1928-10-03 — Page 10

MOTORING NOTES

(CONTD.)

ON CHOOSING✨

CAR.

A

GIRL MOTOR DRIVERS.

WOULD THEY BE BETTER THAN MEN?

DRIVERS": LIKES AND

DISLIKES.

VARIOUS IDEALS.

[BY THE HON. MAYNARD QREVILLE.]

"Now which do you think is the best car?"

This question is fired at me almost daily, and each time I am asked it I feel more and more helpless and tongue-tied. After all, it ought to be fairly simple to answer, but as a matter of fact it is not..

Futting aside the obvious queation of price, and the type of ca that the person wants, which will nar- row the issue down to a certain ex- tent, the fact remains that a vehicle which will be perfectly satisfactory in the hands of one person will be, no apparent reason, nothing for but a source of worry and trouble in the hands of another.

The person who is going to drive or be driven in the car is really. of far more importance than the car. In my opinion there is as yet no really perfect vehicle on the market-that is, one" that fulls all the conditions of theoretical per fection; at the same time there is probably no really bad car sold in any country in the world to-day,

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3rd, 1928.

100,000 MORE NEW MOTOR FUELS. MASS ATTACKS ON WORLD SEVEN MILLION CYCLISTS,

MOTOR-CARS.

BRITAIN'S BATTLE OF "BABIES."

EXPERIMENTS IN SWITZER“ LAND.

RECORDS.

BRITISH RE-CLAIM MANY LOST RECORDS. :

2

In the very beginning all motorists were cyclists, and very little difference was seen; but in NUMBERS GROW IN SPITE OF❘ the five or six years preceding the war motoring was having an effect. The dust from the reads made an to cycling, enormous difference until that evil was remedied.

MOTORING.

a well-Ireland) than there were at this The Pyrotechnic Department of the less J.A.P., won the "ay-Peer-Aumber at between seven and eight | cycling is a business rather than

Statements made by known peeress on the question of -which unsatisfactory chauffeurs, ́ were reported in the Daily Mail, have brought numerous letters.

The peerese stated that two chauffeurs whom she had engaged had to be dismissed for "joy riding."

A chauffeur writes from Enfield, Middlesex:

!

SALOON TOURER. There are 120,000 more motor- vehicles on British roads (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern time last year,

When will saturation point be reached

The "show" is bear at hand; there will be clamour for new ideas; the latest babies? of a dober, of hams will be competing fos, popularity; improvements will be seen in most departments of construction. There is every sign of larger outputs by manufacturers next year than daring 1927-28.

Figures compiled by the Society

Motor Manufacturera Traders show that there are on our roads at present:

I know the temptations of tak-of ing joyrides. Having carefully discussed this matter anong my colleagues, I have found what I consider the only remedy.

(1) If the average chauffeur was paid an honest living wage, allowing him to posseSE A small car of his own, then

use his em he would never ployer's.

and

880,000 private motor-cars. 315,000 meter trucks, lorries and commerical vehicles generally,

cbarabanes, 92,000 motor

omnibuses, coaches, etc.

the

On The Continent,

be

of

People who live in big cities in England and see nothing but motor

Since the war cycling has gone The Automobil Revue and the With the close proximity of the traffic hardly realise that the coun- leading Swiss newspapers are Motor Cycle Show, the Racing is still full of cyclists, com ahead very rapidly. In the coun devoting long articles to the new Staffs of nearly all important petent authorities at the celebra try, in the small towns," and in tion of the fiftieth anniversary of most of the suburbs, there is more kinds of fuel for motor-cars, which Motor-Cycle Manufactures are cons

the foundation of the Cyclists' cycling to-day than there ever was; have just been tested on the Jaun-centrating on breaking world's re-

estimating their and in the big cities, though the wheel-folk aro pass with very satisfactory results, cords. Recently, Mr. CWG. Touring Club

millions and the number of cycling a pleasure, and may one day replace petrol, Lacey on a 500 c

adapting themselves to the new There are no official statistica conditious. War Office, after some not very muc- cup by returning over 100 miles in clubs at thirteen hundred.

More women are riding now cessful trials with charcoal gas, so the hour on British soil Hitherto

time in the his where cycles are registered for than at any called gasogen, which is enjoying this achievement was considered here as there are in countries

In cycling.

recent taxation, "but we consider." said tory some favour in the French army, almost impossible as there were no is now employing a mixture of Racing Tracks in Britain which Mr. B. W. Best, editor of Cycling years there has been a great de would permit such high speeds. in 英雄 interview, that there velopment in rational dress for benzin and alcohol.

