Streamlining Defended

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

Streamlining Defended

LESSONS OF RECORD RUNS The effect of scientific streamlining of cars was illustrated in a striking manner during the recent wonderful record-breaking feat of the little British-built M.G. (1087 c.c. capacity) on German soil. During one of the runs the M.G., weighing 16cwt., ran out of fuel immediately after passing the mile post. The machine, which at the time was travelling at just over 170 m.p.h., coasted quite easily for three miles along the German motor road before it was pulled up to make the return run over the measured mile.

This astonishing performance satisfied Major A. Gardner, who drove the car, and Mr. Cecil Kimber, of the M.G. Company, that the speeds attained could possibly have been higher if it had been realised what a remarkably low air-resistance the body-form of the little machine had. It will be remembered that this little car, sponsored by Lord Nuffield, with the object of ascertaining how fast a car in the 1100 c.c. class could travel over a mile, officially attained a mean speed of 187.6 m.p.h.

It is now thought that, by raising the top gear from 3.8 to 3.3, it will be possible for this wonder car to reach or even exceed 200 m.p.h., which would be a phenomenal achievement for a machine equipped with a small sixcylinder engine, of only 12 h.p. (nominal). yet developing over 170 b.h.p. at 6750 r.p.m. Showing to what limited tolerances experts work in designing a wondor machine of this type, tho Dunlop people, who built light racing tvres for" tho machine, strongly impressed Lord Nuffield's representatives that the tyres supplied were only suitable for a speed of 175 m.p.h. and should not be run n niile an hour faster. Yet after the record runs, the tyres were in such condition that they were ready and safe for further use.