A Smaller and Lighter Car

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 308, 20 March 1928, Page 5

A Smaller and Lighter Car

The ‘‘Baby”StancLard Is a Complete Automobile Careful observers have long seen that one of the next stages in motor development will be the adoption of a car embodying all the latest features and refinements, yet smaller, cheaper and lighter to run. IVrECHANICALLY there is nothing to T*-*- hinder this development—it requires merely a miniature car. In fact the production of such a car is inevitable, as there is already a demand from men who find a car indispensable but object to using a heavy car for themselves alone, particularly because of the cost. This trend is quite noticeable in many

cars now on the market —for example, the “Whippet,” “Erskine,” “Austin 7,’ ; and many small English cars.

Now the “Standard” motor-car people have brought out a small car, at 8.9 h.p. rating. -•“Headlight” had the pleasure of inspecting this car recently, and is quite fascinated with it. It is considerably smaller than most cars now on the market (overall dimensions being: length lift., width 4ft Bin., height sft. 9in., with a wheelbase of 90in.), but it is nevertheless a. complete car. Nothing seems to have been sacrificed, although many things are made smaller. For example, there are semi-elliptic springs, four - wheel brakes, thermo-syphon cooling, pressure lubrication, and so on. The interior, apart from its measurements, is indistinguishable from a large Sedan, and has comfortable upholstery, four doors, and complete dashboard. The performance of this little car is remarkable. Of course it cannot be compared with a large six-cylinder car, but for the work it has to do it is ideal. Hill climbing and acceleration are also good. ( The car shown in the accompanying photograph came from Rotorua to Auckland in five and a-half hours a few days ago.) The top gear ratio is 20 to 1.

It is in the petrol consumption that most motorists will be most interested. The car seen by “Headlight,” without any special adjustment, is doing 40 miles to the gallon. With a bit of care, even better results may be obtained.

An interesting feature is the fabric bodywork, fast becoming the most popular style in England. There is no reason why it should not become as popular here as it eliminates “drumming,” and is a great advantage as regards polish and scratches.

An analysis of the “International World’s” motor records broken during 1927 -shows that exactly half of them were achieved by British cars. Of these 53.82 per cent, were equipped with Dunlop tyres, which were fitted also to 73.53 per cent, of the world’s winners, British and foreign. A similar analysis of the motor-cycle International World’s records shows that 63 per cent, were made on Dunlop tyres. * * * Many millions have been spent on the roads of the Dominion during the last half century, but roading has been the work of so many authorities that it would be difficult to arrive at the total expenditure up to date since the first clay tracks were formed. Expenditure on roading through the Public Works Department alone has already exceeded £16,500,000.