1902 British Light Motor Cars
Automobile Components, Ltd., 18, Church Street, Islington, London, N., make a speciality of the A.C.L. voiturette, at £105. This is a two-seated vehicle fitted with an Auto-Moto engine, 3.125 h.p., water-cooled head. The speed-changing gear is the well-known Dupont, giving two-speeds and free engine. The body of the car is well designed, and made in hard wood, giving lightness and strength. This is hung on springs of good pattern. Cooling is effected by a four-row radiator fitted with special ribs. Wheel steering, with inclined column, is used. The drive is by means of a chain direct from motor to gear. Wheels are wire spoked, fitted with special A.B. Velox tyres. In addition to the complete car, the A.C.L. supply the set of parts for fitting together at £85.
Swift Motor Co. The Swift two-seated car, priced at £175, is well known as a good representative type of the light class of petrol-driven car. It is constructed with a long wheelbase, ensuring steady running, and is driven by a 4.5 h.p. water-cooled engine fitted in front. It is provided with two speeds giving a range from 6 to 18 miles per hour. The drive is effected through a friction clutch. A rather novel feature of this little car is the absence of a differential gear; a free-wheel clutch on each of the rear wheels taking its place. Thus, when turning corners one wheel can over-run the other and it moreover enables the car to run absolutely free down hill. Double hand-brakes to fitted to rear wheels, and an emergency brake, both operated by the pedals.
Ignition is on the high tension electric system, and all parts are easily accessible for adjustment. Regulation is effected by spark advance and throttle valve. Weight, 8 cwt.; length, 5 feet 3 inches between wheel centres, 7 feet 5 inches over all. Wheels, 26 inch by 3 in wire spoked.
The Pick Motor Co., Ltd., Stamford, exhibited some good-looking light cars at the Crystal Palace Show last year, but the makers now inform us that they are not yet ready with particulars of their new cars for 1903. The Pick cars are noticeable for their extreme simplicity, a belt drive being employed; and the prices are remarkably reasonable.
The Hozier Engineering Co., Ltd., of Bridgeton, Glasgow, make the Argyll cars, of which we illustrate the 8 h.p. two-seated type, which sells at £240. The engine can be either the Simms, with the Simms-Bosch magneto ignition, or the M.M.C., according to customer's wishes.
An abundance of power is given by either engine. A float-feed and spray carburetter arc provided. The friction clutch is of large diameter, and is free from end thrust. Three speeds and reverse are provided, and the drive is direct on the top speed. The power is communicated by a universally jointed shaft to bevel driving gear, and this is made of exceptionally large diameter.
The engine is cooled on the thermo-syphon principle, and the use of a pump is avoided. Forty feet of cooling tubes are used, and they are placed right in front of the car, being joined at top and bottom to aluminium water tanks. The wheels are the artillery pattern, and may be fitted with either pneumatic or solid tyres. The frame of the car is tubular, and tie rods run the length of the frame, making it perfectly rigid over even the roughest roads. Ample brake power is provided, and both sets of brake work will stop the car, either running forward or backward.
Rex Motor Manufacturing Co. The Rex two-seated tourist ear is entirely new; so new, in fact, that the earliest specimens are not yet finished, consequently the illustration given is the first that has appeared. The engine is an 8 h. p. Rex balance single-cylinder motor, driving direct on the top speed. It has three speeds and a reverse, the pinions being extra large and hardened by a special process which renders them unbreakable. A large diameter clutch gives an excellent gripping surface without either shock or slipping. The body is well finished, and the weight of the car is but 12 cwt. There is ample accommodation for luggage, an essential when the car is to be used for touring. Efficient brakes are fitted, and in every sense the car is a tine specimen of British work. The price is 190 guineas.
Alldays and Onions. Allday's Travellers. This was one of the best light voiturettes to be put on the market, and the success it attained is undeniable proof as to the great possibilities before it as is light, reliable and inexpensive car. At first sight, the Traveller car appears rather short in the wheel base, but the car was not designed in the least degree as a speed instrument. The object aimed at was a small vehicle that could be relied upon to travel at from 5 or 6 miles up to 20 miles per hour, and — this was a special feature — one that could be housed in a very limited space. As such, therefore, the type under notice has met with a very ready sale.
