TEST OF 1935 AUBURN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21982, 13 December 1934, Page 7

TEST OF 1935 AUBURN

I # j grace, comfort and power A revelation of modern motoring design and achievement was provided in a road test this week of the 1935 Auburn. The model tested, a beautiful eight-cylinder cabriolet, gave a convincing performance of smooth power and exceptional riding comfort. Tho car had no difficulty in coping with severe hills in top gear; in fact, in the ascent of Ayr Street, the car was purposely slowed considerably in top gear about half-way up and reached the top without the necessity for changing gear. The new Auburns possess splendid riding qualities, the result of exhaustive experiments with spring suspension, frame structure and shock-absorbing equipment. Conventional suspension is adhered to, but such advances have been made that road shocks have been practically eliminated and comers can be taken at a high speed with an absolute sense of security. The eight-cylinder is equipped with dual ratio gearing, which was developed originally by Auburn. This gives the driver two complete driving ranges and effects a considerable saving in petrol consumption The change from one to the other of the two ratios on each of the three gears is effected by moving a small lever in the centre of the steering wheel and operating tho clutch. The mechanism, which is located in the differential, is fool-proof. In addition to the saving in petrol consumption, the extra high gear naturally rosults in a considerable reduction in the wear and tear on engine parts. The streamlined design of the coachwork is conservative but smart; it is no exaggeration to say the Auburn models are among the most attractive in appearance yet seen in Auckland. Chromium plating and stainless steel are generously used on the exterior and the colour schemes of the paint work are most appealing. New lamps and newly-designed louvres, wings and tor-pedo-typo fenders are distinctively smart and biggest strength and grace. Many years' experience is incorporated in the engine design. The motor is silent, with swift acceleration and high performance. To prevent overheating of valves, a supplementary cooling system has been provided, spraying a constant stream of cool water around the valve seats and valve ports. Four-wheel hydraulic brakes are actuated with a minimum of pressure and give a sense of control which is most reassuring. Altogether the new Auburns represent modern engineering skill at its best.