The Most Powerful Engine

The new 1954 Chryslers, which came out this week, looked about the same as last year's models on the outside but had a big change inside. By improving the carburetor and enlarging the intake and exhaust valves to permit freer "breathing" of its "FirePower" engine, Chrysler boosted horsepower from 180 to 235, making it the most powerful stock-car engine in the U.S. The new engines will go only into the highest-priced New Yorker and Imperial lines.

In addition to a new line of cars, Chrysler also added a new company last week. It agreed to pay $35 million, the book value, for the machinery, equipment and eleven plants of the Briggs Mfg. Co., which has been making bodies for Plymouths and for the Packard Motor Car Co. The biggest block (19%) of Briggs's stock is held by the family of Founder Walter O. Briggs, who also own the Detroit Tigers.

The big reason for the sale was that both Chrysler and Packard had been looking around for a new body builder. They had not been satisfied with Briggs's workmanship and were concerned over its labor troubles, which repeatedly interrupted production. Chrysler, which hopes to improve production and labor relations and cut costs, also offered to continue making Packard bodies. Packard will stay temporarily, but will probably build its own body plant because it does not want to reveal its new models or styling changes in advance to a competitor.

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