Recently a member of the staff called at Messrs Alldays and Onions' works, and inspected the method of manufacture carried on in connection with the car. Every part of the motor is made on the premises, and the perfect accuracy of the work was proved by the fact that the component parts of the engine were absolutely interchangeable. The valve gear is cast in one piece with the crank case. There are no belts or chain in driving; the gear being of the direct on to the axle type. With the 4 h.p. engine two speeds and a reverse gear are fitted, and it is claimed that on the low speed the car will climb almost any gradient with two passengers aboard.
The seating accommodation is very comfortable, and ample clearance is given for the driver to avoid the steering gear. The engine is placed behind, beneath the rear scat, and the removal of the back board and tilting forward of the seat discloses the whole of the mechanism and everything is thus in a most accessible position for any necessary adjustments. The control levers are all, attached to the steering column — the clutch being operated by the foot. The choice is given of upholstered bodies or tubular framed seats, the former of which is illustrated.
It is fitted with hest grade motor tyres and is retailed at £150, or £8 less with the tubular frame seats.
Brown Brothers. The Brown voiturette is a four-seated car, weighing about 12 cwt. It is fitted with an 8 h.p. governed engine, and is gear-driven having three forward speeds and a reverse, all actuated by one lever. Cooling it effected by a radiator and pump circulation. Wheel steering is naturally provided, and the road wheels are of the artillery type, fitted with large pneumatic tyres. Two powerful brakes are provided, and they grip both ways. The dimensions of the car over all are 9 feet 6 inches in length by 4 feet 6 inches in height by 5 feet 6 inches in width, and the car is fully equipped with lamps, tools, horn, etc. The car can be had with either a phaeton or tonneau body, and can be coach-painted and upholstered to order. The price is £275. The Brown voiturette is English made, and not only is full attention paid to detail but the aim of the makers is to keep the car fully up-to date in every respect Besides the tonneau body illustrated, the car can be obtained with either the spider, coupe, or phaeton body, the price of course varying with the style. Messrs. Brown Bros., Ltd., of Great Eastern Street, London, are the makers.
New Orleans Motor Co. One of the simplest and cheapest cars now on the market is the New Orleans made by the New Orleans Ltd., Twickenham. It will be seen from the illustration that the car is somewhat short of wheel base, but as great speeds are not aimed at, this defect may be practically disregarded. The 3 h.p. engine is situated undewr the usual bonnet in the fore part of the car, and is cooled by a fan driven off the fly wheel by a friction wheel.
A single wide belt drives on to either of two wooden pulleys on the back axle, the belt being shifted from high to low gear pulley as required. The belt can be tightened from the driver's seat when necessary. Two brakes are provided, one of which, however, is a metal shoe on the back tyres. The electric ignition is by coil and accumulators, the contact is a make and break, and the spark can be advanced or retarded by the lever on steering pillar; two speeds, giving a ratio of from 7 to 18 miles an hour, are fitted, and the car only weighs 4.5 cwt.
We carefully watched the two samples of this little car during the 1,000 miles trial of 1900, in which they performed most creditably, ascending the three last hills in wonderful style, considering their small engine power. The price of the standard 3 h.p. New Orleans is £100, or with 9 inches longer wheel base, spare petrol tank and touring basket £105.
Motor Manufacturing Co. Though devoting their energies principally to high-powered, expensive carriages, the Motor Manufacturing Co., of Coventry, and 95 Bond Street, London, W. (one of the motor firms in England) have always had at lease one popular-priced car amongst their various pattens. The 8 h.p. M.M.C. light car, illustrated has many points which appeal to the practical motorist as well as to the mere novice. The Water cooled engine is under the bonnet in front, and is capable of driving the car with four people up, at 28 miles an hour, on the top speed. Two lower speeds are provided, also a reverse. 28 inch equal wood wheels, with 3 inch tyres, are the standard. Power is conveyed from the countershaft to the rear road wheels by two side chains, which can be adjusted by tie rods with right and left-hand threads. The pump, which ensures the proper circulation of the cooling water, is driven of the engine fly wheel by a small fibre-faced friction wheel. A particularly roomy tonneau body is fitted, which accommodates three passengers. The panels of the body are of aluminium, and the upholstering of Pegamoid. The price - £255 — includes two handsome carriage lamps, horn, funnels, and all necessary tools. This little car was awarded the gold medal in Class C in the recent Reliability Trials of the Automobile Club for cars selling under £300.
