New Light Car in U.S.A

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20014, 12 August 1939, Page 11

New Light Car in U.S.A

INTEREST has been aroused in American trade circles by a new ultralight car which is being put on the market by a firm which previously concentrated its attention on the production of radio. It is regarded as ihe most fianng attempt yet made - >o prove that small cars can be sold in America in profitable numbers. Weighing between 8 and !) cwt.. the new car is powered by an air-

cooled twin-opposed four-cycle engine, which is a modification of an engine which is used extensively in America for very light aeroplanes. Its displacement is only GSO cubic centimetres, and it is cooled by a suction blower cast integral with the flywheel. It transmits the drive through a torque tube which is bolted direct to the three-speed gearbox without the usual universal joint, so the presumption is that the engine is mounted in trunnion ‘bearings and swings slightly in the frame with the movement, of the back axle. Another novelty is found in the design of the mechanical four wheel | brakes. These have no riveted linings,! and can be relined simply by removing the wheels and inserting lengths of lining in the drums, though how they are held in place is nut stated in the details available. The specifications also include .semi-ellip-tic front springs, with quarter el Upturn at the back, rubber spring, shackles, and spring bearings, shock j absorbers all round, safety glass in the screen, and an adjustable driver’s j seat. '