THE “PREFECT” TEN BY FORD

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 13

THE “PREFECT” TEN BY FORD

Advanced Features of New Model New streamlined beauty, really spacious seating, good riding, excellent performance, and a high standard of appointments, make the Ford ‘‘Prefect, ’ a new model, something of an event in the motoring world. The first thing noticed on the new Ford “Prefect Ten’’ Is the pleasing frontal appearance of advanced design. A new departure for the light car field is the lift-up type bonnet, hinged at the rear and opening up to give ready accessibility to the engine. The bumpers are of much strengthened straight design, and both front and rear bumpers extend the full width of the car. Dual windscreen wipers are mounted at the foot of the windscreen, and can be parked right out of sight of the driver. Inward-curving door handles are an excellent safety feature. The Ford “Ten” has always been noted for its lively performance, and the “Prefect" enhances this reputation. The efficient design of the Ford “Ten” engine gives rapid acceleration and quiet, effortless speed. _ This fine performance is said to be achieved with low running and upkeep costs. Light steering, a smooth clutch, and easy gear-changing are among a host of other features. A brand-new Ford “Prefect Ten" was recently run from Wellington to Masterton and back over the Rimutaka Hill with a load of 572 pounds, including the driver, and at an average speed of 30 to 35 miles an hour. On this trip the petrol consumption vouched for was 37.66 miles a gallon.

Attractiveness, roominess and comfort are obvious. The dashboard is a handsome plastic moulding, harmonizing in colour with the other interior fittings. It includes a large enclosed glove locker, clock, concealed ash-tray, and full-vision instruments. The handbrake lever is readily accessible, being mounted under the dash. Other appointments and equipment include a wide shelf for parcels behind the rear seat, map pockets, two ash-trays in the rear compartment, roof light with pillar switch, rear blind with remote control, sun visor with vanity mirror, and selfcancelling direction indicators with steering-wheel control. Both front seats are instantly adjustable. Other features are generous legroom, headroom and elbowroom, wide doors, low floor without footwells, deep seating, self-lubricating and double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers, welded allsteel body, safety-glass windscreen, and 100 per cent. New Zealand materials used in the upholstery. As a matter of fact, the “Prefect” is made in England of 100 per cent. English materials, and completely built-up at the modern Ford factory at Lower Hutt.