The Century Engineering Motor Co, Ltd., Cumberland Park, Willesden Junction, London, W., manufacture two distinct types of light carriages, either of which would appeal to the motorist of moderate means, according to his taste, requirements and depth of purse.
First, we have the well-tried Century tandem voiturette, which has been on the market for the last two or three seasons, and of which a large number are now running and giving satisfaction to their owners. The Century tandem, as the illustration shows, is a three-wheeled vehicle; the water-cooled Aster engine of either 4, 5, or 6.5 h.p., being centrally situated between the wheels, and driving the back wheel through either of two chains, according to whether the high or low gear is in operation. The single driving wheel does away with the necessity for a balance gear, with its attendant complication. The change-speed lever will be noticed on the driver's left hand. When pushed away from the driver, the high gear is brought into use; when pulled towards him, the low gear, and when the lever is in the middle position, the engine is free to revolve without driving the car. Steering is controlled by a hand lever on the driver's right, which operates the two front wheels, so that not only do they turn in the usual way, but they incline inwards at an angle varying with the sharpness of the turn. The front seat is a particularly luxurious one, suspended as it is on long C springs, and a comfortable seat is also provided for the driver. The exhaust valve lift is worked by foot pedal, and is convenient in traffic; it also facilitates starting. A wick carburetter is used, one lever regulating the mixture. The Aster ignition differs from the usual trembling variety of contact; the make and break being positive. All wheels are mud-guarded, but still it can hardly be claimed that the tandem is a clean vehicle in really sloppy weather. The prices vary from £135 to £155, according to the horse-power of engine fitted.
As stable companion, the tandem has the Century light motor-car, which is constructed more in accordance with the usual ideas of car design. It is driven by a 6.5, 9, or 12 h.p. Aster engine, the power passing through the gear box, in which are gears giving three forward speeds and a reverse, and thence to the back road wheels by side chains. The frame is of stout, well-seasoned ash, from which the carriage body can be readily removed. The body work is executed in first-class style; the upholstering being done in real leather. Either tonneau or phaeton bodies are fitted, giving, in either case ample seating room for four passengers. The steering is reversible. The hand wheel turns the road wheels, but an obstacle striking the road wheels has no effect on the steering wheel. The tanks hold enough water and petrol for a run of 200 miles. The Century car, with 9 h.p. engine, sells at 350 guineas, or with an engine of 12 h.p., at 400 guineas, whilst the 6.5 h.p. sells at £250. Ample brake power is provided, powerful band-brakes acting on the driving wheels by a hand lever and on the countershaft, applied by foot. All brakes act whether the car be travelling forward or backward. On the larger cars, a very useful sprag is fitted. The standard pattern cars will climb very stiff gradients on the second speed, a valuable feature, for it is slow work climbing a hill on the first or lowest speed. The cars are of first-class workmanship and in a future issue we shall hope to illustrate them.
The Clyde Cycle and Motor Car Company, Ltd., of Leicester, have designed a shapely little car to carry two persons, and sold at £157. The motor is a 5 h.p. Aster, water-cooled, placed under the bonnet in front of car. Cooling is effected by a patent radiator, and circulation by a centrifugal pump, run from motor shaft. Transmission of power is by means of gears and chains, and two changes of speed are provided, giving 9 and 34 miles per hour, and any intermediate speed is obtained by the ignition control. The gear changes are made by a lever at the side of the car, within easy reach. The steering is by means of wheel and inclined pillar. Brakes consist of a powerful band brake on the drum of countershaft, and two emergency brakes. The body of car is hung on springs of specially tempered steel, and air cushions are provided for the seat and back; the combination being easy and luxurious. The wheels are 26 by 2.5 inches, wire spoked, fitted with Michelin tyres. Dimensions are — width over all, 4 feet 3 inches; length over all, 7 feet 9 inches; weight, in running order, 5.5 cwts. A full equipment of tools is supplied.
