1944 Detroit Auto Show
The 1944 Detroit Auto Show was an opportunity for the various American and foreign automakers to show off their latest models.
At General Motors, luxury was the main theme of the 1944 models, with an updated Cadillac lineup beginning with the restyled Cadillac Series 90 and Series 75. Both cars feature new engines, with the Series 75 mounting the new 331ci OHV V-8 and the Series 90 powered by a massive 431ci OHV V-16 making 200 horsepower. The rest of the Cadillac lineup is given a restyle as well, with the Series 60 Special, Series 61, and Series 62 all receiving tail fins designed to look like the P-38 fighter's. The final new model introduced by Cadillac is perhaps the most surprising of all, a two-door roadster with some motorsports pretensions, named the Series 60S. Powered by the same 331ci V-8 as the rest of Cadillac's lineup, it is built on an exclusive 102in wheelbase.
1944 Cadillac Series 61
Little changed for Buick's lineup this year aside from some minor stylng differences, at Oldsmobile, the top Oldsmobile 98 is given a complete restyle that drew heavily on the Futuramic styling concept. Pontiac introduces its new lower priced model, the Pontiac Chieftan and the upper model Pontiac Streamliner undergoes some styling changes. Chevrolet offers two new models, the Chevrolet Fleetmaster and Chevrolet Stylemaster both updated versions of the previous Chevrolet Deluxe series.
Over at Ford, Ford introduced the 1944 Fords, which were a complete redesign as well as the Ford F-series which replaces the car based trucks that had been built before. The F-series offers a full lineup from 1/2 ton to 3 ton trucks, powered by both 6 and 8 cylinder engines. The Mercury Eight is also redesigned, and Lincoln's lineup underwent minor styling changes in preparation for a major redesign in 1945.
1944 Ford F-1
1944 Ford Tudor
At Chrysler Corporation, its a quiet year, Chrysler makes minor changes to its Royal, Saratoga, Windsor, and New Yorker models. Desoto's lineup remains unchanged from last year. Dodge introduces its Power Wagon model, the civilian version of the military truck in 3/4 ton 4x4 variant. Plymouth makes minor changes to its car lineup.
1944 Dodge Power Wagon
Studebaker Corporation brings out its restyled car lineup, which seems to be quite successful with those attending the show. The Studebaker M-series line of trucks remains unchanged. Stutz show's its restyled Bearcat and 8 Cylinder, both powered by one of the most modern 8 cylinder engine in existence - a DOHC 32 valve I-8 producing around 300 horsepower.
1944 Studebaker Champion
Nash Motors also brings its restyled car lineup, the Nash "Airflyte" which was developed in the wind tunnel. The 1944 Nash is offered in 600 and Ambassador models. Duesenberg shows its Model SJS, powered by a DOHC I-8 with 320 horsepower.
The Hudson Motor Car Company shows its restyled lineup, the Hudson Commodore, and Super. Styled by Betty Thatcher, the first women designer to be employed by a car manufacturer the new models also show Hudson's trademark "Monobuilt" construction or "step down" automobile. This features a semi-unit body surrounded by a perimeter frame which allows passengers to "step down" into the automobile. Both the Commodore and Super offer six and eight cylinder configurations.
1944 Hudson Commodore
Over at Packard, the Clipper lineup expands with a convertible and fastback models, as well as a Super Clipper model with either roadster or coupe styling and powered by Packard's venerable Straight-Eight. The Packard Twelve returns with Clipperesque styling and powered by a 445ci OHV V-12, producing 195 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Willys-Overland officially debuts its civilian "Jeep" named the CJ-2. Similar in many respects to the MB or military version there are some differences most notably in the grille, the MB having recessed headlights and a nine slot grille whereas the CJ has larger headlights flush mounted in a seven slot grille. The CJ proves popular with the American public attending the show and is expected to be a strong seller.
