THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1931.
VALUE OF RACING
WHAT IT HAS DONE TO CAR CONSTRUCTION.
“STRIP ́CONTROL,”
"First Come, First Served" Signals.
An electrical device similar in principle to that just introduced at Brooklands for timing motor re- cords shortly be used in the availed themselves of the City of London for controlling not lessons learnt by those who did traffe at crose-roads and economis
New materials, newing police. race. principles of design and
con- Known as "strip control," it en-
Racing is much under the no-, tive of the motorist at the pre- schi time. Many who would never dare take the wheel are keenly interested in the perform-struction, new fuels and a host ables the vehicular traffic to operate Trafic ances of the various cars. There of other matters, which have light signals for Itself. is a still larger number, however, been developed by racing, all reaching a control point from one who are inquiring "What is the these are at the disposal of the direction holda the crossing against Espe-traffic arriving from another till it vale of racing? See how high non-racing constructor. is the cost." At first sight there cially with the smaller types of la clear.
Across each roadway about Afty appears to be something in this car. racing has had an enormous question. Few people want to effect on their development, and yards short of the crossing, electric, travel at, 100 m.p.h. on a "baby" the purchaser would not find in cables will be laid just below the car, or to travel at over 70 m.p.h., his presént model the great effi- but there is a definite value in
|
ciency and reliability which hu
racing, and the British motor so much appreciates if the acid trude would not enjoy ita pre-test of speed had not been ap sent prestige had certain enter- prising firms not carried out a consistent programme of racing.
#
Power from engine. Reliability. Free running of transmissions, Improved gearboxea clutches.
and
lied.
"DON'TS" FOR DRIVERS.
To the inexperienced motor- 1st practically the whole dic- tionary seems to be full of "don'ts," but there is little doubt that the longer one motors the more one realises the importance of this Bale word. The following collec- tion of don'ta," varying from the safety first aspect to the welfare of the car and better driving methods, are worthy of the attention of all motor- iste,
It is only after several months of experiences which have not Quite apart from the fact that been altogether pleasant that racing is a fascinating sport, it motorista at home are beginning to realise the ramifications of furnishes the most searching the Road Traffic Act. Teclinical text of any improvement a mak-traps" abound in its provisions er may be considering adopting, for those who have not studied says. George C. Stead in a Home
it carefully. There is the case, paper. The following are some for instance, of the young Black- of the features in construction burn motorist who was fined for which have been perfected as a
giving several pedestrians a result of car racing:--
"lift." He pleaded that his pas sengers were unemployed, and that once during the War days in France he was similarly help- ed. The magistrates, however, were adamant. They found that he was guilty of an offence for giving the men a lift, contrary to the terms of his insurance policy. Presumably his vehicle was a lorry, and his insurance covered only the goods he might be called upon
It to carry. seems that magistrates are mak- Bench and road tests have certainly assisted in the improve-ing a mistake in administering" be changed every 1.000 miles, ments, but it is not until each the Act without leniency. The motoring organisation have feature has been tried to the uttermost in a hard run that the pointed out several times to their members that magistrates do not maker is convinced it will be
realise the latitude they possess. efficient, in a modified form, on Consequently they are inclined his standard productions.
to be unduly severe.
Ignition,
Lubrication.
Brakes.
Spring. Steering. Tyres,
Modifications in fuel and lubri.
cant.
For instance, an engine, con- There are other anomalies structed mainly from standard which have come to light and uc-| parts, which will stand up for count for the indignation which considerable periods at 6,000 is growing among motoriste. r.p.m. may be relied upon to The writer in a Hame paper dis- give lengthy service when run-cussed the question with a legal ning at only two-thirds of that authority who has had consider- speed. The margin represents a able experience in the working most useful factor of safety: of the Rond Traffic Act. He took This argument also applies to the view that the police are the ignition and lubrication. In powerless, The law must be a serious ruce, the designer's į obeyed, and while it is unfortun- ambition is to construct a carte in many cases, it is the only which will travel at its highest way in which anomalies can be spoed, preferably faster than its traced and improvements made. rivals, and which will just fail For undoubtedly, sooner or later. to disintegrate until the finish the Minister of Transport will ing line is reached. This ensures have to review many of the The object that every part shall be thorough-traffic regulations.
ly tested. It is argued that of the Minister of Transport is to number of firms have reached have a workable Act, free from high positions without the neces- finicking restrictions, which will, sity of racing. Yet it would be at the same time, benefit motor. foolish to say that such firms hadists as well as the general public.
