One such instance was the length of a car's hood. A long hood suggested it housed a large, powerful motor, whereas a short hood implied an ordinary engine. These perceptions stemmed from the 1920s and 1930s when in-line eight cylinder motors (and V-16s) were long and required a long hood. The other extreme was a four-cylinder (or V-8) engine that didn't need a long hood. Of course, some cars had long hoods and comparatively short (straight-six or V-12) motors, the long hood being largely for marketing purposes.
Today's post presents a few examples of American cars that had hoods of varying length attached to the same basic four-door sedan bodies. Images below are of cars listed for sale unless otherwise noted.
Chrysler Corporation used the same basic body across its entire line during the 1940s and into the early '50s. Above is a Plymouth, Chrysler's entry-level brand using the Corporation's body used 1940-1948.
And here is a top-of-the-line Chrysler New Yorker. The cars are essentially the same abaft of the cowling. Plymouths had inline-six motors whereas New Yorkers had straight-eight engines -- partly justifying differing hood lengths. The Chrysler's wheelbase is 10 inches (254 mm) longer than the Plymouth's.
Packard facelifted its 1941-vintage Clipper body for the 1948 model year. The car above has a 120-in wheelbase.
Packard's more expensive models such as this featured 127-in wheelbases -- seven inches (178mm) longer. All 1948 Packards had inline-eight cylinder motors.
Packard appearance differences might be more apparent where convertible coupés are concerned. This short-wheelbase car seems rather stubby.
But the long hood makes this otherwise unattractive 1948-1950 vintage Packard presentable, even impressive.
Less dramatic are the differing hood lengths for these Buicks.
The Roadmaster wheelbase is four inches (102mm) longer than that of the Super in the previous image. All Buicks also had straight-eight engines in those days.
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