1931-12-03 — Page 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1931.

RADIATOR FASHIONS ASSEMBLY PLANT.

Artistic Tendencies Ford's Enterprise at

in 1932.

Richmond.

THE

CHINA MAIL.

NIGHT-DRIVING.

The Proper Equipment for the Car.

>

Nowadays manufacturers are The new $5,000,000 branch Night-driving in Winter is paying more attention to radia-ussembly plant of the Ford just as pleasurable as day-driv- tor designs. than they have ever Motor Company at Richmond, ing during the Summer provided done before. They realise that California, which supplies Ford the radiator is the first part of products to northern and central the motor-car be properly equip-| a car to be noticed, and that its California, well s the ped. There is considerably leas shape cun make an enormous dif- Hawaiian Islands, American traffic ference to the appearance of the Summon. the

on the road, while the Society Islands, į car to which it is fitted. For Tahiti, and Guam, was formally country is fascinating when seen this reason alone its design is of opened on August 1. The plant is in the beams of powerful head- primary importance if the criti- another unit completed in the lamps. Those whose Winter cal tastes of buyers are to be Company's $60,000,000 world- sutisfied and buyers' tastes wide

night-driving has been restricted expansion programme

arg nowadays more critical than which was announced last year, in the past to towns and their ever in matters of appearance. I replaces the Ford branch in suburbs find it difficult to realise

Then, too, there is the fact San Francisco.

how truly delightful it is to that body lines, although chang- | The plant is located on the speed along the open road. ing slightly from year to year, water front of San Francisco

Night-driving is not fraught are tending to, become more and Bay, where both rail and water

more stereotyped, so that there transportation are available. In with danger, as so many owner- is far less difference between one this respect it is similar to most drivers believe, if the car be pro- make and another than was once of the other new Ford branchesperly prepared for the work. the case. The radiator, in fact, which have been completed re-

is the sole feature by which some cently in many parts of the Given first-class headlamps, light- cars can be distinguished at a world. Parts manufactured at ing up the road for a distance of distance from others, in the same the main Ford plants in Dear-perhaps 500 to 600 yards, night-

class by a motorist whose know- ledge of cars is not great enough for him to appreciate subtle dif- ference in lamp mountings, wing shapes, bonnet louvre and so on.

Small wonder, then, that mak~ | ers are anxious to express their individuality in the one fexture; that occupies the most promin- ent position and can easily bei altered without impairing its efficiency.

A New Era.

Last year, of course, marked the definite beginning of the movement for prettier designs, hut, unfortunately, the one iden that occurred to manymukers was that they had only to put a dividing line down the centre to make theirs entirely different. from all the rest!

NOTABLE SHOW EXHIBITS,

The following were some of the notable exhibits at the re- cent Olympia Motor Show:

A close-coupled saloon in Javender on the Rolls-Royce sland.

£89 Rover, with its engine in the dickey,

Twelve cylinder Hispano- Suiza (annua) inx £75) and the 16-cylinder Mormon (tax £63) side by side.

Morris sports coupes with double windows.

Wolseley Hornet, with Its radiator level with the front wheel rims.

Red Hillman "Minx" tourer and scarlet and cream Flat tourer.

get.

100-miles-an-hour M.G. Mid-

Daimler fluid-flywheel chassis and eight-speed Lagonda.

driving is in some respects leas dangerous than day-driving. The sound of a horn does not carry this distance, but other road-| users on main road and side road alike can pick out the lights of approaching vehicles when more] than a quarter of a mile away. The headlamps show up every bend and curve in the road, so that the driver can slow down as necessary in good time... The Thorn need soldóm bé used, while, a relatively high cruising speed! is quite safe for mile after mile. The main objection which

owner-drivers many

have to Iriving after dark is the grave risk of being dazzled by the head-| lamps of oncoming cars. Tho danger is, of course, equally great if the approaching driver is dazzled, because, not being able to see the road in front of him, he may not keep over to his own side sufficiently to allow for a! safe passing. The chief need for pleasurable night-driving is the possession of powerful head- lamps the beams of which can be

In consequence the changes ins some cases absolutely defouted: their own object, and the rather amusing position arose of two" well-known small-ear manufne- turers adopting such similar de- signs that the models in question, which closely resembled enchi other in general nes were so! nearly alike that even experts were for a time puzzled to dis tinguish one from the other at a born, Michigan, are transported controlled by a lever or switch on glance.