BABY CAR MARKET.
The United States is about to enter the "baby" car market. One of the biggest motor manufactur ing concerna in America will short ly produce for the Br tiah and European markets a little motor-car
a
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1932 MODELS..
At least two interesting an- nouncements of 1932 models-the Triumph and the Hillman-were made the other day. One out- standing feature of the Triumph programme for next season is સ pillar-less saloon body, in which; the rear doo:s cannot be unfasten-
chassis. Prices
Don't try to get too great a mileage out of a gallon of oil. It won't pay you. One often hears and rends of drivers who get anything up to 5,000 miles out of a gallon of oil, and this without changing the
No Jubricant in the sump. thing is said, however, about the wear which takes place in the engine under these condi. tions. If the motor is to have of reasonable chance trouble-free life the off should
a
and, for city driving, every 500.
Don't be tempted to buy cheap, unbranded ofl: it will probably turn out rather ex- pensive in the end.
Don't neglect points that need lubrication merely be-. enuse they are almost in-. accessible.
Don't be afraid of gear changing. If you have not the knack of getting the lever across silently take a couple of lessons and get 1. It will save you money, and will add materially to your driving pleasure.
Don't forget that you owe a mensure of consideration and all reasonable courtesy to Don't all other road users. drive in such a way as to splash pedestrians or other rond users with mud if it is. at all practicable to avold do- ing 80. By keeping your wheels out of the worst pot holes and going slowly in muddy places you can avold a lot of Inconvenience to other people,
Don't reverse without pre- viously giving yourself, the "all clear."
Don't forget that your per- Banal comfort is an important factor to your safety as road- using unit.
'Don't' drive on one brake only. Use each alternately and gently.
Don't abuse the use of the horn, or imagine that its warning gives any automatic right of way at cross renda. All the best drivers use a minimum of Buch sounde, emergencies excepted, of
course.
Don't overtake on corners, even if some one waves you on, or until you know from your own observation that the road is clear.
Don't play with the adjust- ments on your car unless you know how to do it.
THE CHINA MAIL.
ALWAYS AT YOUR COMMAND
D-6
THE DRAGON MOTOR CAR CO.,
Telephone 80228.
LTD.
33, WONG NEI CHUNG ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
perimental trial by Sir Hugh Turn- bull, the head of the City police, is the junction of Cornhill and Grace- church Street.
As soon as the installation is sanctioned by the City Corporation the work will be put in hand. It will be the first in Europe, and the experiment will be watched with much interest by other traffic eu- thorities, especially the Metropoll- tan police, who have recently been examining the system themselves. If antisfied, Sir Hugh intends to adopt the device at other points.
The Home Office is pressing for increased use of automatic control in the interests of economy. At the Cornhill-Gracechurch Street cross- ing a constable is now on point duty night and day, The light signals will rolease him during the night, and the "strip control" has the additional economy that it only functions when there in traffic about
A strip control installation costs about £300 to lay down, and the A annual upkeep is negligible. constable costs, all told, more than 2300 every year.
ELECTRIC CAR FOR WOMEN. Bodywork Like That Of A Dog-Cart.
!
Grent Britain has scored tremendous victory over design- European car
1 every
ing country represented at the Parla Motor Show this year, says the Daily Mallin mail week. She has beaten France in a realm In which the latter held away for years.
