The Modern Car Is Safe

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7268, 22 September 1933, Page 11

The Modern Car Is Safe

For some moving picture news films, a series of sensational motor-car tests were staged at a proving ground near a company’s main factory at Indiana, the pictorial results of which, as stated, are to be shown tkoroughout the world. First, a six-cylinder sedan was sent tumbling down a steep, rocky hill. Tho length of the hill was 300 foot, and tho maximum gradient was 62 per cent. This was repeated four times in all, and, except for crushed mudguards, two blown tyres, and a crack in the windscreen, the car was unharmed. After each descent the car was driven back up tho hill under its own power. Driven by a racing driver at 60 miles an hour, the car was skidded completely around in tho shortest possible space. Low centre of gravity prevented it overturning. Another test was to show what would happen when a tyre was blown at 70 miles an hour. . A dynamite detonator was exploded in a right rear tyre, but tho car was brought safely to a stop. The tost was repeated with a right front tyre, by driving over a knife-edge. Brako tests were made, tho car at 60 milos per hour being brought to a stop in 160 feet at tho edge of a, pit from which tho news camera. recorded the picture of the oncoming car.

A Transmission Test. Two heavy posts were placed deep in the ground, and tho front bumpers of the car placed against them. The engine was then raced to its maximum, with tho clutch out of engagement. Suddenly tho clutch was let in and tho full force of tho racing ongine, in second gear, propelled the car against the posts. This was done several Nines, the wheels dragging deep holes m the dirt, but tho transmission was unbroken. This test was completed when tho car was backed several lengths away from the posts and, with engine racing and the clutch suddenly engaged, the car ivas crashed against the posts. The final feature was a head-on collision between two cars at high speed. Two new cars were placed at the end of a 1000-foot runaway. Drivers put each car in gear and, jumping out, after throttles were opened wide, tho cars were allowod to crash logo! or. Radiators and engines were smashed, but the bodies remained intact, and the windscreen and doors of the car with special glass were not broken. Ihe windscreen of the other car was badly shattered.