The Mabley car is unique in its design. The four wheels are arranged in diamond form, the two side wheels being the driving wheels. The steering wheels are placed one at each end, and they turn simultaneously. The car as now designed has four tracks, because the fore and aft wheels are not placed in line. If this were done, the benefit of having three tracks would be secured, and even this would mean one more track than is taken by other cars. The seats are so placed as to be vis-a-vis, the driver sitting on the rear seat. A 2.75 h.p. De Dion engine, with water-cooled head, provides the motive power cooling being effected by means of a radiator and tank in front. A long leather belt transmits the power to the countershaft, and thence it is taken by chains to the driving shaft. Two drum brakes are fitted to the driving shaft. Electric ignition is adopted, with means for regulating the time of firing. The car is 8.5 feet long by 4 feet wide, and weights approximately 4.5 cwt. The price is £140. The makers are John Marston, Ltd., of Wolverhampton.
The Eagle car is made by the Eagle Engineering and Motor Co, Oakfield Road, Altrincham. It seats two passengers, and has an 8 h.p. De Dion motor; wheels are artillery pattern, with 30 inch Clipper Michelin tyres. Steering by wheel and inclined pillar. Two speeds and free engine are provided, with additional speed trough by the spark advance. The transmission device is of a special patented design, the drive being direct without the interposing of side shafts. Weight 8 cwt. Wheel base 6 feet 6 inches, width 3 feet 10 inches. The car is strongly built, well finished; is capable of climbing any hill, and can touch 28 miles an hour on good roads. The front dash board forms the petrol tank and has a capacity of about five gallons, giving sufficient power for a journey of about 125 miles. The bonnet forms the water tank and thermal circulation is employed, thus dispensing with a pump. The brake power is ample. The car body is made with either two bucket seats or ordinary double seat and there is a platform behind for luggage.
The Bijou Car. This is the name which The Protector Co., Ltd., of Eccles, near Manchester, have given to a little car of which they send us particulars. The Bihou comfortably seats two passengers side by side and it has a water cooled engine of adequate power to take any hill with its full load, and to attain a maximum speed of twenty miles an hour on the level. The engine is throttled and governed, and the ignition can be advanced. By these means in combination with the gear, great flexibility and range of speed is obtained. The Bijou is so simple to handle that it is easily driven by a lady. A descriptive catalogue of this and of automobiles by the same makers, ranging from a motor cycle to a 12 h.p double cylinder car is in preparation and will he forwarded on application. The retail price of the Bijou is not yet absolutely fixed but preparations are being made to turn them in such quantities, that it is believed the retail price will lie considerably under £100.
Already several wholesale orders have been booked and persons requiring a strongly-built, simple and efficient little car at a popular price should investigate the claims made for the Bijou.
The New Velox Car. The New Amalgamated Tyre Co., Ltd., Parkside, Coventry. It is rather an unusual thing for a tyre company to embark on the troubled sea of motor manufacture; they generally have troubles enough their own. But the New A.T. Co. intend to justify their new name, which is nothing else but a praiseworthy effort to cater for the demand a popular priced car. The new Velox, which is not yet on the market will be fitted with a 6 h.p. water-cooled engine, placed in front of the tubular frame, under the usual bonnet. It will have two speeds, but no reverse gear, the makers claiming that they can get the weight of the car down to the 5 cwt. limit, below which the law does not compel a car to be fitted with a reverse. This policy savours rather of "spoiling ship for a ha'porth of tar," as, putting aside the legal point of view, a reverse is really handy in traffic for turning the car in a small space and on various, other occasions.
The engine is a single-cylinder, electrically ignited, and developing 6 h.p. at 1,500 revolutions per minute. It is fitted with a hand throttle controlling the speed. We are not at liberty to disclose particulars of the change-speed device, which is of a novel design, as it is not yet fully protected. A single lever controls the two speeds, a side lever working the brake on the road wheels. There are three foot pedals; one to remove the clutch, another for applying the countershaft brake, a third for the throttle, as mentioned above. Cycle type wheels of 26 inch diameter will be a feature of the new car, with Dunlop motor tyres. The water tank is contained in the bonnet, and a system is adopted which dispenses with a circulating pump. The body is made to comfortably seat two people, with ample room for luggage, tools etc. The price of the new Velox voiturette will be £185.
