New Car By Dodge Bros.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 178, 18 October 1927, Page 6

New Car By Dodge Bros.

MODELS NOW CHANGED A Speedy Four-Cylinder AN event of considerable interest to motorists and the motoi'ing fraternity is the advent of a new Dodge car. It has never been the policy of the Dodge Company to introduce yearly models, but rather to follow a conservative line of bringing in improvements gradually, so that the arrival of this wholely-n.ew car is an advent of importance.

TT should be explained here, however, A that there are two new Dodges, the new six-cylinder called the Dodge Senior, and the new’ Dodge standard car, a four-cylinder. It is the lighter car, the four-cylinder, that “Headlight” had the pleasure of inspecting recently, and which forms the subject of this article. A very cursory examination of the car reveals some interesting features —first, the radiator has been. altered slightly, although the old monogram has been retained: then the lines of the sedan body are so well rounded, balanced, and proportioned that a distinct impression is given of an expensive exclusive car, yet really this new car is built and priced for the average man with the average income. The engine has been entirely rebuilt, and while maintaining the old Dodge standard of quality, a saving of 3001 b in weight has been effected, largely through using improved designs. What this saving means to a car can well be imagined. At the

same time, the gear ratio has been changed, with the result that not only has the car a quick pick-up, but it lays claim to the title “the fastest fourcylinder car in America.” And the claim to that title can be justified. Nor is this speed achieved at un' necessary cost, for a consumption of 25 miles per gallon can be looked for. Before taking the car out on the road, one other thing must be mentioned —the springing. The usual type of springs are used, but they are of extraordinary length. In fact, the

combined length of the front and rear spring is 85 per cent, of the wheelbase. ROAD TESTS “Headlight” was nothing short of amazed at one or two things this light Dodge can do. For example, it started from a dead stop at the safety zone at the bottom of Parnell Rise, picked up “like wildfire,” changed to top, and raced over Parnell Rise on top gear all the way! This, with three passengers aboard! Next, St. George’s Bay Road, Parnell, was tackled—probably one of the steepest pieces around, yet that, too, was covered on top gear. Then a general tour round, which included the congestion in Newmarket traffic. Here, again, its wonderful pick-up and easy control was demonstrated.

As for speed, this of course is a difficult thing to judge. Let me say, however, that on information and belief, not to mention personal experi-

ence, this car will do an honest GO over a measured mile of level concrete any time it may be asked to do

For comfort on bad roads, this light car is about the best “Headlight” has ever been in. The corrugations of Upper Queen Street were scarcely noticed, as was also the unevenness of Green Lane, through from Great South Road to Manukau Road. The driving position is as comfortable and natural as sitting at the dinner table. The silence of the engine on the road Is another marked feature. A point of interest to Aucklanders is its remarkable radius, permitting parking in the most confined places. Two body styles are available in the sedans —one a deep blue, with leather upholstery, and the other a de luxe model, wl s'i includes pastel green, with mohy.iL- upholstery and interior fittings. SPECTATOR’S RISK Giving judgment at an English court in a claim by a motorist for damages caused by a golf ball which was driven through the windscreen, the Judge said that the motorist took the risk of his car being hit when he placed it on the common. Tn important competitions thousands of people lined both sides of the fairway, and it was absurd to think of one of them suing for damages when hit by a ball. Would the Judge, it is asked, make a similar decision if a spectator were hit by a car during a motor competition? * * * SPEED LIMIT FALLACY Arbitrary speed limits of from four to 20 m.p.h. have been gazetted in various parts of Victoria, but not in one instance are these respected by the general body of motorists, because they are irksome and unnecessary. Some years ago a limit of five m.p.h. was imposed in Adelaide. An organisation arranged for 50 motorists to drive through the limited sections no faster than the gazetted speed. The congestion was so intolerable that the city council hastily met and revoked the order.