AUSTIN MOTOR-CARS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1776, 14 June 1913, Page 18

AUSTIN MOTOR-CARS.

A visit to tho special stand of the wellknown Austin motor-cars at the I'almerslon Winter Show will be of interest to motorists and intending motorists. In tlic-so days of higlily-linishcd and standardised cars there is a great similarity in tho appearance, especially with regard to tho carriage work, and a great deal of the maker's engineering ability is thus hidden from tho notice of those not "au fait" in the fino points of motor-car construction. While tlie Austin may not differ widely from other British cars in external appearance, there are many points of manufacture and design that entitle it to a high place. The differences referred to aTe not in the standard items, such as torpedo body, 4-speed gear-boies, detachable wheels, pressure lubrication, etc., as these items and more are embodied in the Austin specification, but it is the special quality of workmanship, design, and material, and the unusual efficiency in each that constitute the main differences, attracting the attention of layman and export alike. i

The following are a few of tho outstanding structural features in tho Austin car: —Each cylinder of the engine is cast separately, and in place of being held to tho crank-case by bolted flanges, tho Austin cylinders aro tolesroped into ' the crank-case, and bolted from a point onethird liigher up tho cylinder wall than is usually the case. The advantages aro— packings eliminated, cylinders easily placed in line, height of engine reduced, cylinders easily nnd quickly removed. Tho design of tho steering mechanism is unique. The steering-arm is carried above the axle, and tho coupling-rod bohind the" axle, ensuring that both will escape road obstacles. Tho steering-rod bolts 'are set in patented bushes, which aro held into position so securely t&at in the event of a bolt breaking or- dropping out, tho steering-gear will not be thrown out of action. This improvement in steering-gear parts is characterised by tho English "Motor Press" as a distinct advance in motor construction, and in safe guarding the lives of motorists. Tho Austin detachable alt-steel wheel embodies the advantages of all detachable .wheels, and is strong enough to resist all strains that can be put on it; for instance, a car and passengers weighing tw6 tons is frequently suspended from tho rim or ' edge of' an Austin wheel lying Hat wliilo held above from tho hub centre.

Austin bodies are made throughout in their own works of the best materials obtainable. Although much more expensive that steel, aluminium panels are used on all bodies. The trouble caused with rust forming under the paint on etcel panels is the reason of the Austin decision to continue using aluminium, and as a consequence Austin paint-work will not peel, and will be a lasting job. Furthermore, tho weight of Austin aluminium panelled bodies is Jess than others of equal size, and as a consequence tho engine and chassis aro not overloaded.

Special attention has been paid to the type of springs fitted to Austin cars. These springs are made unusually wide to suit the rougher road conditions in tho colonies. They are unusually long and flexible, and the method of attachment to tho back axlo is quite a novel feature. The spring is clipped on to the back axlo by a special sleeve, which allows the axle to move in same, and consequently no additional work is thrown on to any spring clips due to -the movement of the body when travelling over tho rough country. Tho reputation' of the Austin car 'has not been built up by track Taring, but on the ability of tho car to do continuous service for its owner over long periods with a minimum of attention. The enormous sums of money spent by some firms on racing with' engines, etc., not suitable for touring work, Mr. Austin claims, can be spent to better advantage in giving customers more value in tho lasting qualities of material, and more careful manufacture of tho touring cars for general purposes. Judged by the increasing 6ale of Austin cars in New Zealand, Mr. Austin's policy has something to commend it. The Austin cars and engines are of standard designand have become famous on account of their splendid performances generally in trials, and in such recent international events as the Russian 1000-mile trials and winner of tho 8.1. trophy for 1912. The Austin car is very much in demand in England and the colonies as machines for hire purposos. life of all wearing parts and tho stability of the chassiß and body work generally enable it to stand tho'rough -usage given to cars for hiring-out purposes. Tho Austin Works have quite recently been doubled in sue, and the output has been proportionately increased. All items of manufacture connected with the cars are done under their own roof. Bodies, hoods, screns, and other accessories generally built by coachbuilders aro in tho case of Austin cars all built in thoir own works. The Austin Company is one of the very few companies in the world who mako themselves responsible for all the fittings nnd parts on tho body-work, as well as on the c'hassis. All such accessories as lamps, electric lighting sets are lifted at tho Austin Company's works. Tho car is also packed ready for export. Clients buying cars for shipment get very special attention in the packing, of the machines. All bright parts aro thoroughly protected, and all the cases used aro lined with water-proof paper. The cases, aro specially made- so that the frame of tho machine will not be strained or twisted in the ship's slings. Visitors to the show will find Austin cars an interesting exhibiti Full particulars, prices, etc, can be had from tho following agents in tho Wellington province:—Scott Motor Agency, Wellington; Oscar Andrews, Palnierston iN.; Broadbent and Smaill, Carterton; )'. W. Keardon, Maslerton.