1937 Willys Tested

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 14 (Supplement)

1937 Willys Tested

Outstanding Performance With Low Costs

ULTRA-MODERN in appearance with its unconventional one-piece bonnet, the 1937 Willys is a car built to meet requirements of the modern motorist both in its outstanding performance and its economical running costs. Covering between 28 and 30 miles to the gallon, this light American 15 horse-power car provides comfortable seating accommodation for five passengers in addition to the driver, and it gives a performance that is truly outstanding. On the road, under real hard driving conditions, the capabilities of the Willys make it a pleasure to handle. With all the lively acceleration expected of an American car, it has that roadability which gives a feeling of security so essential to the complete satisfaction of the discriminating driver. By tbe courtesy of Campbell Motors, Limited, a model practically new from the case was made available for a road test this week. Although it was put through a series of tests which the average driver would only demand of a higher-powered car its response was admirable from I every point of view. Sliding into the easily adjustable front seat for the first time, the first impression gained is that of roominess. Fully 50 inches wide, the driving seat provides ample room for three average sized people. The emergency hand-brake is controlled from the'right of the dash thus giving the centre passenger all the leg room he could possibly require; Two deep compartments concealed behind a neat aeroplane-dash with indirectly lighted instrument dials provide adequate space for knick-knacks and parcels, while there is an unusually

spacious luggage trunk at the rear. Visibility to both the front and rear is definitely good. Shifting through the gears on the flat, it is with some surprise that tho driver new to the Willys finds tho car pushing along comfortably at anything up to 50 miles an hour in second. In top gear the performance is even better, the steepest grade about Auckland, that of Ayr Street, being taken without tho slightest fuss on the part of tho engine. With a wider track than the 1930 model, which it closely resembles in most essentials, tho 1937 Willys corners very safely at speed, and one of tbe sharpest bends on the test route was j I taken at well over 40 miles an hour without tho slightest suspicion of a skid. Travelling at closo on 50 miles an hour tho splendid springing was demonstrated to advantage on one of tho roughest stretches of metal which could be found conveniently close to the city. There was no bumping when the car was driven into the deepest pot-holes and even at lesser speeds the same comfortablo feeling that the car was riding the bumps was maintained. Fitted with oversize self-energising brakes, the car responded quickly to the foot pedal, while tho hand-brake held it on tho steepest grade on the test route. Flexibility unusual in a car of its type is a feature of the new Willys. In traffic it can be slowed down to under 10 miles an hour before the engine complains, while its remarkable small turning circle also makes for easier handling. The steering is light and direct. Tho safety aspect also has been well considered by the designers in the allsteel body and solid steel top which is both sound and heat insulated. All glass is unshatterable.