, features like power windows or air conditioning were still rare luxuries.
* Safety: Safety features were rudimentary by today's standards. Seat belts were not standard equipment.
* Price: Prices varied widely depending on the make and model, but generally speaking, cars were more affordable than in the previous decade.
Impact of Approaching War:
* Materials: As the war loomed, some manufacturers began experiencing shortages of certain materials, such as rubber and certain metals. This subtly influenced design and production choices.
* Focus Shift: The industry began slowly shifting its focus towards producing military vehicles, a transition that would become much more pronounced in the coming years.
In summary, 1940 cars represented a sophisticated blend of pre-war design aesthetics and engineering advancements. They were stylish, relatively comfortable, and more widely accessible than ever before, although their technology paled in comparison to modern vehicles. The looming war, however, marked the beginning of the end for this era of automotive design and production.
