MOTORING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1939, Page 3

MOTORING

By*

“Contact”

MORRIS ANNOUNCES NEW EIGHT

• With Many New Features

The name Morris is of such worldwide importance that the announcement of a new model creates immediate interest. The new Morris Eight, which was such a sensation at the British Motor Show, has now arrived in New Zealand, and is the source of much favourable comment throughout the Dominion. The first thing that strikes one is that a complete breakaway has been achieved in outward appearance. The whole shape of the car is different, with smooth-flowing lines which give it a beauty rarely seen in cars of its price and class. A closer examination reveals many other important features —and as one enters the driving seat the first impression is the considerable increase in passenger accommodation —in fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that this new Morris Eight is as spacious inside as an ordinary ten. An interesting innovation is the exterior luggage boot at the back, which, apart from its great utility value, considerably improves the streamlined appearance. Other noteworthy external features are the new curved radiator shell and headlamps recessed in the fenders. A new departure for driving comfort is the easy chair front seats with tubular steel frame and floating steel springs. They are instantly adjustable, and include a self-locking device for the driver. The dashboard has a harmonious and compact grouping of instruments, and women will particularly appreciate the wide parcel tray which extends the full width of the dash. Upholstery is of solid leather, and safety glass is used all round. Mechanically, the most interesting features are the new engine and gear-

box. The engine design has been revised, which results in increased power and smoothness, which is borne out by the official test made by the “Autocar,” which states: “The car was toured at above 60 m.p.h., the highest speedometer reading being 64-65. The Morris Eight swings along in a remarkable manner, taking gradients of the ordinary kind in top gear without reduction in speed. On third, the car gives an easy 40 m.p.h., which is valuable for overtaking, increasing or holding speed on gradients.” The chassis is of the double box-sec-tion type, which provides maximum strength and rigidity. Brakes are Lockheed hydraulic. A further noteworthy feature is the corner jacking system, which attaches to the bumper brackets and is operated by the wheel brace —a feature which will appeal to any driver who has tried to jack up a modern car by the back axle. With the increased size, extra roominess and improved performance of this new Slight, the first question likely to be asked is, what of running costs? Tests show,- however, that the car is more economical even than last year’s model. The use of a hot-spot in the engine, and refinements in carburetion, plus the four-speed gear-box and a fool-proof choking device, have preserved the economy that' .is traditional with the Morris Eight. Those who have already seen and driven the new Morris Eight will gather from this brief review that it is an unusually interesting motor car, and a clear-cut example of the manner in which Britain is demonstrating to the world her pre-eminence in the light-car field.