Buick 1928 Models

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 290, 28 February 1928, Page 6

Buick 1928 Models

Radical Improvements Made Cars Now In Auckland MOTOR firms who follow the policy of changing their models yearly rarely have much that is strikingly new to offer their clients —improvements are adopted gradually over a period. This has been the policy followed by Buick for many years now, so that ‘‘Headlight” set out to look over the 1928 Buicks without enthusiasm . Even the sight of the new ears altered that, however, and an investigation gave him both astonishment and pleasure. The fact that there are 28 mechanical improvements and 23 body refinements speaks for itself.

THE first thing that strikes the eye, j after the slight alteration to the j radiator, is the lowering of the whole 1 body, brought about by the new Buick \ frame of the double drop type. All j new models have been lowered scienti- i flcally by using double drop frames, I but it must not be thought that this has • been done at the expense of proper road clearance. Road clearance on Standard models is 9£in, and on Master models 9 3-Sin. With the drop in side members of the | frame it required very careful design- j ing to obtain necessary rigidity, but j an ample factor of safety has been maintained throughout. On Standard models the frames have been lowered 2in and on Master models 3in. Cars have a much better balanced effect by maintaining the former wheel sizes and bringing the overall height of the cars nearer the ground. Although frame sections ore stronger and deeper, and cross members sturdier, the new cars have exceptionally sprung weight. WHAT OF THE ENGINE Radical improvement is the only term that can be applied to the 1928 version

of the famous valve-ln-head motor. For ' example, there is a new cylinder head 1 design, new valve mechanism, and new [camshaft, although the valve-in-head principle is retained and improved. The nt:w Buick Spherical type cylinder head gives higher compression with less detonation, which means that a greater portion of the fuel is transformed into useful power. The new head has also better provision for cooling the valves, so that they seat more I tightly. The new' combustion chamber is of J spherica l design completely machined ; with valve seats slightly recessed, permitting a higher compression ratio. The crankshaft is four-bearing with counter weights and torsion balancer, ’ balanced at all speeds. Crankshaft is vacuum ventilated. The camshaft has been changed to conform with shortened push rods. Valves are 7-16 in shorter on standard and 5-Bin shorter on master models with valve springs and guides shortened proportionately. This change has resulted in lighter and quieter valve | operating mechanism. GEAR RATIOS ALTERED A substantial increase in power is achieved by these engine improveThe 24-hour race between a Stutz stock car and a Hispano-Suiza stock car will be run in April. Gil Anderson, former racing driver, now Stutz experimental engineer, and Frank Lockhart are expected to drive the ; Stutz, and Charles Weymann. the Hispano-Suiza.

jments. To further increase performj ance of heavier models, gear ratios in ‘ certain cases have been increased. This | change in axle gear reduction brings | the heavy models up to the same stan- | dard of performance as the lighter cars, i The combination of increased power ! and rear axle ratio gives these Buicks ample performance to meet all driving conditions. CARBURETTOR Buick design of Marvel Carburettors | have been fitted—heat controlled type j with only two adjustments, one for needle valve for low speed nozzle and one for air valve. EASY RiDING Added to the scientifically balanced chassis is the luxury of easy riding cantilever springs. Love joy hydraulic shock absorbers are standard equipment both front and rear, so that all told these cars are admirably equipped for our roads. THE COOLING SYSTEM Better cooling has been provided on all models by Increasing the radiators in height as well as depth. The change in thermostat design greatly simpli-

T fies the process of dissembling when required. CENTRALISED LUBRICATION Centralised chassis lubrication will prove a boon to owners of these cars for Zerk fittings are grouped at convenient points making all connections within easy reach without, crawling round the car. Access is through a small hinged floor in the running board apron on either side. Thorough oiling can be carried out easily within a few moments. ON THE ROAD Besides being a. beautiful and colourful example of artistic design and workmanship—a real delight to the eye—the road performance is remarkable and well worth mentioning. This is due partly to the new cylinder head which increases the torque available at low engine speeds, giving more rapid acceleration and better hill climbing at lower speeds. But more than that, the new valve mechanism, new cylinder head design, simplified spark timing, improved thermostat and radiator for cooling system, and other outstanding features bring about more power, increased speed range, greater quietness and roadability and decreased benzine

consumption. (A UCKLA NL> AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION >. ACTIVITIES WEEK BY WEEK The A.A.A. patrol service commences I this week and the motor-cyclists with smart equipment and uniform will soon be a feature on our roads. The motor-cycle equipments will carry large tool-boxes for portable re- . pair outfits, and in the case of break- [ downs, it will be the duty of the patrol 1 | to assist motorists to get to the nearest I I garage. The patrols will carry whistles. | i which will be used to signal drivers if j insecure luggage is noticed or if it is 1 desired to halt the car for any reason, j The duties of the patrols are: j Assistance in cases of accidents or j ; breakdown. i First aid to injured (every patrol will ! be provided with a first aid wallet), j Information to members regarding { conditions of roads and best routes to I follow. Warning of motorists in cases of dangerous driving or inconsiderate conduct. I Reporting road conditions likely to j lead to accidents, delay or inconveni- | ence of motorists. Reporting on conditions in the event of accidents likely to result in legal ' proceedings. j Furnishing information regarding the { benefits of membership and the enj | rolling of new members. Naturally the service is restricted to ; members of the association. : NEW SPEED RECORD AUBURN AND STOCK CAR RACING Cabled information has been received that an Auburn car won the Stock Car Race at Daytona Beach on February - j 20, setting a new High Stock speed re- . ! cord of 104.37 miles an hour.