UNIQUE MOTOR CAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 88, 12 April 1912, Page 8

UNIQUE MOTOR CAR.

IMPORTED TO ELTHAM. Motorists and the general public will be much interested in the new and unique motor car just purchased and brought to Eltham by Mr H. F. Haden, manager of the local branch of the Bank of Australasia, says the "Argus." This car, which is of Ger- ' man construction and is named the Phanamobile, possesses several striking and original features, so much so, that when being driven about the streets-of Wellington, the car attractedl the keen attention of professional and amateur motorists in a marked do- " giee. In appearance the car, which is said to be the only one of its kind 1 in New Zealand, is neat and hand- ; some, the body being three-seated, : coach built and finished, with an easily--1 adjusted hood and ample space for luggage, if necessary. But the man; characteristics of the motor ,u'o tlici it is a three-wheeled vehicle, bring ■ built somewhat on the principle of :■. ' motor cycle, and is very simple in 3 construction, ' all the propelling meL chanism being in the front of the car " above the , front wheel. The cai " weights about G} cwt. and Las niary advantages over heavier cars, nniuugsl them being the completeness of con- ■ trol, accessibility of the riechamsm, assured steadiness, speed and economy. The ear, which is of LO-12 h p . is guaranteed to run 50 miles to the gallon *of petrol, and Mr Haden, who is quito enthusiastic over his new vehicle and gave it a fair trial yesterday afternoon, says "she took the hills round about here and on the road to Stratford Hying." The car is very 1 light on the tyres, and is absolutely safe, skidding and sido-slipp;'ng, so common with some cars, being noticeably absent. It ran equally well on the soft and muddy roads as on the harder formations. The driving mechanism is extremely simple, and is under immediate control, the steering apparatus being a tiller with the throttle, starting and stopping appliances within the grasp of one hand while powerful brakes enable the car to lie brought up from a highspeed within practically its own length. As a hill-climber the car is said to be most successful. As a novelty it will certainly be regarded with interest and curiosity by motor experts and the general public.