WesWorld

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

Nicely done, Jason.

Quoted from "Brockpaine"

Nicely done, Jason.

Indeed. Bravo good sir

Well done!

Thanks guys

January 1944

In aviation news, Lockheed's XP-80 takes its first flight, with Milo Burcham at the controls. This aircraft eventually after several test flights reaches 502mph (808 km/h) being the first turbojet powered aircraft in the United States to do so. The USAAF orders a further 12 aircraft for further testing. McDonnell XP-67 also takes its first flight, designed as a single-seat long range twin-engine interceptor, its flight is not a success halting after 6 minutes due to engine difficulties. The USAAF places an order with Bell for 66 of its P-59 as an interim measure while further testing of the Lockheed P-80 continues. The USAAF cancels the order for the final two years of its Consolidated B-32 order (300 aircraft), and instead order 100 Consolidated B-36 before the completion of the first two prototypes. The prototypes are to fly in 1945. Consolidated is also given orders direct from the President to prioritize the French order of B-32 over the USAAF one. Boeing is ordered to begin work on an improved B-29.

In naval news, 6 destroyers, 3 submarines, and 6 minesweepers are laid down, as well 2 oilers are taken in hand for conversion for fleet work.

In Army News, President Wilkie asks Congress for an expansion of the Selective Service Act beyond its current 12 month service to a 24month service, and an expansion of the size of the Army from its current 900,000 to not more than 1,200,000. With the increased threat to American interests in the Far East, it is expected to pass though both the Socialist and Whig parties in Congress are expected to vote against it. Also included in the amendment would be an expansion of the USAAF from its current 45,000 to 60,000.

February 1944

The Oval Office

Setting: A meeting between the President of the United States, and some of his advisors. As usual with these sorts of things all mentioned in here is OOC knowledge only.

"Mr. Donovan, perhaps you can give us an update on the conflict in Korea?" President Wilkie asked.

"Certainly sir. What we at Central Intelligence assumed would be a six month war at the most seems to be turning into a more prolonged conflict. The Mexicans are entering the conflict on the Chinese side, yes Mr. President I do agree it is quite hilarious but do remember to breathe. The President of the United States passing away due to lack of oxygen would be traumatic for the nation, until they discovered the reason of course. As I was saying, the Mexicans have sent "volunteer forces" to aid the Chinese. If I may say so sir, giggling is very unpresidental. Why China needs Mexican volunteers when it happens to be the most populous nation on the planet is beyond me as well sir, but please try to contain your laughter. No, I wouldn't call the Mexican ambassador that the next time you see him sir, he might be offended. The South Africans are being their usual mercenary selves and selling to both sides, presumably with both sides knowledge. Why sir? In my opinion and this is my own opinion sir, the South Africans have no morals and would sell their own mother if it meant a profit. Just don't let them catch you selling kit to Brazil, they get on their high horse then. Japan has come to the aid of Chosen, and is also sending volunteer forces, volunteers which I might add sir look very professional and seem to be using Japanese kit. Once you stop dancing on the desk sir on this news sir, I will let the Secretary of War take over and give his assessment of how long the conflict will last."

"Well sir, if you are calmed down it is the opinion of the War Department that the length of conflict is now dependent on Japan and how much she wishes to sink into the yawning chasm that is Korea. The Korean Peninsula sir, is excellent defensive terrain, though vulnerable to amphibious landings as Chosenian forces have found out. Yes sir, I quite agree that sounds ridiculous but what would you have me call them? The Chunky Monkey's? A bit offensive sir, even if they are only little yellow men. Very well sir, the Japanese and Koreans are facing off on the Korean peninsula against the Chinese with a dose of very mild salsa. Thank you sir, I thought it was clever as well. I expect the fighting to go back and forth for several years sir, until both sides exhaust themselves and come to a peace treaty that either divides Korea, or returns it to its status quo ante bellum borders though under heavy Japanese influence. It depends sir, on how well the Japanese do. Will they be successful in this war? It depends sir, their air force is formidable, their navy is top notch even if crewed by girls and them not being tall enough to reach the top shelf. According to our reports they do look good in bathing apparel sir, just an aside sir. Unlike China, Japan is a Great Power rather than a Regional one. Still sir, China has a lot of screaming Chinese in tennis shoes to throw into Korea. If I were Japan sir? I'd make nice with everyone who dislikes China, which is most everyone in the region, and then go to town on the Chinese. I'd take Formosa, reduce Chinese cities to rubble, and drive their merchant navy off the seas. If I were China sir? I'd start making nice with everyone I have irritated in the last number of years, which is most of my neighbours, and start buying everything resembling military equipment in sight sir. Most of China's production facilities are in range of Japanese bombers sir, so I'd either move them or start improving my air defenses. I'd also throw everything I have into Korea hoping to drive the Chunky Monkey's to the sea before the Japanese show up in force. Possibility of us being drawn in sir? I think the Secretary of State has the answer to that."