The Progress Motor Co, Coventry, have long been noted for their low and medium-priced cars, their present standard article being a four-seated car, with a 9 h.p. genuine De Dion engine, selling at £275 guineas. Mr. E. J. West, however, is of the opinion that there is a large demand for a smaller, cheaper and lighter car, and early in the new year the new Progress car will make its appearance — probably at the Crystal Palace Motor Show. It will be fitted with a 6 h.p. engine, placed in front, three speeds and reverse, seats for two, and will sell at something under £200. We are sure that the new pattern will be awaited with much interest.
Messrs. J. Hind and Co, Thorne, near Doncaster, have just brought out a light two-seated car, weighing 3.5 cwt. and driven by a 2.25 h. p. De Dion engine. The transmission is by three short chains. A simple two speed gear is provided, and is controlled from lever on steering column. The frame is constructed of weldless steel tubes, with ash side pieces, suitable lugs being employed. The price finished, we understand, will be well under £100.
The Dennis light car, built by Dennis Bros., Ltd., of Guildford seats two people and at the same time has ample power. It is driven by a 9 h.p. genuine De Dion engine which has a pedal governor acting on the exhaust. The water circulation is effected by means of centrifugal pump driven direct off the distribution gear. The clutch of large diameter. Three speeds forward and a reverse are provided, all actuated by the side lever. The power is transmitted by means of an arbor shaft driving direct on the back axle for the third or high speed, and through geared cogs for the first and second speeds. Ignition is both tube and electric, so that in the case of failure of the latter the former can be called into use. The brass petrol tank has a capacity of 80 miles and the water supply is sufficient for 100 miles. The body of the car is of steel tubes, strongly brazed and trussed, and in the untoward event of the need arising for the removal of the engine this is rendered a very simple operation. The bonnet and the body of the car have a very smart appearance. The body is of wood, with aluminium panels, brass beading on edges, and is handsomely upholstered in either corduroy or buffalo leather. The wheels are of the artillery pattern
The Wolseley cars are of typical British manufacture, and have earned for themselves a splendid reputation for sound work and originality of ideas. The smallest of the Wolseley cars is the 5 h.p., and it can be obtained either with the tonneau body (illustrated) and with Michelin tyres, at £275, or with "spider" phaeton body for £25 less. The engine is a single-cylinder, running at 750 revolutions per minute, and is placed horizontally, thereby differing materially from the practice of other makers. The cooling is effected by a slow-running rotary pump and a set of radiators. The power is transmitted to the gear box trough a Renold's silent chain, and from the differential shaft to the driving wheels by means of roller chains. The three forward speeds and a reverse are all operated by one lever. The ignition is of the coil and accumulator type. Lubrication is effected from an oil reservoir on dashboard, with independent sight-feeds to all feed pipes. The wheels are of the artillery pattern, 30 inches in diameter, and the weight of the car complete is about 14 cwt.
The next size of Wolseley car is the two cylinder, which develops its 7.5 h.p. at 900 revolutions per minute. The transmission is identical with that on the 5 h.p. cars, and as the cranks are balanced, the machine is very smooth and sweet in the running. The weight of the car complete is 15 cwt. The fittings supplied with Wolseley cars include two Dietz side lamps, a Bleriot pattern head lamp, horn, aluminium screw jack, two sets of accumulators, best quality double coil, waterproof apron, etc., etc.
Messrs. E. J. Coles and Co, of 70, Princes Street, Oxford Circus, W, have a 7 h.p. Belle car on up-to-date lines. We hope to illustrate it next week. The engine is sloped on an angle of 45 degrees to lessen vibration, and has other novel points. The car seats four, and sells at £255.
F. Dunderdale, of 93, Meadow Street, Moss Side, Manchester, informs us that he will shortly put on the market the "Dragon" three-wheeled light car. This car will have a wicker body, to seat two persons. The engine is placed alongside the fork at one side of the front wheel, while the fly wheel is at the other side. This driving wheel is also the steering wheel. The engine drives through a Crypto gear, has two speeds, and can be run free. Price about £50.
