MOTORDOM

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 325, 10 April 1928, Page 7

MOTORDOM

A-

HEADLIGHI

New “Rover”

Entirely Up-to-date Car from Old Company A very notable addition to the ranks of British cars is the new Rover, a newcomer from one of the oldest and most famous of British factories. The new Rover is indeed a new car, for it is not only completely redesigned in the engine and chassis, but has also a type of bodywork new to Aucklanders —the Weymann fabric saloon. It was with all the greater interest, therefore, that “Headlight” examined this model. Referring first to the genuine Weymann bodywork: Four wide doors are provided, and comfortable seating for five persons, the front seat being adjustable. The interior is extremely well fitted up, and there is a general air of cosiness and comfort which lifts the car into a high category. There is no need to explain here the full merits of the Weymann bodywork, but a few outstanding features must be mentioned —the complete freedom from any unpleasant drumming and rattles, durability, flexibility, and light weight, coupled with strentgh. THE ENGINE AND CHASSIS

In the general redesigning of the car, the makers have incorporated many of the most modern automobile developments, bringing the Rover into the forefront of motordom. Whatever the ambitious owner-driver could desire in mechanical perfection is included. TJie equipment and fittings are also very complete. In performance the new Rover fully confirms the good impression one forms after an examination of the chassis. The engine is smooh, and notably silent in its action, the steering is light, the car is exceptionally well sprung, and holds the road snugly on corners, and the whole car is a delight to drive. NEW MOTOR COMPETITION One of the most interesting charitable efforts by the motor trade has just come to a close in Sydney. Known as the Most Popular Car Competition, its objective was to raise funds for the Sunshine Club, a body formed to help the slum children. Over eight of the leading makes of cars competed. First one and then another car held tiro lead, and the result was in doubt until tli© final stages of the counting of the poll on Monday. It was then that Studebaker established a commanding lead, eventually winning by 44,000 votes from Buick, its nearest rival. Over half a million votes were cast, which represent over £2,000 for the Sunshine Club. The money will go toward the erection of a clubhouse at Warrawee.

LEVEL CROSSINGS

MAJORITY UNPROTECTED There are 330 level railway crossings on the New Zealand highway system, and the majority could not be classed as “protected,” as they have only plain warning notices, states a recent number of the “New Zealand Motor Journal.” So far no decision has been reached concerning the respective merits of bells, wig-wags, or flashing lights; experiments have not yet been made with automatic gates of the type used extensively in America. Barriers which drop in front of the entrances to crossings have proved fairly satisfactory in the United States, but the cost of operating these Gather automatically or by a watchman is high. In Great Britain and France it is considered that there is an obligation on railway companies to take precautions which will save the most neglig- )

ent driver from himself. More than 80 per cent, of the crossings in Great Britain and Franc© are protected in some substantial way. The 26,000 protected crossings in France have watchmen in charge of gates. In the United States only 7,902 crossings have gates, and 5,710 have audible signals.

It has been stated that a train running only 40 miles an hour requires 1,320 ft in which to stop, whereas the ordinary motor-car running at the same speed can be stopped in 93ft, and it requires but a few seconds. It can plainly b© seen from this that the burden of avoiding accidents rests almost solely with the motorist. The engineer of the locomotive is powerless, regardless of his vigilance, precaution and skill.

RECORD MAKING! STUDEBAKER IN AUSTRALIA The greatest record-breaking run ever made in Australia was performed two or three weeks ago by Mr. Norman Smith, who is well known for his racing in New Zealand. At Lake Perkolilli, West Australia, he drove a Studebaker Commander car, sports roadster model, 1701.25 miles in 24 hours, an average of 70.8 m.p.h. for the whole period. Every Australasian time speed record from one to 24 hours, and every distance record from 100 to 1,700 miles was shattered in the course of the run. Just to prove that the car was in good condition, the last 50 miles •were covered at an average speed of 78 m.p.h. The performance was checked and supervised by the Western Australian R.A.C. The driver had no mechanical troubles, and used Plum spirit and Mobiloil. The Studebaker was shod with Goodyear tyres.

BRITISH MAKERS' PLANS

WIDER POWER RANGE Despite the manner in which they have developed high efficiency engines, British car manufacturers in their 1928 programme are driving deeply into the higher horse -power fields previously exploited almost solely by makers in other countries. Naturally, the lower rated, economical productions are still the : lore numerous. But as many of these have 10 to 12 h.p. motors which develop from 25 to 45 h.p., they are designed to combine high speed and reliability with low running costs. There are actually 124 different power ratings in cars now turned out : in Great Britain, and the range extends from 7 h.p. to 50 h.p., from the easily-parked “baby” to the sumptuous 12-cylinder limousines that look to be worth every pound they cost. Analysis of these power ratings shows how British domestic consumption is being supplied, while the demands of overseas users have also received attention. DISTRIBUTION OF POWER Four are rated at 7 h.p., one at 8 h.p., 10 at 10 h.p., 8 at 11 h.p., 19 at 12 h.p., 16 at 14 h.p., 7 at 15 h.p., 13 at 16 li.p., 2 at 17 h.p., 4 at 18 h.p., 21 at 20 h.p., 4 at 25 h.p., 5 at 30 h.p., 2 at 35 h.p., 3 at 40 h.p., and 1 at 50 h.p. These are R.A.C. ratings, the minimum power flow from the engines, and the developments in many instances are extraordinary. Such an enormous power range should assist Great Britain’s efforts to dominate its overseas markets. It will be seen that 12 h.p., 14 h.p., and 20 h.p. models are leading the production field. These are the sizes most in demand among buyers who want cars to fulfil all purposes.