The Six-Cylinder Ford.

Progress, Volume II, Issue 3, 2 January 1907, Page 100

The Six-Cylinder Ford.

In addition to landing the fiist of the new popular, low-priced Ford model " N," four-cylinder, 18 h.p. runabout, specifications of which have already appeared in Progress columns, the New Zealand agents for the Ford Motor Company have just landed in Wellington a Ford model "X" sixcylinder, 40 h p touring car, the intention being to exhibit it at the Christchurch Exhibition. Much interest attaches to this as being the first six-cylinder car imported into the colony, There has been much discussion m automobile circles on the question of the tendency to multiplication of cylinders in the car of the future, and it cannot be denied that the cry is for more power, and for a standard type of design that will be accepted for years to come, and it is a rational, sensible and reasonable demand ; all prominent motor manufacturers acknowledge a limit in the size of a four-cylinder motor, beyond which trouble arises from added weight, decrease of motor speed, loss of motor flexibility, and increase of vibration due to the powerful impulses and heavy reciprocating parts. In the six vertical cylinders a happy solution of the question is found. The driving force is divided into six power strokes, the six cylinders develop

light impulses m rapid sequence — in fact, before one impulse ceases the next begins This applies the power so constantly and so uniformly to the driving-shaft that no pulsation and no vibration is felt ; this continuous, unbroken application of force, this constancy of torque, gives a smoothness of running, closely approaching the electric dynamo or the steam turbine. The overlapping impulses raise the pressure to a very high average, which greatly accentuates the gam in power ; but it means even more than this to the motorist — a light car with ample power permits travelling on direct drive practically all the time, over all roads, up and down the steepest grades, through long stretches of deep sand, mud, etc , without touching the change speed lever. It is not only necessary to have

power ; it is necessary to have the proper design and light construction and serviceability A careful inspection shows that every feature of Ford model " X " is along the advanced ideas to which manufacturers are tending, and embodies careful evolution and development of all the minute details that make the car, and make it a well-balanced car. The other specifications are :—: — Motor, 6 cylinder, vertical, 44 in. bore x 4£ in stroke, 40 h.p. Speed, 50 miles per hour, down to 4 miles per hour on the high gear. Improved planetary transmission, with improved clutch. Pressed steel frame. 114 in. wheel base. Water cooled, circulation by gear pump. Perfected magneto ignition. Mechanical oiler. Gasoline tank under seat containing 15 gallons— good for 250 miles. Water contained in radiator. Hub brakes— internal expansion, with lever control. Emergency brake on driving shaft, controlled by foot lever. Springs, full elliptic on the rear, and half elliptic on the front. " Famous Ford " Direct Drive construction. Ample Roller Bearings on rear axle, with ball bearing thrust— special design. Ample Ball Bearings on front wheels. Wheel steering (fitted with Ford reduction gears) takes all the strain from steering over the roughest road — an exclusive Ford feature. Luxurious body, ample for five passengers. Weight 2000 pounds. 56-mch tread. Wheels, artillery, 32 m. Tyres, 4 in. Lubricating oil, sufficient foi '250 miles. Colour (?) Equipment, two side oil lamps, tail lamp and tubular horn

We are enabled to reproduce m this issue, through the courtesy of the owner, Mr C A Whitne\, two pictures of the motor launch Grey Witch This fast craft is 42 ft long and 6 ft 8 in extreme beam The draught, including propeller, is 2ft 9in , and draught of hull about sin The engine is a 50-h p. Monarch four cycle The hull is Carvel built, the total thickness being about I". The whole of the hull is built of American cedar for lightness. The Grey Witch is covered by a whale back" of American cedar which extends threequarters of her length. Forward of the engine is a cabin of two berths The whole of the boat is controlled from the steering wheel after the engine has once been started, Friction gear is furnished for reversing or going astern. The boat is driven by a three-bladed 26" propeller, and develops a speed of between 16 and 17 knots when cleared for racing. When fully equipped for cruising puiposes, carrying a dingey etc , her speed ranges from 13 to 15 knots m fine' weather. Of course, rough weather considerably decreases the speed The Grey Witch, at the present time, is one of the fastest power launches m Australasia, and one of the best cruisers. She is lighted up by electricity supplied by accumulators, which are also used lor ignition

The well-known builders, Messrs. T. M. Lane and Sons, are to be congratulated on turning out such an excellent model, the lines of which are considered perfect for developing a high rate of speed, while at the same time, the craft has proved herself to be an excellent sea boat