The Latest From Europe

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28937, 3 July 1959, Page 14

The Latest From Europe

IYANY secret and behind-the-scenes . development and testing is going on with new cars in Europe. One of these very latest cars is a Russian people's model shown on this page which is a midget four-seater capable of about 56 miles a gallon. The lines of the MZMA-965 bear a slight resemblance to Fiats, but are lacking in style. In spite of its looks, the car will probably answer the Russian purpose well. It has independent rear springing—which many British models have not yet adopted —end a two-cylinder 965 c.c. aircooled engine in the rear. It will cruise comfortably at about 55 miles an hour, which is more than sufficient on most of Russia’s poorly-formed roads. Other Models Other models have also been shown for the first time recently. iThe Triumph Herald started the [fashion about two months ago, and some of the Continental newcomers are now prepared to vie with it. In a completely different class from the Herald—aimed directly at the brilliant successes of the British Jaguar on the American market—is a new model styled by Pinin Farina on a 3jlitre Alfa Romeo chassis. Reports are that the car is brilliant in styling conception, and that the Italians are endeavouring to bring it into the Jaguar price range. With the high esteem which Italian cars enjoy in America and Farina’s famous ability, the car could be a potent threat. Another famous Italian. Enzo Ferrari, has also joined in the quest for greater sales. He has designed a midget model with an 850 c.c. four-cylinder engine. With Ferrari’s reputation, it should be eagerly sought Successor Planned

’ In France, there is also feverish activity at the Citroen plant. The company is planning to introduce a successor to the 2CV model which 4s not seen in New Zealand but is the proud possession of many French people or. the lower income brackets. The new model will have more power from a 530 c.c. flat twin air-cooled

engine in place of the old 425 c.c. unit. Redesign of the body is most welcome, since the 2CV waa one of the most austere cars offered anywhere in the world. Sweden’s Volvo, which is selling well in all parts of the world, is now to be built in Great Britain. A new sports model will have its body pressed in Oxford and assembled there. Sunbeam Alpine One of the most famous models of the Rootes Group, the Sunbeam Alpine, is about to be succeeded, and final are at present being made on roads on the Continent. The old Sunbeam., which retained traditional lines while the Rapier adopted the more modern Rootes style, earned a reputation unequalled among four-cylinder rally cars. The results it achieved in the gruelling Monte Carlo and other major rallies have been outstanding, and it is an important and specialised part of the company’s production. Tests have revealed that the new car, with an adapted 1490 c.c. Hillman Minx engine, reaches 100 miles an hour with ease, and has extremely large brake drums and good roadholding. The body has been redesigned. Two specials which at presen* roam the highways of England create a great deal of attention , One is an innocent-looking M.G.A. which reaches 90 miles hour in third gear, owned by Mr Tony Vandervell, the millionaae sponsor of the world championship winning Vanwall. Mr Van-

shaft 1600 c.c. M.G. engine into the car just “for a little better performance.’’ John Cpoper, whose responsibility is the very successful Cooper racing team, has fitted , a I'loo c.c. Climax engine into a Renault Dauphine. With disc brakes and Cooper springing, this little car can sweep along the British highways at over 100 miles an hour.