BRITISH MOTOR ADVANCES

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1928, Page 13

BRITISH MOTOR ADVANCES

LONG LEAD IN LIGHT CARS. FEATURES AT THE OLYMPIA. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. London, Oct. 11. An outstanding feature of the Motor Show is Britain’s long lead from its European and American rivals in baby cars, ranging from 7 to 9 horse-power. The next arresting feature is the advent of six-cylinder British cars, for which prices range from £275 to £350. It is interesting to note that British manufacturers are not too proud to learn from foreigners minor details in design, notably streamline appearances, petrol tanks in the rear and general solidity. Fifty per cent, of the British exhibits are six-cylinder cars, ranging from 12 to 20 horse-power, the features of which include two colour schemes, wire wheels and sunshine roofs, which slide back half the distance. The general impression from the show is that Britain is getting down to a basis of sixes in baby cars. (British Official Wireless). Rugby, Oct. 11. The annual Motor Show at Olympia was opened to-day. It is considered that more changes and developments in motor engineering are being exhibited at this show than at any other period during the past ten years. Among the features are the following: The first change to a straight eight cylinder in a British car; a wonderful improvement in "baby care” of seven horse power, the market for which England holds alone, including a “baby” from a famous Birmingham firm which is super charged ami has a speed of 70 miles an hour; much more comfortable body work, particularly with the "sunshine saloon,” namely, an enclosed car the roof of which slides back for fine weather; better springing; more speed, and high efficiency brakes which need just a light touch of the foot to stop the car in a safety distance; a British touring car which will accelerate from ten miles an hour to 95 miles an hour in 25 seconds; and varied colouring of motor bodies which will mean multihued roads in the near future. It is stated, that already orders from overseas are pouring into the offices of British makers on the strength of the preliminary notices of the new models particularly suited for work in the Dominions. More than £40,000.(100 worth of British motor cars have been sold to agents and a third of that output is for Empire destinations.