Challenging Performance Of Humber Snipe

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23009, 9 April 1938, Page 12 (Supplement)

Challenging Performance Of Humber Snipe

A DIRECT and powerful challenge to the large and popular American cars is offered by the Humber Snipe, the new models of which recently arrived in Auckland. This make of car has always had a high reputation as a quality English vehicle, marked by sound planning and finished workmanship. The new model, however, is now within a price range whiclj, can " be-met by more ihe- There enthusiast, without the sacrifice of any of the features*-.which have assisted in building up its* enviable reputation. Outwardly of medium size, it is a full five-seater with ample* room for five adults. The first glance at tho car conveys an impression of solidity and quality, while its well-proportioned and pleasing lines follow the latest trend without .clashing with the ideas of a connoisseur. On entering the front seat, the driver's first impression is one of complete relaxation, as the ad-

justable bucket seat is skilfully placed so as to afford the maximum body support. Visibility through a wide sloping windscreen is excellent, while the steering column, reasonably raked, is adjustable in length. Even the extremes in physical size could find the utmost comfort in the seat with the gear lever and foot pedals in comfortable reach. The instrument dials on the dashboard are sensibly grouped on the driver's side, with a large pocket provided on the other. More than usual attention- has been paid to the comfort of the passengers in the rear Beat. Here again the seating is correctly designed and comes well within the axle line. Generous leg-room is provided, the front seats beiing cut away at the bottom. A wide shelf by the rear window is useful for carrying incidental luggage. Door handles are shrewdly curved to avoid catching clothes. An interesting and most striking point about the Humber Snipe is the particularly fine suspension. Known as

NEW MODEL OF FAMOUS CAR

"evenkeel" suspension, it.is a revelation to the back-seat rider, "as it smooths over, all road shocks. The car, which was lent by the courtesy of the Auckland Motor Company, was tested over, v rather trying road conditions, but one could be forgiven for thinking that the car was still on concrete. Independent suspension gave a feeling of complete stability, but the main advantage, that the all-too-common pitching and rolling of the body was entirely eliminated. More than being a convenience to passengers, the suspension is truly a strong point in the car's favour. Rivalling the appeal of suspension is the virile performance of what is really a top-gear car. Whether idling in traffic and requiring a quick getaway, or pulling up a stiff grade of 1 in 5$ the car gave a delightful feeling of reserve power that could still be called upon if necessary. From an almost standing start in top-gear at the bottom of College Hill, the car finished at almost 30 m.p.h.at the top. It is. in these points of acceleration and per-: formance that the Humber Snipe can more than compete with its American rivals. The.car is equipped with a six-cylin-der side-valve engine rated at 20.9 h.p., but developing 78 b.h.p. The frama is of complete box girder design of side members, giving great rigidity. Five box section cross-members further strengthen this frame against torsional strains. Another valuable asset is the aluminium cylinder head. The first Humber Snipe was built in 1929 and since then it has become famous throughout the world. The new Aodel will greatly enhance this reputation and the new price will place it within the reach of motorists who require a car bearing the name of a famous English manufacturer.