Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 9

Auto Gossip

The roughness of ■ recent Cold Star rally is attacked by an Ashburton writer in an article printed originally in the Ashburton Car Club’s bulletin and reprinted in the latest bulletin at the Canterbury Car Club. Among other comments the writer describes the event as a “car-buster.” A reply from the editor of the Canterbury Car Club’s bulletin accuses the writer of Being callow, brash and abusive, and attacks the criticism as warped and fitfounded Whatever the merits or otherwise of the articles it is obvious there is a need for an investigation into rallies which are really trials. It is also obvious there should be more care on the part of organisers in putting out any prospectus. It is their duty to take into consideration the changes bad weather may make to any road or ford.

Air suspension is now being used by A.E.C. on one of their latest buses. The air suspension system is used only at the rear, where it is claimed to provide greater riding comfort for passengers and maximum stability for the vehicle.

Overseas writer* rumour more new Ford models this year, probably just before the motor show in October. Perhaps the Consul Classic, or 315 as it is generally known in NeW Zealand, will get a full-synchro-mesh gearbox at last, and the Anglia may also benefit in this way. It is also possible that the Anglia will get disc brakes, the wide use of these cars in sport and the number overseas which are modified in this way makes this seem a logical move.

The Morris 1100 announced last week appears from the specification to be one of the most technically advanced cars, if not the most advanced, to be announced this year. However, it is remarkable that in such a car B M.C have retained a gearbox with no synchromesh on first gear. Brochures for the 1100 are not correct when they claim curved side windows as an exclusive feature: the new Fords announced earlier this year also have these.

The 1963 Ford Falcon announced in Australia recently has few external changes, the main alterations being to the roof line and the grille. However. changes have been made to the gearbox, clutch, carburettor and starter motor, and Ford say there are in all 734 new parts in the car.