CYCLING AND MOTORING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1132, 21 December 1911, Page 17

CYCLING AND MOTORING.

Several English critics have of late been drawing attention. to the overdoing of the torpedo body now so much in vogue amongst motorists, and particularly to the tubby-looking body fitted to many single-seated cars. The chief objection is the boxing-in of the passengers, in some instances only the head and neck of the driver being visible. The result has been that many English motorists are complaining of a disagreeable feeling of closeness and stuffiness when motoring in hot weather that was absent from the old type of boay. The same objectionable feature is to be seen in many of the bodies now being constructed in this country, the exaggerated style of some of the English-built torpedo bodies being copied out here. Their owners will have cause for dissatisfaction and complaint before the present summer is over owing'to need of ventilation. In this country there is really no need to box oneself in like a sardine. Fresh air is one of the greatest blessings that motoring bestows, but the coachbuilder appears to be doing his best to deprive motorists of its enjoyment. The torpedo body is all right if the sides are kept down and the overhang of the scuttle dash reduced, while provision should be made for adjustable ventilators in the dashboard. Properly designed, the torpedo body is attractive with its external symmetry and general come-

liness, but at the same time it’s;a;poor policy sacrificing health and fresh air for the sake of following a fashion sec by a few extremists.

A. H. Shepherd, the well-known- , N.S.W. racing cyclist, has announced ; his intention of making an attempt to improve all che Australian paced 1 track records from a quarter mile up 'to the hour. The former stands at 20sec,, held by W. McDonald (’Sydney) and the hour at 31 miles 1425 yards, established by W.. Martin (Adelaide) as far back as 19 01. The last-named figures are absurdly out of date, and Shepherd, who is one of the best riders behind pace in the Commonwealth, should have no difficulty in putting up a substantial increase behind motor-cycle pace. He intends making his attempt early in January on the Sydney Cricket Ground.