The Eagle motor tandem, made by the Eagle Engineering and Motor Co., Ltd., of Altrincham, Cheshire, is well spoken of by all who have ridden in or driven it. It is a three-wheeled vehicle, the rear wheel being driven through one of two chains from the countershaft. The engine is a 4.5 h.p. water-cooled De Dion, and it is fed from a patent surface wick carburetter. The countershaft is connected to the engine by a short chain, and it is connected through one of its outer bearings to provide for the use of a starting handle for the engine. A lever at the left hand of the driver is used to change the gear. At the option of the purchaser, the steering can be either lever or wheel controlled, the various levers in the latter case being brought to a convenient position on the steering pillar. Petrol, oil, and water tanks of very large capacity are provided, and there is ample brake power. The front seat is hung on C springs, and is exceedingly comfortable, whilst a portion of the exhaust gases are brought to a small box below the footboard for warmth. The rear seat is also comfortable, being poised on spiral springs.
The Eagle tandem is obtainable, not only with a 4.5 genuine lle Dion engine, but 6 and 8 h p. engines of the same manufacture can be fitted at the option of the purchaser. The price of the machine complete is £150 when fitted with the 4.5 h.p. engine. The Eagle tandem is exceedingly well made, and although it is more like a motor-driven Olympic tandem, it is really a car on somewhat novel lines. It is a magnificent hill climber, and when in its racing trim it looks particularly speedy. Those who were present at the Bexhill meeting of the Automobile Club earlier in the year will remember the Eagle, for it was a particularly noticeable motor vehicle.
The new 6 h.p. Princeps light car is being made by the Princeps Autocar Co of 46, Abington Street, Wolverhampton. The aim of the makers has been to secure simplicity, in order that ready and cheap renewals may be made, should they prove necessary. The framework of the car is of steel tubing, an under-frame carrying the engine and gear box. Equal-sized artillery wheels, fitted with Michelin or other tyres are used, and the car is suspended on long, semi-elliptic springs. The engine is very smooth in the running, and is placed below the bonnet and all parts are readily accessible. Power is transmitted through a clutch of large diameter to the change-speed gear and thence by a longitudinal shaft to a bevel pinion meshing with a larger bevel wheel on the back axle. The frictional parts of the axle are on ball bearings. Three forward speeds and a reverse are provided, and the gearing is easily get-at-able. One lever controls the changes. On the top speed, the drive is direct, and 30 miles per hour is attainable. By means of a foot lever the engine can be throttled and the speed reduced to six miles an hour, if desired, without changing from the third or top gear. Two powerful brakes are provided. One is actuated by a foot lever and the other by a hand lever. Each lever, at the same time, disengages the clutch. The petrol tank and oil tank are placed behind the dashboard. They are of sufficient capacity for a run of 100 miles. The standard body is a two-seated Phaeton, and has a roomy scat.
The two-seated Endurance voiturette is made by the Endurance Motor and Cycle Co, of 43, Victoria Street, Scarborough. It is fitted with a 3 h.p. engine, with water-cooled head, the power being transmitted direct because the engine is just in front of the rear driving axle, as in the Ariel tricycle. A two-speed gear is provided. It is claimed that lightness and efficient transmission are secured in the Endurance. The steering is by wheel on an inclined pillar, and is irreversible. The controlling levers for ignition, carburetter, and speed changing are all attached to the steering column. The engine is cooled by water passing through a radiator with Loyal's patent gills. A three-compartment tank for oil, petrol, and water is placed at the rear, and the car is well hung. The metal bonnet in front is, of course, an empty box for tools, etc. The weight of the car is 4.5 cwt. and the price is £100, with pneumatic tyres.
A car of this kind and on somewhat of these lines should find an extremely ready sale. £100 is about the sum which many potential motorists are prepared to pay for a car, and provided it had a sufficiency of power and was well built, its makers need have no fear of a lack of orders. A 3 h.p. engine is, perhaps, scarcely powerful enough, and if an extra half or one horse power could he worked in all the better. But the weight must be kept inside 5 cwts., otherwise, by law, a reverse gear must be provided, and this will add largely to the expense, because of the necessary alterations in the mechanism. We think the Endurance should have a promising future.
