THE ENGLISH MOTOR-CAR

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 137, 14 June 1927, Page 5

THE ENGLISH MOTOR-CAR

The ambition of everyone in New Zealand is to owu a motor-car, but this is only possible if the cost of operation is cheap enough to suit the majority of people's pockets. Experience amply proves this essential economy is found onfy iv the English Light Car. Mr. W R. Morris, of England, has been mainly responsible for demonstrating to tho world the outstanding advantages of-the light car. A light car may be defined as a motor vehicle capable of carrying fourfive persons "with efficiency,'comfort, and economy anywhere in New Zealand. As the cumbersome coach and six succumbed beforo the light buggy, so the heavy extravagant motor-car is stc;idily being ousted by its economical light competitor. Experts the world over, including American, realise this, and arc laying their plans accordingly. Tho essential feature pf a light car ! is a low capacity, high efficiency engine; and in this class of engine England is supreme. American evolution has produced the big capacity, low efficiency engine, and, up to date, no high efficiency engine has been produced in that country. The largest American corporations have, therefore, been forced to seek in England what they cannot produce, hence the recent attempts to buy out certain English manufacturers. One startling proof of the supremacy of England's high efficiency engines is seen in the motor-cycle field. Three i years ago, American high-powered mot tor-cycles completed dominated the New Zealand market, and the English motorcycles were dubbed "unsuitable." Today, the standard English smaller machine commands 90 per cent, of the sales. Light cars call for the highest skill in manufacture and the finest of materials; therefore, the.first cost will always be higher than the machine made, lower-grade American competitor; but this higher first cost is much more than offset by the English light ear's sweeter running, low upkeep, and superior resale value. :'.■-. ' ■ ■ . During the war, we became "Americanised," and there are still many who believe in the advantages claimed by American advocates. What are these so-called advantages? Briefly as follows: Greater engine power, enabling top gear performance' on hills; wider track to coincide with cart ruts; greater ground clearance. Top gear performance is obtained by a bigger engine, a lower gear, or a combination of each. A motor-car high powered, or low geared, enough to climb steep hills on top, is necessarily over-powered for 95 per cent, of its work. In other words, for the privilege of climbing five miles of steep hills on top gar, the owner is paying through the nose for ninety-five miles of ordinary running. Two distinct disadvantages of top gear climbing should be noted. Hanging on. to top gear to the limit of power sets up vibration and stresses which are extremely harmful and costly. In addition, slow revolutions on tdp prevent a?-y chance of acceleration should . an emergency arise, with a consequent liability to acciden'.. The English practice of gear changing is much more scientific and commonsensc. The "Morris" Light Car is geared for the most economical performance, approximately, 30-40 miles to the gallon at a touring speed if 35-45 miles per hour. The maximum speed is 50-60 miles per hour. Second gear is used on a steep grade, and on this gear, it will climb faster than the American car will on top; it will retain the essential factor of safety and will cost no more for high climbing than ordinary running. A good driver uses his gears, as therein lies the delight of driving, and Morris gears can bo changed by any child. Width of track is of no importance on tho majority of New Zealand roads, but on badly rutted roads, the narrow track is of considerable importance, as from all points of view, it is better to keep out of ruts than run-in them; clearance is increased and side strain oh wheel and steering bearings is saved. Clearance is a bogey most easily disposed of; simply measure the clearance on English and American • cars, and it will be found Americans have nothing on the English. Finally, anyone about to purchase .a car should first of all try out the "Morris" light car and the "Morris" will excel its American competitor in hill climbing, sweetness, lightness to handle, durability, and, particularly, in economy. Its high efficiency, nippy engine. its comfort and all round exeellenco have naturally raised competitive opposition, but thousands of satisfied users are enjoying the "Morris" and finding it eminently suited to their requirements and pockets.—(Published by arrangement.)