"Well Mr. President, the State Department feels that the probability of us being drawn in is low at the moment. The only real possibilities would be if we wished to stop Mexico supporting China, which isn't in our interest, defend the Philippines from Japan or China, which we rate as low, or a series of incidents with our economic interests that compel us to take action. I would suggest a few courses of action however sir, I would advise we delay giving Mexico jet technology until the conflict is over. While we have little control over what they do with what we give them later, the longer we can prevent China from gaining jets the better for all. Yes sir, the mercenaries may sell it to them, but then the blood is on their hands not ours, and they get to answer to an irritated Britain and France, not us. What would an irritated Britain or France do sir? If I were them, I'd ship some jets to Brazil. Also, until Mexico and Japan make their presence in the conflict official I advise we do not impose the same purchasing limitations that we have on Chosen and China. Why sir? Well, we to can make some money in this war if Mexico and Japan are intelligent enough to act as middlemen. No, I don't advise we sell them modern kit either sir, but we do have some junk in storage somewhere, Mark VIII tanks, some AT-17's, stuff of that vintage. Oh given what China has received from Mexico, it might be more reliable sir. Who do we have to thank for breaking the SATSUMA alliance? Oh that would be the Chief Chunky Monkey himself sir, Ton-ton or something like that. Oh apparently he is a furniture chewer, and came up with some mad idea to form the Mighty Korean Empire. BREATHE SIR, BREATHE! Well sir, if you are calm now, I suggest the Secretary of the Navy give you an outline of what he feels we should do."

"Mr. President sir, I suggest we continue to maintain the main PACFLT at Pearl Harbor, with routine patrols out to the Pacific. I also suggest sir, more visits by USN ships to our allies in the region, as well as visits by USAAF squadrons. The defenses at Wake should continue to be improved, I suggest we expand the Marine force there to a brigade, and increase the number of fighter squadrons to three, perhaps with a medium bomber squadron as well. Also, the defenses at Midway should be brought up to the standard of what Wake is now. Moving the Second Army to cover the Caribbean coastline and moving the entire Third Army west under General Patton may also be a smart move should we need to force regime change in Mexico. The Secretary of State assures me such a move is unlikely at present but it does not hurt to be prepared. Also sir, I would look at moving some of the Bombardment Squadrons from our bases facing the Caribbean and the Northeast to Hawaii and the West Coast, if we need them then they are nearby rather than a continent away. That is mostly all at present sir, if the amendment to the Selective Service Act passes then I suggest our new recruits begin training on the West Coast as well sir. We might as well have them close to where we might need them. No sir, I doubt we will need them, but this little war gives us a good excuse to expand the Armed Forces. Yes sir, I think we are done now."

"Yes Mr President, I shall ensure we send a basket of fruit to Ton-Ton, though we won't call him that sir. The State Department has a reputation to uphold sir, and you wish the card to say? No sir, I don't think we should call him a big fruit, it isn't polite sir. Perhaps a thank-you is sufficient? Why thank-you for removing China as a potential Great Power for the next 10 years until she sorts out the damage from this war, and hopefully for getting a number of Japanese ships sunk. No sir, I wouldn't count on the Chinese for that either but we can always hope. Perhaps the mild salsa will manage it. Can someone call for an ambulance? The President is turning purple."