At least many cycling women, the costumes being though

Women rido far and The trial races on the Jaunpass However, Lacey thought otherwise

satisfactory,

and proved it by returning 103 must

in this country as in France; and skirtless. in France we know there are seven fast, mostly with clubs. There are, were

millions and a half. Although of course, many individual women ninety drivers who took part in mp.h. for the hour. them were surprised by this new fuel, whose qualities were kept

As is well known, a great num-racing here is on a smaller scale, riders outside the ranks of clubs, secret from them, so that they

are held by Continental touring is, indeed, much stronger tume. For shopping, paying visits and excursions into the country. could not even adapt their car ber of the important world's re- the cult of pleasure cycling and and those who wear rational cor burettors to it. The Military Au- cordi

At a recent spoed meeting than it is in France."

extremely How, then, has cycling been bicycles are

popular with women. duce for military purposes. They at Arpajon, France, British riders thorities intend to reserve this pro-Firma.

British bicycles are still the are satisfied that in times of emer-and Machines created a sensation. affected by motoring I'

Zenith "J.A.P. attained the at 130 m.p.h Claims have been best in the world, and the export geney it would be possible to ake Captain 0. M. Baldwin on. & 1,000 out the available supply of petrol, c.c. so that it would last three or four world's fastest speed (mean) for times its ordinary length of time. any motor cycle in the world. His But even more antisfactory re-mean speed for the flying mile was sults were obtained by another 1948 m.ph., while his fastest fuel, which has been produced by time (one way) was 197.3839 m.p.h the Martini Motor Works at St. This record was formerly held by Blaise. Its inventor is Director Mr. C. F. Temple on an O.E.C. This time last year British roads Steiger, of the said works, and it Templc (British) at a speed of 121 J.A.P. he returned 112 mph. for Mr. Best said,

Stelger-Brennstoff," in called

m.p.h. The fastest speed one way after him. Of course, all details is held by Freddie Dixon on

and Brough Superior, J.A.P. (British) 790,000 private motor cars. regarding its composition

(Continued on next Column). 293,000 motor trucks, etc.

manufacture are kept secret. But 92,000 mater charabanes,it is known that it is alcohol in a

"It was the introduction of the omnibuses, etc. .-

solid form, which is dissolved into gas by the simple process of add-sale, it could be sold for one-third 350 0.G. Machine Does 140 M.P.E.

Britain again claimed a record safety bicycle in the late 'eighties ing water. The carburettor is of of the present petrol price, which a special construction. It contains is about la 8d. a gallon, as there formerly held by a Continental that gave cycling its enormous im- no benzin or benzol at all, so that is a heavy duty on it for the up- firm when Mr. Lacey, again on a petus, because then, for the first 350 e. Grinlay Peerless J.A.P.time, riders short in stature were The ratio of motor-vehicles to

Swiss motorist circles are taking machine, broke the flying mile at able to ride on equal terms with British population a year ago wasit can be Swiss-made throughout, keep of the roads.

this Steiger 104 m.p.h. It will be noticed in tall people, and women, though to one to every 36.5. This year the and would make Switzerland inde- ratio is one to about 32 persons.pendent of any foreign oil fields, great interest in

Britain has still a long way to Its efficiency surpasses that of ben-Brennstoff, which is expected to each case the engine fitted to the some extent they had been in it Ancther ad- bring about some changes. For the winning machine was made by the | from the start, found an establish- go before the ratio equals that of zin by 20 per cent.

present, it will not yet appear on J.A.F. engine manufacturer. They ed place in the pastime. The in- America, which is one motor vehicle vantage is that it burns up com-

pletely, leaving not a trace of soot the market. First all the possibiliare, perhaps, the most successful troduction of the pneumatic tyre. motor-cycle engine about 1889, gave cycling its second to about five persons.

1 manufactures in Great Britain.

great flip. "Conditions in England," said in the cylinders. Produced whole ties of its manufacture must be proprietory

tried cut and patented. (Continued next Column). an authority on motoring develop- u Daily The experiences related by a

ment and statistics to well-known peeress clearly indi- Express representative yesterday, eate a definite calling for well-make it that one motor-car to educated girls who are prepared every five of inhabitants is a ratio to qualify in the many excellent not likely to be realised for a long motor-training schools. Girls are time." naturally more reliable, take their duties more seriously, and at the same time are able to be

companions and regarded as helps in many domestic and social matters.

(2) Considering the hours that are put in by us, would it not be possible to have sa

with the em arrangement

hours' ployers of, say, two legal joyride per week i Mr. E. L. Jones, 54, Liddeli- gardens, N.W.. saya:

The chauffeurs whom your peerees correspondent was so un- fortunate as to employ must have been sheer lunatics to commit the breaches of trust complained of. They must have had more leisure time at their disposal than .99 out of 100 chauffeurs.

