A NEW RAILTON

LIGHT SPORTS TOURER WHICH WEIGHS ONLY 19 CWT.

Some months ago we announced in these columns that a new special sports Railton was under construction. The first of the cars was entered for the T.T. but could not be completed in time. Its first appearance was at Shelsley when R. R. K. Marker secured second place in the 5-litre class with a time of 49.2 seconds, and the same car driven by L. A. Cushman scored a second place in an October Long Handicap at Brooklands at a speed of approximately 97 m.p.h. The engine and chassis are similar to those of the standard Railton, but the compression of the engine has been slightly raised, though not far enough to preclude the use of ethylised petrol. The engine and gear-box unit have been moved farther back in the frame, and this in conjunction with high-geared steering makes the car particularly good on corners. The gears are controlled by means of a short

direct mounted lever. The only other chassis change is the use of larger brakes, while double Hartford shock-absorbers are fitted front and rear. The body conforms to sports-car regulations and has been constructed by Messrs. E. J. Newns of Thames Ditton, Surrey. It is constructed throughout of aluminium and duralumin, and is mounted

on rubber at three points. The whole body, mudguards and equipment weighs only one hundredweight, while the car complete turns the scales at the remarkably low figure, for a 4-litre car, of 1.9 cwt. The back-axle ratio is 3.6 to 1 and a speed of over 100 m.p.h. is guaranteed.

The acceleration figures as may be imagined are outstanding. The maker’s figures are 10-30 in 2 seconds 0-70 in 131 seconds and 0-100 in 40 seconds, while a braking figure of 25 feet from 30 m.p.h. is claimed. The body is of essentially sporting type with light but well-braced mudguards. The front seats are fitted with pneumatic upholstery, and afford an excellent driv ing position. The rear seats are well padded, though leg-room naturally is rather

limited, and there is also a small luggage boot at the rear.

A car obviously ideal for sports-car races such as Le Mans, the French Grand Prix under the new regulations, and of course the T.T., the new light sports Railton makes a strong appeal to the sportsman who demands really striking performance on the road. The price is £878, and the address of the makers is Railton Cars, Fah-mile, Cobham, Surrey.