THREE-WHEELED CAR

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 153, 14 June 1932, Page 10

THREE-WHEELED CAR

INTEREST CREATED IN PARIS. A German three-wheeler of distinctly original design, known as the Neiman, has just arrived in Paris, where its advent has created not a little interest. From external appearance there is nothing about ths Neiman to suggest that the engine is at the rear, although such is the case. Closer examination reveals an even greater surprise in the design of the frame, which appears to have been inspired by that of certain well-known Austrian cars in which a single-steel tube of large diameter constitutes the chassis. In the case of the Neiman the tube is offset relative to the centre line of the vehicle, and the rear wheel is anchored from one side only, an arrangement which makes for easy wheel changing. The power unit is a 600 c.c. side-valve N.S.U. single cylinder incorporating a three-speed and reversing gear box. Final drive is by a short chain. The cylinder is enclosed in a cowling through which air is forced by a large four-bladed fan driven by a belt from a pulley on an extension of the cam shaft. The engine cradle is attached to two very substantial steel collars brazed on to the central tube. Suspension arrangements, both front and rear, include helical springs working in leather gaiters, aeroplane type elastic belts and pneumatic shock absorbers beneath the axles. It may be noted that one of each pair of belts is longer than the other and does not come into action until the short belt has extended a little, thereby reducing fatigue in the elastic. At tlie rear the suspension lU'l'.mgeiimnt i mulcted

by a stout, single-leaf spring which acts as a radius arm. The suspension may seem rather needlessly complicated, but it is certainly efficient. Accesibility is a good feature of the Neiman. The tail portion of the body hinges upwards like a bonnet, exposing the engine and transmission. A point which appears open to criticism is the fact that the exhaust is carried directly into the central tube or “Chassis,” which acts as a silencer albeit in a highly efficient manner.