The best one can hope to do in giving advice on the buying of cars is to decide whether the qualities which one knows that the vehicle possesses are the sort that will be apprecipated by the person who in

A Calling" For Girls. tends to buy it, and to do this one,

Mrs. Harry Heymann, Allways, nust know the buyer very well Even this will often prove un-Shepherd's-road, Watford. Hert- watisfactory, and one sometimes fordshire, writes: ancets with tremendous surprises. I know of care which would appear to be absolutely unsuitable for their owners and yet they are giving com- plete satisfaction.

Strange Examples.

Prople who are quite unable to change gear without distressing the whole countryside are the proud and happy owners of ears that re- quire continual gear changing, and will not be induced to go. under 20 miles an hour on top gear. To drive with these people is torture: but they seem to enjoy it, and the car, being a good piece of engineer- ing, stands up to it. Then there are others who are secretly intensely dissatisfied and always having trouble, but by a misplaced sense of loyalty cover up the defects. They talk about their cars loudly and often, and generally never manage to get beyond their lodge gates with- out unrolling the tool kit.

They

Mr. H. Rigby, eo, Kew-road, Birkdale, Southport, Lancashire, Sys;

I think if people wanting chauffeurs would get men with experience instead of taking ou young drivers they would get more satisfaction.

FORD CARS AND IMPORT

DUTIES.

MACHINERY MOVED FROM CORK TO MANCHESTER

Another type is one which makes it choice name rather than per- formance. The car is bought be cause it has a famous name, and so it must be all right. "Still an- other group consists of searchers It was announced by the chair out of impossible places.

man at a meeting of the Cork drive over impossible roads; they Rotary Club that the firm of Henry climb huge mountaing; they cross Ford and Son had definitely de- deserts and then grumble when their cided to transfer the bulk of their cat fails, though it was "only de- work to Great Britain. He said signed to go over normal English that a great propertion of the new and Continental roads. Then ly erected machinery had already there is the opposite type, who been taken from Cork to Manches think that a vehicle that crosses the ter. The decision was due to the the ideal for the fact that they had been, unable to Saharn is Brighton-road.

arrange a satisfactory solution of The fact is everyone expects some the import duty difficulty, which thing different from his car accord precluded the Ford car from coin- ing to his character. I myself heting in the British market. would not dream of recommending the sort of car that I consider ideal to more than half of the people I knaw. It happens to suit me ad- mirably, but many of its most en- aging virtues would appear to be horrible vices in other hands. It does not even come up to my theoretical ideal of a motor-cary but, quite frankly, I would not change it for a moment for any thing that did.

Inquiries at the Ford factory, at

Total 1,257,000

carried:

Total 1,187,000

Necessities.

11

The matter does not rest with the makers or the desire of the Economic con- public to own cars. ditions generally stand in the way. Each house must have its garage; there must be numerous extensive parking places. These things are coming, surely, if not as rapidly as motor lovers would wish.".

Trouble-saving cars that obviate the necessity for diving beneath the floor-boards and emerging like a stoker every time greasing is re- quired; no-gear cars; kindly bene- volent wayside botel keepers who have something better than the cold shoulder to offer, are among the developments prohesied in connee- tion with the increasing wave of motor enthusiasm.

Mare roads and better roads are needed. About eighteen, months ago the Ministry of Transport issued a for road making. suggestion Where this has been followed the roads are infinitely better.

However, the great question of the show this year again is likely Eriton is an open-air creature-but to be: Saloon or tourer The

the saloon... the British climate fights hard for

THE STUDEBAKER MOTOR- CAR CORPORATION,

AN INDEPENDENT ORGANIZA, TION.

Cork, resulted in. confirmation of The Studebaker Motor Car Cér-. the statement that certain machin-poration claim to be the greatest ery was being shipped to Manches-independent motor-car

manufac-

ter. It was stated that the bulk turca in the world. The Stude- of the company's output had been baker car, with the exception of absorbed in the past by the English tyres, is made throughout by the From the bumper, factory, and had had, since last manufactures. April, to hear a British import to the gasolene tank at the back duty of 22 2-9 per cent, with is produced from the huge plants charges for freight, insurance and in four cities of America, and two boxing. The company was compell-in Canada and Australia respective- ed to eliminate unnecessary and One realises the deficicaces pavoidable expense. one's own car on the rare occasions when it is lent to someone else. Certain little things that one has

Idiosyncrasies.

been accustomed to for years ex-street without looking, simply by asperate a stranger. The clutch the noise of the engine. Que car movement may be stiff, the brakes puila silently and powerfully, while too far down, the adjustment, or the other is noisy and is quite ten some other little thing of which miles an hour slower; and yet when one takes the engine down neither one is perfectly aware, may be wrong, and have been wrong for instraments nor one's own senses years. One is so used to it that it show any difference between the becomes part of the mechanics of two. driving, but a stranger finds it" very awkward...

