MOTORING NOTES.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13165, 25 January 1936, Page 3

MOTORING NOTES.

FORD V-8 “ CENTREPOISE ” 1936 MODKLS NOW SHOWING. “Centrepoise” Ford V-S cars for 1936 are now being shown by Ford dealers throughout New Zealand. Body lines which strike a new note in conservative streamlining, a new treatment of the interiors and three important refinements in /chassis engineering summarise the principal improvements. There are no radical changes. The 90 horse-power V-8 engine, of which more than two million are now in operation, is unaltered. Of the three principal chassis improvements, one—improved steering —is aimed at greater ease and safety of operation. Two others tend to greater comfort. One is the use of new steel wheels which lessen the unsprung weight and thus provide greater riding comfort. The other is an improved transmission using quiet helical gears —in all forward speeds and reverse. A new front-end treatment gives added distinction to the* body lines. The engine hood is longer, extending gracefully over an attractive new radiator grille. With its vertical slots and more accentuated “Vee,” as well as its smoothly rounded lower edge which blends with the* streamlined curve of the inner portion of the fenders, the grille contributes a new note of smartness Fenders are stream-lined, a wide inward flare giving them an imposing appearance. Louvres' are of new design. Horns are now recessed in the fender aprons behind small round grilles beneath the streamlined headlamps The welded one-piece all-steel body is low and wide, with flowing rear quarter lines. Finish is a Forddeveloped baked enamel, and a wide selection of colours is available. De Luxe body types have fenders matching and wheels in a harmonising colour. Interiors, especially luxurious in tlie do luxe types, reveal a distinctively modern treatment. The colour motif is a rich grey, with which the taupe of the upholstery fabrics harmonises Seat cushions arc deeply pillowed and set off with new piping. Recessed arm rests give added elbow room in the Fordor and Fordor touring sedans. There is a, large luggage compartment behind the rear seat of all standard models —while touring models have a builtin luggage t r unk. All instruments are of new design to conform to the modern effect of the new grey metallic proxylin instrument panel. De Luxe car panels are fitted with 100-mile speedometer, with trip mileage recorded : ammeter, water temperature indicator, electric fuel gauge and electric oil gauge, as well as a cigar lighter, tilting ash tray and glove compartment. All body types have clear-vision ventilation. The rear windows are now pi\ otted. Safety glass is stand-

ard in windshields and all doors and windows.

Steeling gear ratio has been increased to 17-to-l and the front axle steering arm lengthened. New roller bearings have been added to the steering arm sector shaft, and teeth of the" worm and sector are now ground and lapped. The effort required in steering has been reduced more than 25 per cent. Gear shifting is made easier by reducing the length of travel of the gear shift lever. The number of anti-friction bearings in the chassis is increased to

Tlie new steel wheels consist of a drawn steel spoke section • electrically welded to the rim, forming a single steel unit of exceptional strength. Each wheel is nearly five pounds lighter than the former steel spoke wheels. The wheel is completed by a 12£-inch hub cap with polished rustless steel centre.

Tyres are 6.00 by 16—six-ply special New Zealand equipment. Although no change except in manufacturing fineness has been made in the V-8 engine, the cooling system lias been improved and its capacity increased. Aside from these improvements, the cha ;sis is unchanged. Its most important feature is the proper combination of three engineering principles to provide what is termed the “centrepoise’ ride. These are improved spring suspension, correct car balance and proper passenger weight distribution. Other features include a doubledrop X-type frame, with “X’’ and side members forming box sections extending to the end of the frame ; mechanical four-wheel brakes operated by steel rods with 186’ inches of friction surface; flexible transverse springs slung forward of the front axle and behind the rear axle on the 112-inch wheelbase, providing more than a 123-inch springbase; easy clutch with application assisted by centrifugal force ; full torque-tube drive; three-quarter floating rear axle with straddle-mounded pinion; and double acting shock absorbers.