In the mator-boat section a "hydro-glider," driven by an nir-screw above the stern.

ALWAYS AT YOUR COMMAND

THE DRAGON MOTOR CAR CO., LTD.

Telephone 30228.'

33, WONG NEI CHUNG ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.

td the Richmond plant in Ford the dash or on the steering of the car, because that gutter is' vessels via the Great Lakes and wheel or column so that they can naturally hugged under such con- This year, comments a writer the New York State barge canal be concentrated on the road be-ditions. in the Light Car and Cyclecar, to branches on the Atlantic sea-low the eve-level of the approach-

the central dividing line con-board and sent through the ing driver. As a general rule Safe and enjoyable night-driv-

tinues to be popular and bus Panama Canal. gained one or two more adher- ents, Morris, Singer (on the Spe-

cial model), Wolseley Hornet and

lamps which are permanently the possession of good lamps. ing depends very largely upon The Richmond plant is the satisfactory in use, because they tain the electrical equipment in Juntidazzle Kre not altogether It is essential, therefore, to main- second large Ford waterfront do not illuminate the road ahead perfect order, so that there is al- Jowett (on the de luxe models) Coast. The first, at Long Beach, are, however, many controllable ways an ample supply of current. factory completed on the Pacific for a sufficient distance. There Generally speaking, fairly tall, was put in operation in 1930. A lamps which are quite efficient. During the Winter the car is narrow proportions are still fa-third, at Seattle, Washington,

The means whereby the beams after dark than it is during the often driven for longer periods on the road daylight hours, while on occasion In some the car may be left standing at

being among the converts.

+ Neus Los Angeles, California,.

voured, although M.G. models-will be ready about December 1.are concentrated which, incidentally, were among The largest of such plant, at Edge vary considerably. the first in the light car field to water. N.J. across the Hudson cases the lamps can be dipped: the roadside for some ime. There embody the dividing line idea - River from New York City, was in others the reflectors can be is always a chance that the heavy are still of a somewhat squat, al-opened last year.

tilted or swivelled so that the drain on the battery discharges though extremely graceful type. The Richmond plant is locat-

beams are deflected 'on to the it more rapidly than it can be The Morris Minor is also to bejed on a 72 acre site. The main

road, and also slightly to the charged from the dynamo when found with a radiator of more building is 900 feet long by 320 near side; others, again, are fit-the engine is running. square proportions than is gen-feet wide with a second storey of upper halves of which

ted with special reflectors the eral, but it looks just right, The the same length and 160 feet moved so that the beam is caus- the amount of night-driving that can be Every few weeks, according to "Family Eight" has a radiator wide. The assembly line has ed to shine downwards; while a has been done, the level of the design which is very similar to capacity of 400 cars in eight further type makes use of a acid the larger Morris cars.

hours, with an additional eight double-filament bulb so that the should be tested and distilled Holution in the battery Two years ago it looked rather hour shift in the body shop re-rays are lowered but still illu-water added if necessary to bring as though the fashion which quired to maintain this schedule. minate each side of the road suf- the liquid in, or so above the was then developing in America plant will employ 2,600 men. Ather the device be operated by a or six weeks the density of the When operating at capacity, the ficiently for fast driving. Whe-top of the plates. Every month for the narrow ribbon type of force of 1,000 men is being em-switch, lever, foot control, or acid should be tested by means radiator, in which the head and flanges are, kept fairly narrow,

ployed at the opening. would be widely adopted on Bri United States Senators Samuel change in the direction of the be too low the correct specific button on the steering-wheel, the of a hydrometer. If the density tish light cars; the fashion, how- S. Shortridge and Hiram John-beam can be brought about in-gravity is marked on the battery ever, has not materialised, al- on,

Governor Rolph of Call- stantly and without trouble. though its influence is to be Francisco Bay community took fornia, and officials of San

the local garage should be traced in practically every case

The owner-driver who proposes asked to drain out the old elec part in the dedication ceremony, to be on the road for long dis- trolyte and by the use of flanges that are

refill with a distinctly narrower than was the

tances at night should invest in supply of the right strength. case three of four years ago.

two additional lamps.

A spot- Some form of battery indicator light is almost a necessity, for it should be bought so that the con- allows signposts, milestones, and dition of the battery, as regards

From

A V-Front Type.

