A REMARKABLE CAR

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20563, 3 June 1932, Page 6

A REMARKABLE CAR

REAR-ENGINED THREEWHEELER. LOW -MAINTENANCE COSTS. A maximum speed of 70 ni.p.h. "with a 7 h.p. engine, better acceleration than a 60 h.p. ear. individual springing of each wheel and a total weight for a two-passenger streamlined coupe of under Scwt—these are some of the remarkable claims made for the latest editions of the Martin cyeldcar, which hails from Long Island, New York. This interesting three-wheeler is fitted with tin; American Austin power-unit, which is placed transversely at the rear of the "chassis." The rear wheel is driven by a short chain. The Martin factory has for many years pioneered the substitution of normal road springs by the individual springing of each wheel by aeroplanetype rubber cords, and this method of suspension is employed in the new model. The result is claimed to give unprecedented suspension and a low centre of gravity. Boom and to Spare. Three-quarters of the available space of the ear is given over to the accommodation of tw'o passengers, and a large boot over the engine at the reaj provides ample luggage space. It is claimed that there is actually more room per passenger in this tiny coupe than in the average large American saloon! The body is streamlined rather after the fashion of the famous Burney car. but an unusual feature is the very wide door in the nose of the vehicle, and the stout bumper board "which runs right around the car. The very good performance of 70 ni.p.h. with proportionally rapid acceleration is attained by the elimination of heavy parts—there are no axles, road springs, chassis frame, transmission, wings, and running-boards—and by a large reduction in wind resistance by the streamlining of the shell. It is claimed that the wind resistance of the coupe is one-seventh that of a normal saloon of corresponding size. >■

Low Centre of Oravi:;'. The rubber cord suspension system has resulted 111 a lowering of the centre of gravity by Sin, without reducing the ground clearance, and unsprung weight has been practically eliminated. Even the steering track-rod is sprung. By its unique design, the Martin not only eliminates half the weight of an ordinary ear, but also more than half th<> components. .Stamped sheet metal replaces machined parts, and the estimated cost per pound lia3 been reduced from something like 3-t cents to C cents (fiboui 4J !). It is thought th&t Martin cars at the rate of 1000 per day can be built for about 100 dollars, inclusive of factory overheads. All interesting feature of this remarkable \'ehicle from a maintenance, point of view is that there is nothing to oil or grease for 10,000 miles at a stretch. Five out of every hundred new motorcurs placed on London streets every year aro stolen. Of those so lost 75 per_ cent, arc ultimately returne'd to their owners.