THE “HANOMAG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 639, 16 April 1929, Page 7

THE “HANOMAG”

GERMAN CYCLE CAR INTERESTING SPECIFICATIONS “Headlight” is now able to supply further particulars of the Hanomag. This single-cylinder but speedy cyclej car has an unusual appearance. Lacking a frontal radiator, it curves up from the road to the windscreen, and down in a similar curve at the back. Ventilating louvres are in front of the rear guards and in the back cover, which is hinged 10 allow accessibility to the motor. This motor is a compact, small piece of mechanism of 2 h.p.. developing 10 b.h.p. Its one cylinder has overhead valves operated by pushrods, forced lubrication, and roller bearings, j Cylinder block, clutch housing and j gearbox are in oue unit across the chassis transmitting power to the rear wheels by a chain (running in an oil bath) and sprocket on the back axle. Beside the sprocket is the brake-drum with expanding shoes from the footpedal and contracting bands from the | hand-lever. A Bosch magneto-generator furj rushes ignition and current for the big ; frontal lamp as used in Europe, headlamps. parking lamps, spotlight, dash and tail lamps. RADIATOR AT REAR The motor is water-cooled, but the radiator is within the body and behind the engine, and air is sucked through it—via ventilating louvres ■ and shafts—by a fan. The exhaust muffler is carried, across the chassis, 'by the rear cross-member. Simply constructed, the chassis is sturdy. It lacks a conventional front axle. This duty is performed by two transverse springs joined in the centre through a buffer block, and shackled to the wheel hubs. Rear suspension is by coil springs, with snubbers fitted all round. Steering is by worm and wheel, and a short, stiff drop arm to the tie rods. Three speeds and reverse are obtained through a gate-change lever on the driver’s right. Foot controls are in the usual position. There is ample room for two passengers within the space bounded by the inset front mudguards, which impinge on the body. Spare wheel, tools and side curtains fit behind the back seat squab, and luggage, brackets are placed on the top of the curving rear quarter. Actual dimensions of the Hanomag are: Wheelbase, 76in; . total length. 97in; track, 41in; width, 46in; weight, about 7cwt. Surprising hill climbling ability, a speed of 45 m.p.h., and petrol economy of 60/70 miles a gallon are claimed for “The Beetle.” The Hanomag is destined by price, size and performance to find its selling field between big motor-cycle sidecar outfit and the strictly “Baby” class of motor-cars.