Far-Reaching Austin Improvements

Northern Advocate, 31 October 1936, Page 3 (Supplement)

Far-Reaching Austin Improvements

New Range Of Models

At a time when a tendency is noticeable towards announcements which amount to a policy of no change, the Austin programme stands out as one in which a really important advance is apparent both mechanically and as regards coachwork development. It is safe to say that the Austin range for 1937 reaches a standard of good looks in advance of anything previously attained. It is not that the new bodies, or the revisions to the old, are in any way freakish. Nothing could be farther from the policy of a firm which has built its reputation on a sound conservatism. But, none the less, the 1937 designs, while following logically on those for the present year, carry the modern streamline tendency a great deal farther. The illustration will demonstrate this better than any amount of description. At the same time, bodies are far roomier in many models, an improvement achieved by a forward mounting of the engine and radiator, coupled with a redesigning of the rear part of the cars. Before considering the separate modesl in detail, some general remarks may be made applying to the whole range.

The all-steel bodies are sound-insu-lated by non-conducting panelling applied to the interior. Triplex toughened glass is used for all windows, and Girling-type brakes are standardised throughout the range, even down to the Seven. From this famous model, of which over a quarter of a million have been built, up to the “Goodwood” 14/16, Austins cover every practical need of the average motorist, with the dependability which has long been the watchword of the firm. To save space in the description of individual models some features may be mentioned which are common to all. They include side-valve engines to ensure accessibility, simplicity and long life; fourspeed gear boxes with synchromesh engagement for second gear as well as for third and top; Hardy Spicer needle bearing propeller shafts; concealed direction indicators with automatic return; concealed illumination for the instrument panels; and low pressure tyres.

Then, on all the cars except the Seven and certain special models, are found thermostatic cooling and —two interesting alterations for the coming year—pressed-sieel spoked wheels, which considerably alter the appearance of the cars, and a new type of cross-bracing for the frames. In this, the cross-members are made of channel steel reversed in direction by comparison with last year, so that where the main cross-member joins the frame a box section is formed. This doubly strengthened structure is continued for some distance at the rear, and right to the dumb-irons at the front, greatly increasing the torsional resistance of the whole chassis.

A new clutch, with flexibly-mounted centre plate to ensure smooth engagement is incorporated on all models. The engine of the new Seven also has the addition of a three-bearing crankshaft.

The range now consists of the Cambridge Ten, the Ascot Twelve, the Goodwood 14/16, and the famous Seven.