1944 Willys Jeep CJ-2
There are a number of foreign manufactures at the Detroit Auto Show, from Japan the Jidosha-Seizo Company, also known as the Nissan Motor Company bring their full lineup. From the small inexpensive Datsun 15 and 17 to the heavy commercial use Nissan trucks, the Nissan lineup receives a favourable reception from the crowd at Detroit though some onlookers wonder where Nissan's fullsize car model is. Mitsubishi shows an off-road vehicle with a car body, and a scooter about the size of a sewing machine. The PX33 gains favourable reviews, the scooter on the other hand was thought of as a children's toy and sat upon by the numerous children at the show. Some were even looking for where to put their penny in to make it "go." Isuzu shows off a number of pickup trucks, while from Toyo Kogyo came the Mazdago an interesting take on a light city truck. The Toyota Motor Company brought its Model AC, a midsize family sedan along with two commercial use trucks. A number of Japanese automotive suppliers were also on hand displaying their wares, Bridgestone showing its tires, Diesel Kiki its fuel injection pumps while Mikuni shows its carburetors.
Datsun Model 15
Datsun Model 16
Datsun Model 17
Mitsubishi PX33
Isuzu TX40
Mazdago
Toyota Model AC
From Germany, Auto Union displayed a number of its wares, primarily the Auto Union Type 60 or "Volkswagen" model. Shown at last year's Auto Show, the Type 60 continues to be a strong seller in the American market, something that the smaller independent automakers are taking note of . The Type 60 has proven popular as a second car for American families moving to suburbia, and has been nicknamed the "Beetle" by the children attending the Auto Show due likewise to its appearance. Also shown is the Type 75 and Type 200, both more suited to light commercial applications though the Type 200 garnered interest from the numerous families attending the show due to its versatility. Auto Union also showed the MUNGA and Schwimmwagen which are Auto Union's take on a light 1/4 ton multipurpose truck. A number of smaller German automakers also displayed some of their wares, Porsche, a relatively new player in the sports car market brought its 356 which it had shown at the 1942 and 1943 Auto Shows. Already, this sporty cabriolet is proving popular in the American market and is causing some consternation amongst the Big Three who as yet have no real answer to it. Two makers of sporty and luxurious sedans, BMW and Mercedes-Benz also show their wares. From BMW is the Type 340, an improved version of its popular 326. While from Mercedes-Benz is the Type 220, introduced at the 1942 Auto Show, the 220 has remained a popular option for those Americans who can afford luxury cars.
Auto Union Type 60
Auto Union Type 200
Auto Union MUNGA
Auto Union Schwimmwagen
Porsche 356
BMW 340
Mercedes-Benz Type 220
From Italy, Fiat displayed its 500 Topolino model, a small European car similar in concept to those from Germany and France. It too proved popular with small children, being named the "Mickey Mouse Car." To further complicate matters Fiat also had another Fiat 500 at the show, which was the replacement for the Fiat 500 Topolino. The new Fiat 500 has fairly modern styling, and is powered by a 13hp 479cc engine. Also displayed are its larger models the Fiat 1100 and the Fiat 2800. Alfa Romeo brought two of its racing cars the Tipu 512 and 158. Alfa Romeo also brings its stylish sporty 6C model, which was noted as being one of the best looking cars of the show. Heavy truck maker Lancia brought two of its heavy trucks, the 3RO and the E290. Both serve in the Italian Army. Isotta-Fraschini brought its luxurious Tipo 8C Monterosa, which rather than being a sporty Italian car aims more at the upscale luxurious market.
Fiat 500 Topolino
Fiat 500
Fiat 1100
Fiat 2800
Alfa Romeo Tipo 512
Alfa Romeo 158
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa
From France, Renault brought its small car the Renault 4CV, and Citroën its 2CV. Both cars are aimed at those in the American market who wish for basic transportation, though both are aimed at a different part of the American market. The Renault, is more for the city or suburban dweller who wants a second car as many Americans are now able to afford. The Citroën on the other hand was designed more for the rural farmer though it too appeals to the American suburbanite. Both cars along with the Auto Union Type 60 and Fiat 500 rate barely rate a glance from the Big Three executives at the show though George W. Mason, head of Nash notes the interest shown in the small European cars. Citroën also brings its stylish Traction Avant, the first successful European front-drive car, and it's not as stylish TUB, a commercial van with an innovative feature a lateral sliding door. Peugeot brought its 203 model, in Europe a mid-sized sedan in the US it is more a small sedan looking much like a smaller Chevrolet. For those with more of a luxurious taste, Bugatti has its Type 64, and Delahaye its 135MS and 175 both of which are amongst the best looking cars in the world.
Renault 4CV
Citroen 2CV
Citroen Traction Avant
Citroen TUB
Delahaye 135MS
Delayhaye 175