AN ECONOMICAL RUN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22514, 23 September 1938, Page 18

AN ECONOMICAL RUN

FIAT 500 DOES 68.9 MILES A GALLON

TEST TRIP TO DUNEDIN AND BACK

At 7.4 a.m. on Tuesday of this week a stock model 500 Fiat coupe, driven by Miss F. Cannon, with Mr L. D. Pickles, chief service officer of the Automobile Association (Canterbury), as official observer, left for Dunedin on an official petrol consumption test. The car was a stock model in every respect, and ordinary touring speed was maintained throughout the journey. Stops were made at Ashburton, Timaru, and'Oamaru for refreshments, and on arrival at Dunedin the car was mot by Mr C. C. W. Clark, service .officer of the Automobile Association (Dunedin). There the petrol, oil, and water were checked. Three gallons three pints filled the tank, and the 237 miles from Christchurch to Dunedin averaged 70.2 miles a gallon. No oil or water was necessary. The car was sealed by Mr L. D. Pickles, and the following morning. September 21,- it headed back for Christchurch, with stops at Opmaru, Makikihi, and Ashburton for refreshments, and ai-rived in Christchurch at 7 p.m., being met by Mr J. S. Hawkes, secretary of the Automobile Association (Canterbury). The petrol required this time was three gallons four pints, giving an averagg of 67.712 miles a gallon. No water or oil could be added. The average speed was slightly better than 27 miles an hour, and the petrol consumption over the complete distance of 474 miles was 68.9 miles a gallon. Varying road conditions were met with, rain being encountered at Oamaru. These figures show the amazing economy of the car. and its power was remarked on by Mr Pickles, who stated that only on one occasion was second gear used. No extra equipment in any way was used, and the car had previously run approximately 4000 miles on demonstration work. Standard grades of petrol and oil were used .throughout the Journey