BRITISH AND AMERICAN CARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19509, 13 December 1926, Page 8

BRITISH AND AMERICAN CARS.

Sir, I have watched the statements ana correspondence of several interested and disinterested people on this subject recently published in the Herald. After seeing the British workman could produce during the war in the shape of transport, both military and civil, by iand, : sea and air, also munitions and scientific, appliances, X am more than satisfied that there is no better on the face of the globe. It was the inventiveness and constructive ability of the nation which was the principal factor in winning the war. While this was so, it was easy for the United States to dump motor-cars of all grades and qualities into Australia and New Zealand. The last few years several of the Continental and British firms have applied themselves jseriously to the building of motorcars. They have striven for efficiency and economy, both in fuel and oil, with good, sound engineering and mechanical balance, also the maximum seating accommodation and protection from the weather with the minimum of weight. Most of the British cars have a greater saiety margin in the strength of the axles, king-pins and steering gear. I am quite sure that several British and Continental cars will outdo and outlive any American car yet produced, though no doubt there are some good ones. In the matter of upkeep over a number of years of both fuel and replacements there is no comparison. and oil cost :»o much more out*here that these items alone would save sufficient to buy a new car in five years.. Again," a good British car will bring a fair price as a used or second-hand car. I ran an American car for five years. It would do about 16 miles to the gallon of benzine. Then I bought an English car for less money. I couid ran six passengers on our rough roads 35 to 37 miles to the gallon. After doing BQOO miles in 15 months the agent allowed tine over two-thirds the first cost toward a larger and more powerful car to accommodate a family of eight. Quite apart from the fact that we should support our own people who buy our produce, it will pay the thoughtful and discriminating New Zeaslander to look facts, running costs and risks squarely in the face. I have no interest in the motor trade and have been motoring for about 20 years. People will bo amazed at the size of the scrap heap of motor-cars in this country soon, and I am willing to venture the oninion that, there will not be found many cars among them, though they are increasing on the roads every day. Hamilton. * William Hobbs.