BRITISH CARS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 60, 12 March 1927, Page 14

BRITISH CARS

THE COLONIAL MARKET

ATTEMPT TO MEET NEEDS

At least ninteen British motor firms are placing a colonial model or models on the market in an attempt to meet overseas requirements in a vehicle.. All these" models are of standard track, 4ft Sin, and only one has a clearance of less than 9in. Nine inches and 9Jin aro the most common, but several have lOin and llin clearance. A large proportion are of 14-h.p., but they range up to 20-h.p. In other respects special features, such .as stronger springing, more efficient cooling system—for the hotter climates, and more mountainous conditions overseas—and occasionally larger,wheels, have been introduced.

Eight other firms introducing special colonial models have not attempted to attain tho standard track, confining their efforts to a vehicle more suited than their standard designs to the heavy road conditions characteristic of Australia and New. Zealand.

With regard to engine power, it is claimed that, although the English rating is lower than the American, the comparison in figures does hot represent the actual position, quite as much power being produced by tho lower-rated British engine as by the American. Moreover, it is pointed out that the high speed engine is steadily gaiug adherents in America itself.

America, of course, has the advantage of mass production and heavy sales, but there is a feeling of optimism in Britiain that increased trade will bring about n reduction in production costs. One of the great difficulties in England is the number of firms-manu-facturing cars, and the heavy competition from Continental countries in similar types. America is practically free from outside competition, and tho number of firms producing oars in America is steadily declining. Tho weak must go to tho wall. As one authority said recently, there is not now on the market such a thing as a "bad" car.