NEW MINX MODEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 260, 2 November 1937, Page 18

NEW MINX MODEL.

| POPULAR HILLMAN.

FLYWHEEL INNOVATION.

PRACTICAL BODYWORK.

Few cars have won such instant popularity as the original Hillman Minx, the' position of which was consolidated by the introduction of the Minx Magnificent. The marketing of the 1938 Hillman Minx is. therefore, an event of importance, not only to those who are already Hillman Minx owners, but also to all motorists interested in the light car field.

The general conception of the new model is the same as its predecessors — that is, a car of 10 h.p. with ample body accommodation, refined running and modern appearance. So far as this last is concerned, the present model makes an instant appeal. The radiator has pleasantly rounded contours, with transverse, chromium-plated grilles. These mould with the wide front bumper bar, which, like the rear bumper, extends right across the car.

A smooth interior is provided by using a flush-fitting sliding roof and panelled head. Another essentially practical feature of the bodywork is seen in the great care taken to eliminate draughts and provide proper ventilation. In the de luxe models there is a ventilating panel mounted on the front windows. Special attention has been given to the exclusion of exhaust fumes from the interior of the car. Chassis Makes for Comfort. The body is mounted on a boxsectioned welded frame of a type which has been used without a single failure 011 nearly 00,000 vehicles. It forms an exceptionally stiff base for the coachwork, which slioulu remain free from distortion and rattles throughout its life. Another contribution to the comfort of the occupants is the springing system, which has been carefully designed and incorporates shackles requiring no lubrication.

The bore and stroke of the power unit remain at O.'linm by 95mm, respectively, as oil all previous Hillmau Minx cars. Moreover, the valves are still of the side-by side type, anil the engine is cooled on the tiiermo-siphoii system. The other basic features of the engine are entirely new, the objective of the Hillman engineers being more to ensure higher standards of refinement in running than to increase performance.

To this end a large section balanced crankshaft a good deal stiffer than the previous design is employed. This is run in white-metal steel-backed bearings, precision-bored to fine limits. The pistons are cast in alloy and this is notable for its unusually small expansion. The design is known as the

"T-slot" type and permits the use of very close clearances. These in turn ensure uniformly quiet running and promote low oil consumption over a large mileage. The quest for smooth running has also been extended to the camshaft, which is now fitted with three bearings, a feature which has appreciably improved the silence of the valve gear. The Hillman company has also em : ployed a new form of "cushioned power," which, it is claimed, marks a real step forward in this direction. Power is transmitted to the gearbox by a single dry-plate clutch, so dimensioned as to be free from slip under all conditions. Unique Flywheel Feature. The usual practice of using a stamping for the flywheel has been abandoned. In its place there is a steel casting in an alloy claimed to possess long-wearing qualities on the clutch facing. In conjunction with this there is a shrunk-on hard steel starter ring. This not only provides exceptionally long life for the starter teeth, but also makes it possible for these to be inexpensively renewed at any time, without changing the flywheel itself.

The <reapbox is unique for light cars in that it has syncliromesh on all four speeds, a feature which it shares with previous models. The latest type lias been refined by thickening the gearbox walls and by adding to them stiffening ribs. By these means rigidity of the gearbox bearings has been increased and at the same time the ribs act as sound dampers.