NOT A FREAK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 236, 5 October 1937, Page 18

NOT A FREAK.

HEW FRENCH DESIGN.

. A new small car has just appeared on the French market, with a vertical twin four-stroke engine. There is nothing freakish about this car, known as the Reiiii-Danvignen, but the chassis incorporates certain unusual features. A vertical twin four-stroke is in itself somewhat unusual in these days, although such units have given splendid results in the past.

The Kemi-Danvignes engine is compact, with detachable head and chaindriven overhead camehaft, operating the valves through rockers; 32 h.p. is said to be obtained at 4000 r.p.m.; and, under normal running conditions, the engine turns at about 4000 r.p.m.

A four-speed gearbox is incorporated in the unit and transmission is by open propeller shaft to a rear axle. HardyBrnmpton joints are employed for the propeller shaft couplings and also at the inner and outer ends of the rear axle cardans. All-round independent suspension is provided, twin transverse springs being used in front, whilst at the rear there is an arrangement of three transverse springs, two beneath the axle and one above.

The frame has tubular side members, to which pressed steel cross members are bolted up with U-form clips, no welding being employed in thie chassis.

Steering arrangements are unusual in a rear-drive car, as the usual track rod ie eliminated. The wheels have independent push-pull rods linked up to a cross shaft which is carried in the lower portion of the clutch housing. Engine details include needle roller bearings to big-ends and coil ignition with distributor mounted on an extension from the camshaft.

The fuel tank, with a 24-litre capacity, Is carried at the rear, and petrol in. supplied to the carburetter by a mechanical fuel pump. Thcrmosiphon cooling is used, with a large radiator.

The total weight of this little car, tally equipped, in 580 kg., and a road performance of 65-Oft m.p.h. is claimed, with a fuel consumption of nbont 58} m.p.g. The car is exceptionally quiet.