There will always be good and bad cars of this description, even in the higher priced classes, and the instance I have given is nothing out of the ordinary. And then I know of a few ears made just after the war which are full of the most horrible technical faults, and have no business to ran at all, but-out of sheer cussedness, I suspect-are still behaving quite well, and on performance can be ranked as good cars.

Wy.

The latest

The head-lights and ignition sys-. tem is Studebaker made, and ever the glass for the windows is, made by their plant. With such an or ganization, improvements to their yearly models are most interesting. The new 1928 Studebaker leaves little to ho desired. improvements include ball bearing to the riding qualities of these spring shackles which have added motors, while another small yet important improvement is the adop- tion of adjustable steering wheels. In addition to the difficulty of

By a little adjustment at the base of the steering column the steering finding the car that suits the man, it must be remembered that, even

wheel may be raised or lowered to in these days of mass-production,

suit the requirements of the driver. The braking capabilities of these no two ears of the same make ever

motors have also been improved. Sehave in exactly the same way. Some cars are born" brutes," and

A greater percentage of the motor manufacturers employ the "Over design of engine, the reason for their brutishness can never be discovered. One of the

head valve" camshafts. The Studebaker how most remarkable example, I know

operated either by push-reda.or is that of a doctor, who owns two "very expensive cars of a fine make, Thus this business of advising ever, retains the type of side. bought at about the same time and people on the buying of cars is both valve engine with which they have practically identical in every de- difficult and dangerous, and should broken all records for speed and tail. Both cars are driven by the only be tackled with the utmost endurance for any stock model car same man, and have covered about caution, for the best car is just in America regardless of price and an opinion. Good design and work power. The side-valve type of the same distance, yet one has run for nearly two years without giving manship must always tell in the engine is, it is claimed. simpler and any trouble at all, while the other leng run, when a large number of more economical to maintain,------- spends most of its time in the cars are taken into consideration,Another feature of the 19A service depot, The makers are but from the individual, owner's models is the square dashboard quite unable to find out why there point of view there is often a wide which holds all meters enensed in eZAYg riso deserves: should-be-any difference, but one gulf between theoretical and practiler etched frames. can tell which car is coming up the that perfection, London Morning baleters of

(Continued on next Golumn).

Post.

mention.

The up-

made by American firms, but these trade, one of the brightest features are not recognised outside America. in British industry, is ever increas

Again"Bill" Lacey was not i

The jubilee celebrated recently contented and at the same meeting broke the fying mile. record for a was not, of course, the jubilee of cc. capacity.reling, but that of the Cyclists. machine of 500

Touring Club. Fifty years ago," cycling was al- Again astride his Grinlay Peerless

shaker" had disappeared, the flying mile. This record was ready well established. The bone- formerly held by the FN mot machine in vogue in 1878 being the cycle-a small Belgian the high ordinary, which was rid- still retain the record for the Byden by a fair number of enthusiasts ing kilametre.

NEW BEAUTY

BACKED BY

and clubmen.

98 OFFICIAL RECORDS

D

RIVE the new Studebakers-then you will realize why Studebaker holds more official stock car records than all other makes combined, includ- ing the world's greatest record for sustained speed.... .25,000 miles in less than 23,000 consecutive minutes.

This remarkable performance is yours to command. You will thrill not only to excess power, easy steering and brakes, which have double the efficiency accepted as standard-but also to the unusual riding comfort resulting from Studebaker's exclusive ball bearing spring shackles-the greatest advance in restful riding since balloon tyres.

A Car for Every Purse and Every Taste Studebaker builds four great lines of cars-The President Eight The Commander, (25,000 miles in less than 23,000 minutes), The Director and The Erskine. Each offert champion- ship performance and high value. Each is backed by Studebaker's 12-month guarantee.

Illustrating The Director Tourer H.K. $3,420.

THE HONG KONG

HOTEL GARAGE

(THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI HOTELS, LTD.) SHOWROOM-25, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL

TELEPHONE

CENTRAL

4759.

STUDEBAKER

THE GREAT-INDEPENDENT

ESTABLISHED IN 1852-

the