Page
AMERICAN CARS
FOR 1934
Wide adoption of independent springing. true front-wheel. streamlined body forms, and var- lous methods of raising engine horse-power into. the "100" class are the outstanding" efforts of American car makers in their 1934 products. Two hundred and ff- ty models of all manufacturers except Furd) went on exhibition for a week at New York's thirty-- fourth National Automobile Show Ford cars were displayed late in December and attracted a record popular interest. Attendance at the general showing dicated ex-. ception interest in all brands of automobiles for the year 1934,
As the Show opened most man- ufacturers had no announced prices for the 1934 models, and many of them showed a tendency to wait for the announcements of their competitors.
use Most
Compression Ratios
now American Cars All downdraught carburation. makers have increased the com pression ratio of the engines, and many use aluminium cylinder heads The fully automatic gear box did no, materialise as a 1934 improvement. To date Rec is the only car in which the gear-shift lever has been abolished, although several form of the vacuuacon- trolled clutch, with free wheeling " Incorporated.. Herringbone gears are used more widely and trans- mission. noises" have consequently been reduced.
Some form of controlled ventil- ation was in use on carly every All th the Show. enclosed car
∙use some cars General Motors form of impendent front-wheel suspension Chrysler and sever al of the independent manufac- turers, are also sponsoring this Ford continues to development. use the transverse-spring suspen sion which has been a feature of his cars for many years. On the car La Fayette, a new light " introduced this year by Nash, in- dependent front-wheel suspension is optional.
Graham uses, a centrifugal su percharger on the larger cars and
increase obrains a considerable
Only
in
-horse-pewer. engine Stutz and Duesenberg have used such a device within recent years, and its previous use on a produc- come to tion-line car does not mind. Considerable attention to ease of steering has been given 10 nearly all cars. With the in- dependent wheel suspension cross-link steering rules and less
"зhimmy" wheel-fight and said to be results.
are
On the De Sote and larger body are Chryslers frame and constructed as a single bridge truss unit, and rigidity far be yond that previously obtained is claimed. Generally speaking, there are more high-output gene- cars rators in use. so that the will have an adequate supply of current in the face of increased battery drain. More value-seat Low-pressure inserts are used.
have tyres
diameter of staall found more favour with manu- facturers and are standard equip
Hydraulic ment on several cars. brakes are used on several more cars than formerly, and clutch action is softer.
A brief review follows of the... outstanding, innovations on each car exhibited.
Auburn-Two series of eight- cylinder cars. one of twelve, and two sixes are offered. One. six- cylinder car enters a price class lower than Auburn has previously, competed in. The cights have all-steel unit-welded bodles, and The controllable ventilation. dual-ratio rear axle is continued of the Custom eight. Body de- signs do not depart radically from conventional usage, but have been
considerably refined. Hydraulic eights. brakes are used on the New shock absorbers not affected by changes in temperature are standard equipment.
Buick. The three series of new Buicks use independent front- wheel suspension. with helical springs and cushion tyres. Power brakes actuated
Vacuum- by 4 servo mechanism are provided." An octane selector" is provided. so that spark timing can be re- gulated from the dash, to permit the use of either regular or "pre- mium fuels. In common with other General Motors cars, Buick uses the no-draught ventilation system. The bodies are new in accordance with the slant-back trend.
Cadillac-Eights, twelves, and sixteens have independently sus- pended front wheels (Cadillac was the Arst of the General Motors units to experiment with this de- velopment.) Push-button start- ing and automatic choke are pro- vided. The hand-brake is now controlled by a lever under the have instrument panel. Bodies been refined to reduce wind re- sistance and air-hum in the hig her speed ranges. As heretofore, production of the V-16 will be limited to 400 cars a year.
Throttle Starterator **. Chevrolet. The new Chevro- lets have a longer wheelbase, car ry an 80 bhp. engine, a redesign- ed, more rigid frame, and have" independently. sprung front wheels. "A starterator" device starts the engine when the throt-
le is depressed.. Bodies are room - ler, and a great deal of attention has been paid to insulating them against notse. The radiator core is of copper for better cooling.