The Star light car is an English production, and it has up to the present borne a reputation characteristic of British work — thoroughly sound, but heavy. The new 7 h.p. car, will, however, show a considerable advance upon this year's pattern, for the cylinder will be of larger bore, and the car will be considerably lighter, weighing 13 cwt. The new engine will have a mechanically-operated inlet valve, and is water-cooled by pump and radiators. The gear is on Panhard lines, three forward speeds and a reverse, all actuated by one lever, and the power is transmitted from the countershaft to road wheels by side chains. Two independent powerful brakes are fitted; one on the countershaft and the other to the brake drums on the road wheels, and they hold both when the car is running backwards or forwards. The body is well-finished, and there is ample room in the front seats and in the tonneau; large wheels with large tyres are adopted, and, as we know from experience, the car is very easy in the running, and a splendid steerer. The Automobile Club selected this car for purchase for the use of its members, and for the purpose of teaching them and their servants the art of driving. The selling price is £300. The Star motorcars are made by the Star Motor Co, of Wolverhampton and St. Martin's Lane, London, W.C.
Besides the 7 h.p. car, the Star Company are Making a 10 h.p. car with a twin cylinder engine. A magnificent specimen was on view at the Crystal Palace.
A new light car for next season is the Speedwell, made by the Speedwell Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd., Reading, and marketed by them at 240 guineas. This car has a 9 h.p. genuine De Dion engine, De Dion carburetter, water-cooling by natural circulation, Panhard type gearing, three speeds and reverse, actuated by change-speed levers at driver's right hand. The drive is by knuckle-jointed shaft and bevel wheels on back axle. Two brakes are fitted. One, a band acting on a drum on the back axle, being operated by a foot pedal which also releases the clutch. The other is a band brake, acting on drums on the back hubs. On the dashboard is fitted a lubricating force pump, with three-way tap. This conveys oil to the engine, change speed gear or back bevel gear, as desired. The usual bright parts are brass plated, giving the car a handsome and distinguished appearance. Equal size wood wheels are fitted, and 30 by 3 inch Clipper Michelin tyres. The tonneau body, upholstered in leather, completes the equipment of the Speedwell car.
We illustrate the Dickinson Bath chair, an idea of Mr. B. E. Dickinson of the Toledo Engineering Works, Birmingham. Briefly it is a combination of the trailer and the bicycle. The engine is fitted where shown in a downward sloping position (which makes us wonder how long the sparking plug will keep clean, because of the tendency of oil to work down and carbonise in the combustion chamber) The tank and ignition apparatus are disposed in front of the trailer body. The steering is by a tiller, arid the ignition is to be controlled from the handle bar grip. The motor will drive through a friction pulley bearing on the tyre of the front wheel. The motor can be lifted out of action by raising the handle. A foot lever applies a double brake and shuts off petrol. The total weight is said to be 90 lbs. or thereabouts, and the machine should be capable of travelling at 14 miles an hour.
Made by the Sunbeam Firm. The well-known firm of John Marston, Ltd., are now seriously turning their attention to motorcar building, and an old cyclist in the person of T. C. Pullinger is in charge of the department. Mr. Pullinger has been for many years in the motor trade in France, and in the car which was exhibited at the National Show he has combined many most interesting features, the outcome of his long experience in these matters. Two features stand out. The incasing of the whole of the mechanism in a steel lining, and the foot accelerator for the throttle, in addition to the usual ratchet lever. The finish of the car is very fine, and it is fitted with bucket seats. We understand that a separate company is to be formed to carry on the motor business.
W. Hart, of Luton and Paris, has a special line in a light electrically-driven two-seated car. This is run by a battery of 40 accumulators supplying a 4 h.p. motor. Speed regulation is effected by a controller on the well-known principle. Instruments indicating tyre pressure and current are fixed to the dashboard.
Messrs. Brandes and Perkins, Coventry, are making a feature of the " Saxon" light car at popular prices. Their aim is to provide a car, ranging in price from £150 to £165, according to engine power, seating capacity and finish. The choice of engine is optional, either De Dion, Buchet, Aster or other 6 h.p. water cooled motor. Either Crypto two speed and reverse gear or Panhard type of three speeds and reverse are offered. Wood or wire wheels, the former at a nominal extra cast are also optional.
This company emphasises the point of supplying one-horse power of engine force for every hundredweight of car weight, believing that nothing less than 6 h.p, is of lasting satisfaction to the purchaser. It is their intention to more particularly push the complete set of fittings, frame, holes drilled and set to receive the parts, enabling coachbuilders and provincial cycle builders to assemble a good vehicle at a moderate cost. They are supplying Carpentier high-speed trembler coil, "Guenet make," Invicta accumulator, and Wolseley carburetter in the set.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Motor Cycling magazine of 3rd December 1902