MOTORING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1939, Page 3

MOTORING

By

“Contact”

A NEW NAME IN MOTORING

THE 8-CYLINDER MERCURY. The most interesting announcement ip the 1939 motoring world is the introduction of the 8-cylinder Mercury. 'This entirely new par is an additional product of the world’s largest independent motor manufacturer, the Ford Motor Company. The background of the Mercury, therefore, is an organisation which throughout its 35 years .experience in building quality cars, has contributed many advancements to motoring. Its remarkable achievements are to j large extent the result of its progressive policies and continual research, and its insistence upon precision methods and quality materials.

The clean, flowing lines of the 8r cylinder Mercury reflect the distinction of the Lincoln-Zephyr V-12, but nevertheless, has a .distipctive appearance entirely its own. "First, the’M, erc . u .ry is an exceptional.ly big and wide car. On a 127-inch springbase, it is 16 feet 3 inches in over-all length. When you look at the Mercury from the front, its width is surprising. The door-to-door seating width in front is no less tnan a,6 inches, ample room for three big people ip sit comfortably without crowding ana there is even more room in the rear seat. Modern, narrow running boards are one reason for this extra widthinches taken away from the running boards have been added to the interior ,of the car. The Mercury will appeal to those who insist on a car with size. The specious luggage compartment provides room for several average size suitcases with space to spare for odd luggage. Here also, the extra width of the car is appreciated, the wide luggage compartment door being very convenient for packing and uploading. The spare tyre is also carried here, mounted vertically. LUXURIOUS INTERIORS. The interior of the 8-cylinder Mercury is particularly attractive.. The appointments are tastefully modern, combining beauty with utility. Especially is this evident in the tilted instrument panel. Every meter and gauge gets full visibility through the streamlinemounted 2-spoke steering wheel. The 100-mile speedometer is in a long arc corresponding to the steering wheel rim. In the centre is a grille for radio installation and to the left a large glove compartment with an attractive electric clock on the door. Also on the instrument panel is a “tell-tale” light indicating headlamp beam and a new battery .condition indicator. Upholstery is hand-buffed genuine leather. The seats are deep and wide and very restful. Window and door mouldings harmonise with the upholstery. There are arm rests for the driver as well as rear seat passengers, dual sun-visors, foot rests, robe cord arid assist cords, ash-trays in front and rear. Other points worth noting are the .ease with which front seats can b.e adjusted and the special door stops Which hold the doors open as long as

desired, even though the car is tilted. Ventilation is very effective and conveniently adjusted. One handle opens and lowers the windows and the ventilation slot.

Passengers are cradled between the axles instead of over them and a real riding comfort contribution is the balanced weight, permitting equalised flexibility in the front and rear springs. Four double-acting shock absorbers stifle jolts and jars before they are transmitted to the body. The 8-pylinder Mercury is a remarkably quiet car in which to ride. With the windojvs closed, passengers can converse without raising their voices, even at high speeds. Months of tests in the laboratory and on the road proceeded this effective sound insulation. Intricate machines that pick up noises that even the human ear cannot hear

were utilised and in this way all sources of noise were tracked down. Then squeaks and sounds that detract from true motoring pleasure were silenced, while new sound-insulatjpg materials are employed throughout the Mei’curj’ body and chassis. 8-CYLINDER 95 H.P. ENGINE. A big 95 horse-power, 8-cylinder engine—the cylinders .in V formationpowers the Mercury. Although this is a completely new engine it is the type which has already established a remarkable rqcord for outstanding performance, smoothness and excellent economy. The power-to-weight ratio is extremely favourable and Mercury owners can look forward to a standard of engine performance, that will provide the very maximum in motoring enjoyment. Big hydraulic byakes of the very newest type are used. Brake shoes, which have a total of 162 square inches of braking surface, operate in 12 inch drums. The handbrake lever, conveniently located under the instrument panel, operates the brakes on the two rear wh.eels mechanically. In accordance with its big car standards throughout, the 8-cylinder Mercury has large, oversize 6.50 x 16 tyres. A welcome feature is the 17-plate, 100 amp. battery, so that the motorist who installs a radio can give it full use without fear of overtaxing the battery. An easy gear change is assured by the blocker type transmission which prevents gears meshing until they are synchronised. Safety has been given utmost attention. The body is one.-piece all steel, ,the frame construction provides full box sections from the reinforcing xmembers at both ends of the side channels. All glass is safety glass and wide visibility results from low belt and cowl lines and the clear vision ventilation.

■Jhere is a choice of seven attractive colours and the Mercury is painted with a lustrous baked enamel finish which is exceptionally durable and retains its polished appearance practically indefinitely. The 8-cylind.er Mercury is now on display. It is worth noting, too, that this new car which in many ways typifies the best in modern motoring, is built in New Zealand.