The British Industry (3)

Sir,

I have read your editorial in the March issue, and also the many letters concerning the quality of post-war British cars, with much interest. I should like, however, to be bold enough to speak in praise of my own 1950 Hillman Minx estate car. This-car has now run 19,000 miles over the very indifferent roads we suffer from in the Western Islands. It has been truly used as a farm and estate car and has frequently and regularly been used for transporting feeding-stuffs from the pier to the farm, a distance of 20 miles. On those occasions loads of 7-9 cwt. are carried. The maintenance is done by myself as and when time permits and without any modern garage conveniences. So far, the car has given virtually no trouble. I have had to renew the front shock-absorber arm bushes twice and, apart from this, the only defects, and these were serious, occurred in the tyres of a well-known make, which supplied three “blow outs” through the walls of the tyre giving way. In each case the treads were still good for many miles of motoring. I may add that the tyres were carefully kept at the recommended pressures. The car was overhauled by the Edinburgh agents last December, when the king-pins were renewed; I do not think this unexpected considering the roads on which the car is used.

I had occasion to motor to London in February, and had the misfortune to be crossing the Pennines from Penrith eastwards during the blizzard of February 10th. Finding the main Brough-Scotch Corner road blocked by heavy transport. I had to take to the side roads, and after various adventures, eventually got through to Bedale via Hawes. Several other cars that were from time to time in company with me gave up the unequal struggle; but despite having no chains the Hillman defeated the appalling conditions and I got through safely.

I find the car extremely pleasant to drive; capable of cruising happily at 52-55 m.p.h. and unexpectedly good on corners if these are taken in the proper manner. The suspension is excellent on rough surfaces and the brakes are all that can be desired.

I trust that this letter may encourage other of your readers to give praise where praise is due; and that I do not find  that I am the only owner who is pleased with his post-war car.

I am, Yours, etc.,

H. B. CHEAPE.

Isle of Mull.