NEW AUSTIN CAR OF REVOLUTIONARY DESIGN TESTS IMPRESSIVELY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 35, 6 April 1948, Page 4

NEW AUSTIN CAR OF REVOLUTIONARY DESIGN TESTS IMPRESSIVELY

Austin’s sensational new A4O model, which is claimed to give big car performance with 40 m.p.g. economy is expected to be on view at Whakatane next week. Yesterday, Mr Magnus Lennie, local Austin agent, gave some interesting facts in connection with the new model, which incorporates a number of progressive features which make this Austin quite revolutionary. To start with, the rugged little engine, compact and accessible, has push-rod operated overhead valves. It develops 40 b.h.p. at 4300 revs., which is a big “muscle” for so small a unit to pack. Asked about performance, Mr Lennie'modestly said, “Don’t ask anyone to take the agent’s word for that. Just have a look at these official figures.” Here follow officially-recorded details of tests that were carried out at the Montlhery Motor Race Track, on the southern outskirts of Paris, when the Austin Motor Company challenged any rival to compete against the A4O under official timing in acceleration, braking, maximum speed and petrol consumption. The Company offiered, if their car were beaten, to pay 10,000 francs to the National Press Fund of France.

The money stayed safe. Two other cars accepted the challenge, and both were so soundly beaten in the first test (acceleration) that they pulled out from the contest.

In the'acceleration test the Austin covered 1,000 metres from a standing start in 46 2-ssec., average of 48.49 m.p.h. Its hydraulic brakes (and other feature new to Austin) brought it to a smooth standstill from’62.s m.p.h. in only 210 ft, from 31.915 m.p.h. in 45ft. The little car covered a flying .lap of 1.58 miles, driven by Captain Eyston, famous racing motorist, in lmin 20 l-ssec., a speed of 71.490 m.p.h. Checked for petrol consumption on ordinary fuel, it covered 40 miles to the gallon at an average speed of 36.25 m.p.h. In addition, further to impress the spectators, the little car was pushed through a stiff stability test, amply demonstrating ease of handling and road-holding ability. Here it is interesting to note a that the A4O is equipped with independent coil springs for front suspension, quite a new departure for light cars. “Austin always packed a lot of car into a little space,” Mr Lennie said, “and I have always had the utmost faith in their, performance and endurance, but I believe this new model is a sensational advance on anything they’ve ever produced before.”—P.B.A.