TWO UNFORGETTABLE CARS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29831, 25 May 1962, Page 7

TWO UNFORGETTABLE CARS

rpHE first new mark X Jaguar, which was announced in Britain several months ago, arrived in Christchurch last week. The luxury five-seater is fitted with the XK S engine producing 265 b.h.p. and providing a top speed of well over 100 miles an hour. Suspension is fully independent on all four wheels, and power-assisted disc brakes are fitted all round. Sleek The car is sleek and low to look at, and the forward lean of the front gives the impression it is straining at the leash.

For such a low car the Jaguar is easy to get in and out of. once the technique of raising the foot over the door sill has been mastered. Once inside, the occupant finds himself surrounded by high-quality leather upholstery and beautifully polished figured walnut. The seats are of a type one sits in rather than on, and they give great comfort. Both front and back seats are provided with armrests. The two front seats are divided by a padded console, which makes the seating of three persons across the front impracticable. The car has been designed to carry five. Dash

The dashboard is unmistakeably Jaguar, of figured walnut and bearing easy-to-read instruments. These include a tachometer, and guages for oil. water, fuel, and an ammeter. All switches are of the toggle

type and there is a red light to warn if the handbrake has been left on, or if the brake fluid level is dropping. The seats have a reclining adjustment and the steering column is also adjustable for length. Even a tall driver can quickly find a good driving position. The car tested is fitted with automatic transmission, very few models being produced with the optional manual transmission. Gear changes are smooth an unobtrusive, and the intermediate hold switch can be reached without removing the hands from the steering wheel. Visibility is very good, the

steeply sloping bonnet being hardly noticeable. The car. not being run in, could not be allowed to exceed 2500 revolutions a minute, but in top gear this was equivalent to nearly 60 miles an hour. At 55 m.p.h. the car cruises very quietly, and the independent suspension irons out road irregularities and potholes as if they are not there. The power steering is very light, but provides sufficient feel to advise the driver of the behaviour of the front wheels. Stability Dropping the wheels on one side of the car into fairly heavy gravel at 55 m.p.h. has almost no effect on the handling, no doubt due to a great extent to the independent rear suspension, and corners can be taken at speed without noticeable roll or any deviation from the set course.

In taking corners the car can be placed easily, and even unskilful drivers would be unlikely to find themselves in trouble. The disc brakes, power assisted, obviously have a capability in accord with the performance of the car, and from 50 miles an hour a surprisingly smooth and fast stop can be made without locking the wheels. Turning on narrow roads presents no problems, for the car has a remarkable lock for its size. Parking is easy when the driver masters the rather high reverse gear, which needs a delicate touch on the accelerator. Heater The heating system, which has two vents into the rear compartment, is fed through a vent on the bonnet. The vent is opened by a hydraulic ram when a button is pushed. It provides a good flow of heated fresh air. Overall, the Mark X is a luxurious car which is a pleasure to drive, and which, in spite of its size, is remarkably nimble. It is well finished inside and out, even down to details, and under the bonnet everything is very accessible. Its price in New Zealand ranges from £2850 to £3050. according to the type of ransmission chosen. E-Type During the week "The Press" also sampled the amazing Jaguar E-Type, or XKE, in its coupe form. The

car is one which any driver is to be forgiven for falling in love with, for it seems almost totally without vices. It is perhaps a little difficult to get into for the uninitiated, but once inside the leather-covered bucket seats give excellent lateral support and more comfort than most saloons. The long bonnet does not intrude on the line of sight, and the adjustable woodrimmed steering wheel is perfectly positioned for most drivers. Instruments are clear and easy to read, and the 160mile an hour speedometer impresses by its presence. The gear lever falls perfectly to the hand, and movements between ratios are short. The gearbox, like the rest of the car, was very new, and consequently a little stiff. In Town „ In town, the E-Type attracted?* tot'’of attention, but the purr from under the bonnet gives little hint of the power available. The car will pull away smoothly from (about 15 m.pjh.) in top gear, but the lower gears provide bullet-like acceleration without exceeding the running-in speed limit of 2500 r.pm. The power-assisted disc brakes pull up swiftly and effortlessly from slow speeds, with no sound but a slight

hiss from the servo unit. Visibility is excellent. On Hills On the Summit road the EType is in its element. Cornering is ridiculously easy, and the car feels remarkably stable and perfectly balanced. The all-independent suspension smoothes out potholes and gives a ride over rough surfaces superior to that given by most saloons. On curves and corners the car holds its position on the road as if it was nailed down, and can be placed perfectly without any effort. The steering, about two turns and a half from lock to lock, is surprisingly light and positive. and no reaction from potholes is felt through the steering wheel. Hilkximbing ability, on an engine exactly the same as fitted to the Mark X, is remarkable, with top gear effortlessly accelerating the car up steep inclines without the slightest strain on the engine. Noise At speed the brakes were just as effective and as light in operation as at lower speeds. The noise level, even with one window open, is remarkably low at 55 miles an hour, showing the effectiveness of the streamlining. The exhaust note is unobtrusive, with sporting crispness when a change down is made. The turning circle is good, and even at parking speeds the steering remains very light.

Back In town the E-Type becomes once more an excellent traffic car, with impeccable manners at tow speeds. Again, easier to drive in town than most saloons, when acceleration is needed for passing a heavy lorry, a change to second or third and a touch on the accelerator leaves the obstruction far behind. Flexible To drive an E-Type is a never-to-be-forgotten experience for the person used to ordinary equipages, and the amazing flexibility of the engine never ceases to impress. Its docile manners give great confidence and an impression of real safety, and it would be hard for a driver to get into difficulties. Leg room in the coupe version is more than ample, and there is a large amount of luggage room behind the seaits. Refinements include a heater, windscreen washers < the t. screen . cleared by three wipers) cigar lighter, and provision for a radio. Delightful

In short, the Jaguar EType is a car that would be a delight for everyday motoring as well as touring. In New Zealand, the EType coupe costs about £2700, and the convertible versions about £2550.