Motoring Notes
The New Rover Car
ArerEn driving one of the new 16/50 h.p. Rovers some 600 miles I have no hesitation in saying that it combines in a most remarkable degree all the requirements of the average owner- driver—in fact, I am very enthusiastic about it.
Perhaps its greatest merit is the combination of six-cylinder smoothness with four-cylinder upkeep cost. On the road the car sweeps along with such remarkable lack of .effort and hurry that the speedometer can scarcely be believed, until the combination of milestones and clock completely vindicate the instrument. That is, perhaps, one of the chief charms of this new design-7-its ability to maintain a high average speed without any sensation of " forcing."
This sweetness of running is due not only to the skill with which the engine is baldriced, but also to the unusually massive construction of such parts as crankcase, bearings, &c. It is well known, of course, that to attempt to reduce weight by lightening these parts is a primary cause of vibration and harsh running, and it must be borne in mind that, when an engine sets up vibration, power which should be delivered at the road wheels is being dissipated ; hence the axiom that vibration is a thief of power.
In this new Rover, again, the gear-box, steering gear and clutch require no separate attention as regards lubrication. These components are all embodied in one unit with the engine, and each receives its supply of lubricant from the three gallons of oil carried in the engine sump, whence it is distributed through the entire unit by a mechanical pump. An advantage of the large capacity of the sump is that it insures that the oil remains clean and cool, also that it reduces the frequency with which the owner must inspect the level of oil in the engine. Thus it is possible to run for very long distances without having to fill up. Upkeep attention is reduced to a minimum.
Four-wheel brakes are an interesting point of the Rover chassis, for a device has been incorporated which insures that each wheel receives equal braking power. With the usual type of compensating gear unequal pressure is often applied to the wheels on opposite sides of the car, and it is to this common defect that much of the skidding when pulling up on greasy roads is due. With the Rover, however, one can stop the car just as quickly as one wishes, on any surface, without there being the least suspicion of a skid, giving one a wonderful feeling of confidence.
The springing is of an unusually high order, the rear springs having a range of deflection of no less than five inches. This, in combination with the shock absorbers and Dunlop balloon tyres fitted as standard, smooths out road shocks so that the car rides easily over the worst of surfaces. As to the upholstery, it has been carefully designed to afford support in just those places where it is required, and the driver can adjust his seat to the most convenient position in relation to the controls ; the gear lever may also Le set to suit varying lengths of reach. The controls are accessibly placed, the pull-back handbrake lever being conveniently operated and offering no obstacle to leaving the car easily on the offside. All the doors are exceptionally wide, while the rear screen fitted to the five-seater open model is ridiculously easy to erect. The all-weather equipment renders the open car really waterproof and snug under the most severe weather conditions, as I have frequently proved of late to my complete satisfaction.
• * * * CHEAPER PETROL.
It does not seem to be generally realized that the arrange- ments recently made by the large petrol companies with the trade give motorists an advantage of a penny a gallon when buying from pumps, as compared with can price. Apart from an area corresponding approximately to the Metropolitan Police zone, this advantage of a penny a gallon when buying from pumps is operative throughout England, Wales and
Scotland. E. T. BROWN.
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