Chrysler-Body designs on the Chrysler eights are probably the most radical of those shown on American cars this year. Trut steamline forms are used, and it is claimed that a 40 per cent. re- duction in wind resistance and a 60 per cent reduction in air- hurn at high speeds have been at- talried. On the larger cars an auto- over-drive transmission, matically effective above 15 m.p.h.. is used. In the speed range above this figure a 30 per cent, reduc tion in engine' speed results. The engine is well over the front axle, so that tear-seat passengers ride considerably forward of the rear axle. Better weight distribution In the car said to give a much Improved ride. On the Chrysler sixes Independently sprung front wheels are used, and the body de sign is more conventional.
De Soto.-The De Soto follows the body design adopted for the larger Chryslers and is described as being even inore efficient aero- dynamically. The engine develops 100 h.p. Ventilation of the enclos- ed bodles can be controlled.
Dodge The new Dodge sixes carry independently sprung front wheels. The engines give 32 hp. The brakes are designed for more efficient cooling of the drums. A high-compression altminium-alloy cylinder head is optional equip- ment. Bodles have been redesign- ed to attain a streamline effect.
Ford (exhibited separately).- "The V8 car for 1934 has improve- ments designed to produce grea- ter engine power, greater economy... and improved riding qualities. In teriors and exteriors of the bodies show interesting refinements and a "controllable ventilation, system has been added. Transverse spi- ings are retained, but their rate has been modified to give a much improved ride. A cast alloy-steel crank-shaft is said to be lighter and more rigid. A dual manifold is provided on the carburetter,
Franklin-This car continues to be the only air-cooled engine
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1934.”
MOTOR
JOTTINGS
PLANS TO MAKE ROADS
SAFER
Severer Penalties For Carelessness
Comprehensive proposals for preventing road accidents, present-
ed to the Minister of Transport by the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club; were published recently. They include:
оп
#
Automobile Association
ргора- Regular road safety ganda, based
simplified Highway Code, and with, financial the Government, support from through the Press, wireless, cine- mas, posters, schools, and chur- "ches;
Better road surfaces. ellmina- tion of level-crossings, and remo- val of obstructed sight lines;
Special crossing-places for ned estriar and more subways, re- fuges, and footpaths;
Recognition by motorists of the off-side rule
at cross-roads-
i.e.. giving way to a vehicle ap- proaching from the right,
Royal Automobile Club Enforcement of the law, and severer penalties for careless and dangerous driving.""
Acceptance of the principle that pedestrians must conform to regulations with other road users;
Drivers to be responsible" for accidents at clearly denned cross- ing-places, and pedestrians to be responsible if they rail to use a crossing-place provided;
drivers who Punishment for drive in echelon, fall to keep to the left. do not give way where necessary, of neglect to give sign- als, and ignore road signs."
of
The R.A.C. is opposed to the suggestion that applicants for a driving licence should submit to a compulsory examination driving ability.
model in American production. A twelve-cylinder "and "two eights will be produced, with refinements in the bodies and better riding qualities.
Graham. The centrifugally su... percharged engine of the Graham Custom eight develops 135 h.p. at 4.000 rpm. The sweeping curva- ture of the front of the car has
and been accentuated,
longer, more flexible springing is provid ed.. Venulation can be controll- ed. A standard eight and a six also appear in the line.
Hüdson-Hudson uses inde- pendent springing of the axle flex
Ventilation in the type. bodies is improved, and a 7 to 1 compression bead can be obtain, The ed as optional equipment. riding quality is such that the shock absorbers do not come - to play on ordinary road surfaces, but reserve their full effect for extraordinary road conditions.
Hupmobile.-Bodies on the new Hupmobiles are among the most. advanced on the 1934 cars. The ventilating system has been im- proved to allow more control. The engines have four-point suspen-, ston cushioned by rubber.
