MOTOR NOTES.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12430, 24 August 1933, Page 2

MOTOR NOTES.

THE NEW V-8 FORD. A CONVINCING TEST. There was a motor-car in Pahiatua on Tuesday and it was not an ordinary _ motor-ear by any means. It was the very latest Ford, the 1933-34 V-8 (Model 40) on exhibition at Messrs Lawry and Watts’ Ford Garage. A Herald representative was invited to take a trial spin with Mr R. J. Kelly, road organiser for the Colonial Motor Co., Wellington, and he could not help but be impressed, especially with such outstanding features as the silent synchronised second gear. This V-8 five-seater four-door sedan has racy looking lines and develops 75 horse power at 3,800 revs (or 45 miles per) hour). All its points and shackles are oil-less and it has solid aluminium high compression cylinder heads. The wheel base is 112 inches and the all-steel body is chroniumplated. The most striking point occurring to the reporter was the fact that in spite of a powerful engine, not the slightest vibration, knock or noise could be felt, and while in motion it was scarcely believable that the car was travelling at the speed indicated on the speedometer. The dashboard, neat and designed in accordance with the other appointments of the car, comprised petrol gauge, speedometer and ammeter—the three main indicators necessary to the motorist. The instruments were in direct vision of the driver, and in front of him. There was any amount of leg-room in both front and rear seats, and for comfort the front seat could be adjusted to the correct requirements of any person. The general upholstery of ! n<* ear was rich and attractive, but not of a fiambuoyant type, giving the appearance of comfort combined with ease. As regards the actual performance of the car, Pahiat-ua and other motorists are no doubt well aware of the irregular surface of the main road past the Hospital. It would not be an exaggeration to say in no way was a shock oi hard bump left either by the driver or by the occupants of the car. One could almost feel the shock absorbers working under pressure and producing, with the springs, that tyjfe of smooth running which suggests complete confidence and security. With the revolutionised Ford engine, Mr Kelly demonstrated easiness with which the _ synchronised gear operated, and in testing the change again and again, he failed to produce the slightest grate or difficulty in operating the gear. A novice could do it comfortably. A speed of 51 m.p.h. was reached in the remarkably short time of 18 seconds, when, travelling at 20 m.p.h. in top gear, a change down to second was made, and the speedometer registered at 51 m.p.h. after a stretch of 250 yards was covered. The acceleration was instant, and the powerful engine surged, but without undue noise. In fact, while sitting in the car, as it was travelling at this speed, the course of ordinary conversation was not interrupted by raising voice-s. As the speed dropped to 30 m.p.h., still in second gear, to the average person it would appear that the engine was in top gear, so silently does the former gear operate. The acceleration powers of the engine were still apparent when travelling at top gear, and 60 m.p.h. seemed a mere nothing. The slowest speed the car was capable of travelling in top gear was four m.p.h. and this was accomplished without the engine ‘‘bucking” under the strain. The braking factor of the car was efficient, it being possible to pull up to a dead stop in under thirty yards travelling at a mile a minute.

The demonstration was thoroughly complete as far as the mechanical features would permit, and it is doubtful whether or not there is a car on the road to-day to overcome it. Mr Kelly said th'e new model has been on the market for three weeks and up to date (Tuesday morning) 67 had been sold in the Wellington Province alone. The price is £359 and full details are obtainable from the local agents, the Ford Garage. A petrol test carried out 4 in the presence of Eketahuna citizens on Monday showed the car then capable of 20.1 miles per gallon.