24 JANUARY 1931, Page 30

Motoring Notes

The 16 h.p. 6-cyl. Austin Saloon

A FAMILY car; British throughout; solid, and trustworthy ; the saloon under di .cussion costs L335.

In my first article in this series on British cars, the chassis chosen for report cost just over sixteen hundred pounds more than this one. If, therefore, I make some adverse comments, and suggest what I consider to be improvements, this is only natural, and must not be taken as an indication that the car is not good value. The second-hand value of the Austin is ample proof of its sterling quality.

Austin Motors make four models, of seven, twelve, sixteen and twenty horse-power, the two latter being six-cylinder cars. In all cases there is an ample choice of standard coach- work. The car sent for trial was the " Burnham " coachbuilt saloon, seating four or five passengers.

Owing to thick fog I was unable to test the maximum speed for myself, but I understand this to be in the late sixties, with a cruising speed of fifty-five to sixty. As the car is not intended to be a sports model, this is quite adequate. The petrol consumption is given as twenty-four m.p.g.

The engine, gearbox, and clutch are of unit construction, with side by side valves, coil ignition, and oil and air purifiers. Under the bonnet is a handy recess for the tools. Brake and clutch pedals are adjustable, as is also the rake of the steering column to some extent.

A central gear lever of American pattern is fitted very conveniently for the hand ; also, and this is a good point, the positions of the various gears are clearly marked. A dimming switch for the headlamps is fitted in the centre of the steering column, together with the spark and throttle levers ; the electric horn is operated by a ring inside the steering wheel, so the hand need not leave the wheel.

The care of the chassis need be no cause for anxiety, as there are but few points to be lubricated ' • the springs have zinc interleaves, and silent rubber blocks to the shackles, and therefore do not need to be oiled. Throughout the chassis everything which might require attention is readily accessible, so that an inexperienced owner might undertake the care of the car with confidence. A fan is fitted to the engine, but there are no radiator shutters ; this is a distinct drawback as the engine requires a radiator muff during our normal winter weather to keep it warm enough to attain its full efficiency. All muffs are unsightly and a nuisance ; automatically controlled shutters would be a great advantage. (By the way, nothing is worse for a cold engine than starting up and pulling away before it has time to warm itself up.) The standard equipment throughout is very complete ; no further additions are necessary. Besides a clock and the usual instruments, there is a driving mirror, adjustable sunshade, locker for parcels in the dash, electric windscreen wiper, lug- gage carrier and spare wheel, &c. As regards seating, the front bucket seats are comfortable, and slide as required ; an unusual feature is that in the back of each front seat is a folding tray, and a foot rest in the bottom half. These fittings are recessed, and hardly noticeable when not in use. In addition there are arm-rests on each side of the back seat, and a broad folding one in the middle. Unfortunately the back seat is set too high, vision through the windows being thereby im- paired, and allowing too little headroom. This gives one the feeling of sitting on, and not in, the car in the back seat, although the upholstery itself is comfortable.

It was good to find that Triplex glass is fitted all round. Why is safety glass throughout every car not made compulsory by law ? Many makers fit it in front only, but it is very un- reasonable to assume that every accident will be frontal. The upholstery is leather, and chromium plating is used everywhere—a great saving in time and labour when cleaning. There is no wonderful tale to tell of any startling novelty about this car ; it is a straightforward job designed to give long service with as little trouble and cost to its owner as possible. Very little mechanical knowledge is required to keep it going efficiently, and it is easy to drive and control.

Although I drive many different makes, one after the other, I felt very quickly at home at the wheel of this car • levers and pedals seemed all to be in the right place, and after the first few yards I felt on well-known ground.

The engine is fairly quiet—the gears also. I found, however, that the throttle would only take a gradual pressure - putting the foot hard down quickly being apt to choke the engine. This was due to some extent to the fact that the engine refused to warm up to anything like an efficient heat. Top gear (5.12 to 1) can be used even at a walking pace, but naturally the easy drop to third speed should be used to get the best results from the engine. I found the braking efficient, and even when I applied the brakes vigorously with hands off the wheel, the car did not swerve. Adjustment is quite simple. With a light load over a very bad surface there was nothing to complain of in the steering, or springing ; nor at any time did one have the feeling that too much was being asked of either the chassis or bodywork. A safe investment. PELHAM COCIFRANE.