La Fayette--Designed as a low- ""priced companion to the Nash car, the La Fayette incorporates many features usually found on cars in a much higher price range. The engine 75 hp., a synchro-shift transmission is used, independ- ently sprung front wheels are optional, and a ventilating sye- tem is standard. The car has a wheelbase of 113 inches. The car 1$ exceptionally well-insulated- from body and engine noises..
La Salle. These cars have been completely redesigned for 1934. They are longer and lower, and the bodies are among the most. attractive of the more conve tional kind exhibited The price has been considerably reduced.
Kneeaction" front wheels are standard. A stabiliser bar at the rear of the chassis tends to pre- vent alde sway.
Oldsmobile.A new line of low- priced sixes supplements the ser- les of eights. Both cars embody the new wheel suspension and have power brakes, adjustable a the dash for any foot pressure desired."
STEYR 18/45 h.p., SALOON 4/5 seater
Modal 430-8 Cylinders-bas a high power weight ratio, giving excellent acceleration and extraordinary fast hill climbing ability.
Springs: The reliable Steyr system of independently spring rear wheels ensures continuous road tyre contact, practi-
cally diminating rolling and skidding, with amazingly comfortable suspension.
Gearbox: Four spends forward and reverse three speeds silent and synchro-mesh.
The third speed is accelaration gust.
The fourth speed is maximum and economy gear.
Brakes: Find pressure, operated on 4 wheels, system Lockheed-Ate,
Lubrication: Fully centralized chassis lubrication Pressure lubrication by gear wheel pump.
Electrical installation: Biemens-Bosh.
Import Agenias
SANDER, WIELER & CO....
Des Voeux Road.
Telophone 24411-
Nash-independent front-wheel suspension is offered optionally on the three series continued by Nash. Engine staring is synch- ronised with the clutch. Ventil- atlon is improved and helical gears are used.
A WELL-PROPORTIONED
CAR
The 5 Seater, 4-Light Saloon, Steye is a modern, well proper- tioned and spacious type of coach- work for all purposes.
Easy access through four wide doors, each with winding handle window. Front seats adjustable, for length. Seat backs adjustable, for inclination and can be folded
back right
horizontal, Best quality cloth upholstery. Roof Inset of black leather fabric. Neat and convenient pockets. Sloping adjustable front windscreen (un-
Tandem splinterable).
arm electric windscreen wiper. Capa- cious built-on luggage trunk: spare wheel carried on trunk flap. Equipment Includes: Front bumper. Electric and wind horns. Electric cigar Eriving mirror, lighter and recessed front pillar direction indicators. "Interior roof lamps. Ash
Back-light tray, blind operated from driver's seat: Steyr-Vigot Jack raising the whole car half side.
Choice-.. schemes.
various colour
MR. JAMES A. TAYLOR Regret will be felt at the death of Mr. James A. Taylor, one of the best-known and most popular officials if the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. He died at his home, High- thom, Glenageary, County Dublin, last month after a few days' illness, An early friend of the late Mr. Harvey du Cross, Mr. Taylor join- ed" the Dunlop Company shortly after its formation. He served the Pontiac-An engine of 84 b.h.p.
"knee-action "
simpany for two long periods in and
wheels are
as assistant to the Vacuum. India, first on the Pontiac. new
of the Bombay depot, manager spark control is provided, and the starter control is attached to the and afterwards as the manager of the Indian company. He also throttle pedal.
Terraplane. This Hudson com- acted as manager of the company's panion car offers optional com- depots in Newcastle-on-Tyne and Dublin, and on his second return pression and power features on
"
the engine, and has a new crank-from India he managed the Bir shaft which is said to reduce en- gine vibration to a minimum. "Axleflex " from-wheel suspen- sion is optional also.
Plymouth-A regular and a de luxe six are offered, with inde pender.t frontwheel suspension standard.
.
Willys ears are offered for 1934 with no changes. o continues the selfshifting transmission of- Pierce-Ar- fered here in May. row has added a ventilation sys- tem Stutz continues its "salety series" with an optional ventil- ation system. Studebaker bodies. have been improved aerodynami- cally Lincoln has introduced several
"Customs new
body types. Continental will concent- rate or one type of four-cylinder.
car.