Mexico has three pretty clear goals in this war. One, secure a very big market long term for Mexican goods, long term its going to lead to a very healthy economy. Two, make cash short term by selling older stuff Mexico is replacing and using the money to finance upgrades to the armed forces. Three, use the war as the perfect testing ground for new weapons and tactics. It would actually benefit the US to sell Mexico limited amounts of new stuff the US wants tested, just like OTL US has done with Israel... Mexico does not for one minute believe it will be able to have any measurable impact in the war, nor does it intend too.

Reads like a radio comedy skit from the 50s. I laughed. :)

I have my doubts regarding the long-term goals of Mexican policy.

From all that we have seen regarding the Chinese and Mexican economies, their output - primary products aside - are similar (an observation I would make of many other Wesworld economies). What need does China have for Mexican products? Oil and petroleum products - perhaps (I recall China arguing that it had domestic sources). Maize - given its population China would likely be a food importer. Capital goods - I haven't seen much on Mexican output of machine tools and IPE, but I would be willing to be convinced. Armaments - once peace returns I doubt that China would need to continue its import spree. Consumer goods - given probable Chinese labor costs they could easily drive Mexican products out of their home market. Realistically I see this first goal as a pipe dream.

Certainly Mexico can make a killing (no pun intended) in the short term market by offloading to China obsolescent material. It was a policy followed by Poland during the Spanish Civil War - but it brought them no great benefit. There is too much temptation for corruption in such a scheme; however, perhaps the probity of Mexican officialdom has improved...

Lastly, while war may be a testing ground for equipment it is also the testing ground for personnel. No nation is going to arm Mexico to go test their kit elsewhere - if they were going to supply China they would send their own 'volunteers'. So arguing that the US ought to give top-notch equipment to Mexico to go waste in a Chinese adventure is another pipe dream. Given the purported level of Japanese intervention, the Mexican volunteer force is going to be nothing more than a side show and footnote.

Quoted from "BruceDuncan"

No nation is going to arm Mexico to go test their kit elsewhere - if they were going to supply China they would send their own 'volunteers'. So arguing that the US ought to give top-notch equipment to Mexico to go waste in a Chinese adventure is another pipe dream. Given the purported level of Japanese intervention, the Mexican volunteer force is going to be nothing more than a side show and footnote.

Quite right. The US gives equipment to Israel for Israel to use on their own behalf, not on someone else's. And further, Israel is a regional US ally - whereas China is... not an ally.

Also, Israel sells a lot of their own developments back to the US - they're one of the few countries the US actually buys military equipment from.

There is a second part to this which will deal with US aims and procurement lists for those involved. Glad you liked it Brock, the post therefore served its purpose which was to bring levity to what has been a quiet week here.

"Here rests President George Iggles. He died laughing while in office."

Interesting perspectives from the US side and much that makes sense.

Great job on the Detroit Motor Show too!

February 1944

In army news, Congress passes the expansion to the Selective Service Act and the expansion in the size of the US Army to not more than 1,200,000. The Third Army under its new commander General Patton has been redeployed with IV Army Corps and I Armored Corps moving to San Antonio, and V Army Corps moving to Fort Huachuca in Arizona. The newly formed X Army Corps made up of the 5th Infantry, the 6th Infantry, and the 2nd Cavalry has been redeployed to Camp Blanding, Florida under General Bradley. Also in Army news, the Ordnance Corps tests a new variant of the M25 Longstreet, armed with a 4.1in M4 howitzer which was used in the later versions of the M4 Sherman tank. This variant is expected to complete testing in late 1944 when the variant with the new 3.5in gun is expected to begin testing. The diesel powered variant ordered by the Marine Corps to replace their M4A6 Shermans also begins testing armed with the 3in M1A1 and 4.1in M4 guns, and powered by a 500hp Caterpillar D-300.

In national news, Nash Motors and Willys-Overland merge to form American Motors. Nash will focus on the civilian car market and will use its network of dealers to sell the Willys Jeep CJ-2 which is proving popular in the American market, Willys will continue to market the Jeep CJ-2 as well as produce the military variant. Dusenberg, Nash's other acquisition will continue to focus on the luxury car market. Also, the first issue of Human Events is published in Washington D.C.

In naval news, the US navy launches 6 minesweepers and two fleet oilers this month.