that will be competitive in price ed until those in front have been with the world-famous British released. The advantages of this "babies." As a result of this move system when carrying children are a now price war in this class of obvious. This body is offered on vehicle may develop. But British the super soven
are substantially reduced, the two- manufacturers have a long lead four seater and the tourer costing over their rivals. The United £140. A new model has been in- the Triumph Motor States has not so far produced atroduced by
Co., Ltd., to be known as the super competitive ear of the "baby" nine. This has a four-cylinder en- type. It has taken many years to gine of just over 1,000 cc., over
The British bodywork exhibited perfect the small British high head inlet valves, a four-speed speed engine, which is now recog The nine, with a six-light saloon, surface, so that the weight of a solidarity, and finish. Motor agents gearbox, and hydraulic brakes. YYYY at the Grand Palais is of incompar lable excellence in 'ne, colour, nized throughout the world as
costs £175. The larger six-cylinder vehicle passing over it will close of six different nations have ex- minate piece of potted power. Scorpion model with numerous im-
an electrical circuit and signal the pressed this view, apart from the American manufacturers have provements, sells at corresponding vehicle's approach to the master ap- numerous French visitors to the no doubt been influenced to come ly, low prices. As regards the
Hillman, one
of the features of paratus at the function, where the half-dozen British stands. into this particular market owing their programme is the announce
appropriate light signal will appearį The most beautiful car in the to the world-wide demand forment of a new model: a small car
whole show is undoubtedly a bluish Suppose traffic were approaching grey Rolls Royce with: a Barker economic motoring, The "baby" of equal attractiveness to the Vor- car has opened up an entirely new tic and the Wizard. No detalls of the junction from north and east body, in spite of the presence of If that from the north reached its Hispano Suizas and Mercedes with this car are yet available. The field, and its popularity has not Vertic, an eight-cylinder car, can strip first, the north-south traffic hodles built by famous Continental affected the sales of larger now be obtained at home for £875, would get the green "go" light, and firms.
Franco can teach us one or two vehicles. British "baby" cars, a remarkably low figure when the simultaneously the east-west traffic manufactured under licence, sre size and performance of this closed would be stopped by the red light things about doors. I saw a very selling like hot cakes in France, car ara considered. A new sports Then, after an interval suficient fins Lorraine with a cabriolet body Germany and other European coun- saloon has been introduced. No for the safe partage of the north-which at first glance had only two Closer examination reveal- tries. There is also a steady de-Alterations are to be made in the south traffic, the lights woul auto-doors. mand form the Dominions, and wizard, as the makers have found matically change and give the east-ed, however, that what were appar lently the exterior hinges of the hood new and imp:oved British, that none has been called for west traffic the right of way.
First in Europe. aby" cars will make their debut This is the British-built car design: The site selected for the first ex disguised back-sent doors.
were actually handles of perfectly
many
at the motor show..
...
ed specially for all world markets.
In response,
The
BUICK 8
The Eights with Buick's Prestige
The 8 as Buick Builds
S
Aside from Buick's`umazing speed, smart luxurious Fisher Bodles and thrilling all-round performance you will be just as favourably impressed with Bulck's safety features.
Chief among these are Buick's big, dependable, easy operating brakes. It is a mighty comforting feeling to know that to the driver as well as passengers the cager power and flashing speed of the Buick Eight are always under safe, perfect control.
Play safe in selecting your car. From any and al angles, you'll like The Eight as BUICK Builds It. They are real motor cars the kind you have always
wanted to own.
PRODUCT
OF GENERAL
MOTORS
A NEW PACE-
A NEW SPIRIT
There's an entirely new sensation in store for you when you take the wheel of a Dodge Six or Eight with positive Easy Gear Shift and silent second, de- pendable Free Wheeling and Hydraulic Brakes, These factors unite with the flashing alertness of
· Dodge acceleration to give you amazing responsive- ness, delightful handling case and matchless safety... a sense of effortless, gliding motion under instant, casy control. You can "Free-Wheel" in all forward speeds. You can shift at any speed without declutching. The lightest touch brings quick, sure results in shift- ing gears, and you can drive with or without Free Wheeling at will by the use of the dash control. 1 Double-Drop Box-Center Frames, Mono-Piece Steel Bodies and Low Center of Gravity are further modem features. And dependability in the finest Dodge tradition assures you of lasting satisfaction and economy.,
DODGE BROTHERS
SIX
AND EIGHT
SOUTH CHINA MOTOR CAR CO.
·83,
Des Voeux Road Central.
Tel. 25644.
Tel 25644.