This year's cars are generally characterised by the reduced. amount of chromium-plated trim. Most cars are engineered for radio installation.
FROM "THE AUTOCAR" OF 'LONG AGO
We can only say in warm
or cold weather it acts just the same, and the Anding of the pro- per carburation is a thing un- known, as carburation is always there without the finding.
"Page 63, 'January 20th, 1900.
DRIVING
Driving a car through the main street of Eccles, Manchester, about" a month ago, resulted in a muste- hall performer being Aned £5 recently; he was also fined 20s. each on two other counts.
The defendant claimed that he was demonstrating his ability to "see" through a blindfold. and was anxious to show the magistrates his abilities. He contended that he was not driving to the common danger.
EDSEL FORD'S OPTIMISM In a statement to the Fress after concluding evidence before' a Senate Committer regarding bank losses in Michigan, USA., Mr. Edsel Ford said that business conditions look "very, very good." The Ford Company expect this year to improve on the 1933 ngures by 75 per cent., he remarked.
"SLIPPERY ROADS " "
RESEARCH
The more research which takes place into "slippery road surfaces the better it "is for motorists, and the Bociety of Chemical Industry has now formed a special roads section which will examine this problem. This body will Co- operate with other research de- partments, by special investiga- tors employed by industry.
Non-skid dressings are
apt to deteriorate quickly, particularly in the hot sun the greatest wear factor is not the weight of traffic, ́· but midden change of temperature. The roads section of the Society of Chemical Industry, it has been stated, is searching for a rubber composition which will overcome the difficulty; rubber mixed with a dressing of fine-grained granite, is a process at present being examined."
mingham depit for a number of years, returning to Dublin for a second time on Mr. Arthur Huet's resignation of the managing direc torship of the Duniop Rubber Co. Mr. (Ireland), Ltd., in 1830. Taylor was a familiar and popular figure at trade gatherings and sporting events of the industry.
THE CAR THAT the blue, and solitary green. Alla
WAITS
The race was over, and almost everyone had left by now; even that orderless queue of spectators' cars which had seemed jammed so hopelessly in the narrow en-- trance gates had somehow drained away: a few policemen, their job of guarding the course completed. were standing about in idly chat- ting groups; a Boy Scout ran errands for officials who were still busy checking up results for the umpteenth time; and a watery sun shone down through the trees- glistening with rain drops of the passing storm..
Only one car was left, down in the paddock, conspicuous in its loneliness-8 · magnificent sports model. Long flowing mudguards. and an open four-seater body could not disguise the racing stock from which it came, That same sloping radiator was a familiar feature of the latest Grand Prix cars. As it stood there facing the long straight, which stretched- past the even row of grandstands down to that difficult right-hand turn, the car seemed almost proud. deflant in its desertion.
Half an hour before, the fastest racing cars in the world had swept down the hill in one screaming mob, past the applauding people
in the stands and pits the red Maserati, Bugatti, and one greed, English ear, privately entered 'and privately built by a wealthy pat riot; the same Englishman whos swerved with the rest of them in to that dimcult right-hand "turgi had driven to the course in the sports car, now left deserted fat the paddock.
Down by that wicked right-handi bend lay a tangled, twisted heap Twenty yards off the road, pathe-l tically upside down, propped help-) lessly against a tree, just the wreck of the lone green car.
Right at the finish of the race. when high-strung, nerves doped by the roar and constant rush, of the when the heat and dust early stages suddenly changed to a perilous slide through flying spray the leading car found that English one constantly worrying; it, trying to edge through lap after lap, making an effort which had amazed, surprised, and then com~ pelled the respect of the Con- tinental aces. Together they had come down the straight, wheel to' wheel, the red and the green, past, the stands, out of sight of an eager crowd which listened for that answering roar as they would accelerate away from the corner. The crowd heard only one roar come echoing, back. It mocked in its unchallenged ecstasy. There a horrible suspense, news leaked through of the crash, and the green car lay wrecked.
was
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