MOTOR STREAMLINING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 192, 15 August 1931, Page 10

MOTOR STREAMLINING

The subject of stream-lining has for long been a favourite topic of discussion among motor enthusiasts in many countries and when the unconventional Burney car made its appearance last year, a fresh fillip was given to the matter in England. Just lately, a leading bodywork designer has made some interesting remarks, which are worth careful consideration. Mr Stanley Riley, who is responsible for the chassis and body design of the 9 h.p. car bearing his name, believes that so far as the ordinary motorist is concerned, the only merit of stream-lining is found in its appearance. He maintains that it can be of no practical value until 50 per cent, of our cruising speeds exceed 70 m.p.h. Up to this speed, according to Mr Riley, the ideal theoretical shape varies with every mile per hour and attempts at st ream-lining, whilst they may be attractive, are valueless. He contends that for normal road use the most practical shape is a smooth-sided square or oblong with, of course, as small a frontal area as possible.