NEW FORD CAR

Southland Times, Issue 23254, 17 July 1937, Page 19

NEW FORD CAR

GREATER ECONOMY CLAIMED AN ALL-STEEL BODY Greater running economy is only one of the excellent improvements claimed for the new Ford V 8 models, whose new streamline body design and other outstanding features have already attracted much attention. The new allsteel body includes a steel roof; there are new brakes, safety glass all round, improved steering, and greater comfort. The higher standard of economy of the new Ford V 8 is made possible by a number of mechanical refinements, notably a new carburetter and a new rear axle with a ratio of 3.78 to 1.. The closed body of the new car is of all-steel construction, no wood being used anywhere in the body structure. The finely-moulded roof of the closed car is a single pressing from one sheet of steel, and extends from the windshield to below the rear windows and from side to side down to the tops of the doors and side panels. The body design strikes a new note in advanced streamlining. Graceful lines flow from the radiator grills, rising smoothly over the new slanting V-type wind-shield, along the pleas-ingly-moulded steel' roof, to the rear quarter. Head-lamps are moulded into

the fenders. The shield-shaped lidtype bonnet which opens up towards the wind-shield is hinged at the cowl; the streamlined radiator ornament serves as a closing lock. There is no need to remove the sides of the bonnet for access to the V 8 engine, but they may be readily removed if desired. The head-lamps, which are sunk into the guard aprons, have a special design of lens that conforms to the aerodynamic appearance of the car. Safety glass a feature pioneered by Ford as standard equipment for economicallypriced cars, is fitted in the wind-shield and all windows. SILENT PERFORMANCE The Ford V 8 has been designed for quiet operation. The body is mounted on rubber at 32 points and is completely insulated throughout, and the newly-designed springs are grooved for pressure lubrication to. give smoother and quieter spring action. The cooling system has undergone a radical change. Two new water pumps, larger than formerly, are now situated at the bottom in the cylinder block, the water outlet being in the centre of the cylinder head, while the new big fan ensures a greater draught of air through the radiator core. With the pumps situated in the block, they can force a greater weight of water, while the water outlet in the centre of the head ensures more uniform dissipation of heat over the entire cylinder head. There is a very large luggage space at the rear of the car—accessible from outside. The spare tyre is conveniently locked in this compartment with the tools. The battery is now most accessibly located under the bonnet. The new “easy-action” safety braking system has greater stopping- efficiency and requires less pedal pressure. Of cable- and conduit type, the brakes have controlled, self-energizing action.

FINGER-TIP STEERING Another important mechanical improvement is what is described as finger-tip steering.’ This is accomplished by two refinements in the gear design. One is to give the driver greater leverage through the wheel by increasing the steering gear ratio to 18.2 to 1, and in addition the gear is now of the new worm and roller type, which greatly reduces friction. All models have arm rest, ash trays, enclosed glove compartment, and sun

visor; seats are wide, deep, and softly cushioned with pillow-type upholstery; and seat backs are chair high. The instrument panel is grained, with the dials and controls grouped conveniently in front of the driver. The starter button is on the dash, and the handbrake is at the right of the steering column under the panel out of the way of front-seat passengers. An admirable new feature is a roof drip rail preventing rain from dripping on to the passengers as they enter or leave the car. Apart from improvements described, such features as centrepoise riding, transverse cantilever springs, full torque tube drive and radius rod, four doubleacting shock absorbers, _ three-quarter floating rear axle with straddlemounted pinion, X type double-chan-nel frame, and the use of anti-friction bearings are all continued.