NEW FORD "PREFECT TEN"

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 March 1939, Page 8

NEW FORD "PREFECT TEN"

A now Ford model is always something of an event in me ,motoring world and the new Ford Prefect “Ten.” recently announced, is no exception. New streamlined beauty, really spacious ' seating, good riding, brilliant performance and a high standard of appointments will make it a very popular “Ten.” The first thing noticed on the new Prefect “Ten” is the pleasing frontal appearance of advanced design. A new departure for the light car field is the lift-up type bonnet hinged at the rear and opening up to give ready accessibility to the engine. It is easy to handle, rigidly constructed, and is secured in position by a distinctive radiator ornament. The radiator cap is located beneath the lid. The bumpers are of strengthened straight design and both front and rear bumpers extend the full width of the car. Dual windscreen wipers are mounted at the foot of the windscreen and can be parked right out of sight of the driver. In-ward-curving door handles are an excellent safety feature, and just above them is a long sweeping chromium strip extending the full length of the car, and leading the eye downwards towards the streamlined tail. Horizontal louvres with the lines continued continued along the bonnet by the side louvres and the attractive motif on the side of the bonnet strike a further note of distinction. GOOD PERFORMANCE. The Ford “Teh” has always been noted for its lively performance,- and the “Prefect” enhances this reputation. The efficient design of the engine gives rapid acceleration and quiet, effortless speed. This performance is achieved with low running and upkeep costs. Light steering, a smooth clutch, and easy gear changing are among a host of other features. A brand new “Prefect” was recently run from Wellington to Masterton and back over .the Rimutaka Hill with a load 'of 572 pounds, including the driver, and at an average speed of 30 to 35 miles per hour. On this trip the petrol consumption obtained was 37.66 miles per gallon. ATTRACTIVE INTERIORS. The new “Prefect” is attractive, roomy and comfortable. The dashboard is a handsome plastic moulding harmonising in colour with the other interior fittings. It includes a large

enclosed glove locker, clock, concealed ash-tray, and full-vision instruments. The handbrake lever is readily accessible, being mounted under the dash. Other appointments and equipment include a wide shelf for parcels behind the rear seat, map pockets, two ashtrays in the rear compartment, roof light with pillar switch, rear blind with remote-control, sun visor with vanity mirror,. and self-cancelling direction indicators with steering wheel control. Both front seats are instantly adjustable.

There is generous legroom, headroom and elbowroom within. It is pleasing tornote that only 100 per cent New materials are used in the attractive upholstery. The famous Ford “Centre-poise” system of weight distribution and suspension gives the car unusually good riding qualities. Two grown-ups and a child can sit comfortably in the wide rear seat. A 6-foot passenger has plenty of legroom and headroom. Legroom is increased by the tubular frame front seat construction. z All door windows open, and ventilation is further improved by cowls in the body sides acting as air extractors. Self-lubricating and doubleacting hydraulic shock absorbers give splendid riding over all classes of roads. The outside luggage compartment at the rear provides ample accommodation and the exterior lid has a new neat locking handle. The spare wheel is accommodated' conveniently in a separate locker below. , MANY SAFETY _ The welded all-steel body construction provides a strong, safe and silent type of body-work. The safety-glass windscreen gives an excellent view of the road. The braking is of the fully compensated self-energising type and is one of the finest systems used on any car of this size. It gives smooth certain control with light pedal pressure. Servicing, cleaning, and adjustment are rendered as easy as possible. The wheels are of the easy to clean type. The free use of oil-less bearings and bushes reduces maintenance to a minimum and the valves are permanently adjusted'and precision set. The New Ford “Prefect Ten” is manufactured in England of 100 per cent English materials and completely built-up in New Zealand at the modern Ford Factory at Lower Hutt, Wellington.