NEW GEARBOX.

new

A form of gearbox which makes other signs to be read comfort- its charged or discharged condi- In general, makers continue every driver an expert in changing ably, while it is also useful when tion, can be determined. to favour flat-fronted radiators, the speed ratios of the rear axle reversing and in foggy weather. time to time it may be necessary although a notable exception is transmission is the special feature In the event of fog the beams to have the battery recharged on the Armstrong Siddeley, in of the new Vauxhall 1982 Cadet car from the spotlight can be deflect-the bench. This means diacon- which the sharply pointed V-front which made its public appearance ed on to the gutter at the near necting it and leaving it at a which for many years has been recently, Driving this

well-known feature of the rated at 10.9 hp. for its six cylin-help if the headlamps be switch-

new car side of the road. This is a great garage for a day or two. larger models, is now to be found der overhead valved engine, the ed off, as they should be. The is to examine the wiring at fre A further precaution to take on some of the "Twelves." - driver can change gear as easily rays from powerful headlamps do quent intervals. The connections So far as individual types are as applying the break. This Vaux-not penetrate the fog, and are re must be perfectly clean, while a concerned, the new Rover design hall Cadet "synchro-mesh" gear is flected directly back into the sharp look-out should be kept is notable for the fact that a combined with a silent second gear driver's eyes. grille-type horn is built into the or "twin-top" speed ratio.

The second sug- for frayed or worn insulation on The gested additional lamp is for use the cables. The wires which are stone guard and mates up with effect of this makes a change into in foggy weather. the dividing lines; the Singer second gear almost unnoticeable, is useful as a makeshift, but a those leading to the tail-lamp and A spotlight most likely to cause trouble aro Junior Special model is based on as this gear is nearly as silent as fog lamp, fitted with yellow or the aide lamps when the latter a cascade of water, and the new the third top gear ratio. Spacious orange coloured glass, is infinite-are mounted on the mudguarda, Hillman Minx, in which part of saloon coachwork, safety glass ly better. These coloured raya (Special attention should, there

ed.

The

the central portion is blanked off, throughout, no petrol carried under can penetrate fog to a certain fore, be paid to them.. by a black metal pressing on the bonnet, as the carburettor is extent, and thus a greater area dynamo terminals should be kept which the trade mark is mount-supplied by an engine-driven pump of the road in front is rendered clean and tightened properly, from a rear petro) tank, chromium- visible. These lamps can be ob-while the cover should be taken In all these cases a deinita plated bumpers and excellent tained, for attachment to the off the commutator occasionally leaning towards the artistic and springa aro othor prominent running-board, dumb-iron, or and the commutator wiped care. a welcome spice of variety is dis- features of this Vauxhall Cadet front axle. They should, of fully to remove any oil or carbon cernible.

saloon which is to be sold at £385, 'course, be fixed on the near side dust that may be present.

The

BUICK 8

The Eights with Buick's Prestige

The 8 as Buick Builds It

Aside from Buick's amazing speed, smart luxurious Fisher Bodles and thrilling all-round performance you will be just as favourably impressed with Bulck's safety features.

Chlef

these are Buick's big, dependable, easy among operating brakes. It is a mighty comforting feeling to the driver as well as passengers to know that the eager power and flashing speed of the Buick Eight are always under safe, perfect control,

Play safe in selecting your car. From any and all 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

DEMAND THESE FEATURES

YOU BUY

IN THE CAR YOU

MONO STEEL

·

PIECE BODY

HYDRAULIC BRAKES

LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY

Money cannot buy three' finer safety factors than Dodge Mono-Piece Steel Bodies, Low Center of Gravity and Hydraulic Brakes. The security you get when you drive the new Dodge Six and Eight is due to these three factors. Low center of gravity is achieved by a double-drop frame with a new- type box center which makes the chassis extremely strong and rigid. ¶ Further low- ness is contributed by the fact that the squeakless, jointless Mono-Piece Steel Body is mounted directly to the chassis withour body sills... sharing the strength and steadi- ness of the heavy frame. 1 Dodge Hydraulic Brakes are always equalized. They are fully enclosed, completely weatherproof, easy to operate, sure, safe always... the most. positively equalized brakes known. These features mean protection to you, extra value for you, every minute you spend in your car.

DODGE BROTHERS

SIX AND EIGHT

SOUTH CHINA MOTOR CAR CO. 33, Des Voeux Road Central.

Tel. 25644.

Tel. 25644.