Review of Earls Court
The Agent and the Engineer
Were walking hand in hand;
They wept like anything to see
The cars on every stand.
“If all but OURS were cleared away,”
They said,” it WOULD be grand.”
[With acknowledgments to Car IIlustrated, which in 1905 published this poem by Horace, M. Wyatt, we quote the opening verse.]
Hereunder follows an alphabetical guide to the car exhibits at the S.M.M.T. Motor Exhibition which is open at Earls Court until October 31st.
A.C. Stand 135
A.C. will exhibit a new “Ace” sports model this year. It has a light tubular Tojeiro chassis of 7 ft. 6 in. wheelbase with independent suspension all round by hydraulically-damped transverse leaf springs and Girling 11-in, brakes with Al-fin drums. Steering is rack and pinion. The same dear old 2-litre A.C. Six 85-b.h.p. engine is used, with a four-speed gearbox having ratios of 3.64, 4.98, 7.21 and 12.34 to 1. A two-seater body of alloy panelling over a steel framework characterises the “Ace,” for which outstanding acceleration and a speed in excess of 100 m.p.h. is claimed. The tyre size is 16-5.50 and the dry weight 15 cwt. The basic price is £915. A chassis will be exhibited in addition to the two-seater.
In addition there will be a two-door and a four-door saloon on the stand, unchanged from the previous A.C. specification.
A.C. Cars, Ltd., High Street, Thames Ditton, Surrey.
Alfa-Romeo Stand 122
Thomson & Taylor, of Brooklands fame, will exhibit two of the very effective 1900 Alfa-Romeos. One will be a saloon with twin Weber carburetters, the other a Farina coupe. These cars are virtually the same as those shown last year and the fast Gran Turismo model will not be at Earls Court.
Thomson and Taylor (Brooklands), Ltd., Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey.
Allard Stand 129
Allard cars, evolved from Ford and other components by that talented driver and great enthusiast, Sidney Allard, will remain unchanged for 1953. The models to be shown at Earls Court will be a compact, all-enveloping “Palm Beach,” with Ford Zephyr power-unit, a “Monte Carlo” saloon, with Ford V830 engine, reminder — as if any were needed! — that Allard won the great winter event for England in 1952, and a K3 sports three-seater, also with Ford V830 engine.
Technical details of the Allard range remain in general unchanged, but they will appeal to the enthusiast more than most.
Allard Motors, Ltd., 24/28, Clapham High Street, London, S.W.4.
Alvis Stand 131
The TC21 3-litre Alvis will be shown in slightly modified form. It will be joined by the new 3-litre TC21-100 saloon, which is in the 1954 fashion by reason of a maximum speed claim of 100 m.p.h. If this is the effect of designer A. Issigonis having joined the Alvis Company it is a car which should be studied carefully by all discerning enthusiasts.
Alvis, Ltd., Holyhead Road, Coventry.
Armstrong-Siddeley Stand 167
The typically British high-performance Sapphire saloon, introduced just a year ago, will form the main exhibit on this stand. Three examples will be on view, a Langham grey four-light saloon with red upholstery, using the synchromesh gearbox; a dark blue six-light saloon with upholstery in light blue, using the electrically-preselected epicyclic gearbox; and a two-tone Corinthian green and fawn six-light saloon to U.S. export specification, its upholstery beige, the electrically-selected transmission in use, and such American requirements as left-hand drive, blinking indicator lights, and white-wall tyres incorporated, while the newly-introduced separate bucket front seats, concession to the Sapphire’s fine cornering powers, will be seen on this exhibit.
Besides the single-carburetter Sapphire shown last year, the interesting six-cylinder engine with its modern conception of pushrod overhead valve gear, can be obtained with two carburetters, which increases the power output from 125 b.h.p. at 4,700 r.p.m. to 150 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m.
The “square” engine, 90 mm. by 90 mm., gives the Sapphire very long-league boots, for the single-carburetter version is capable of around 95 m.p.h., while the two-carburetter version exceeds 100 m.p.h. and can achieve 0-70 m.p.h. in less than 18 seconds. A big, roomy, dignified car, the Sapphire handles very well indeed and is a notable addition to the ranks of British high-performance vehicles.
Armstrong-Siddeley Motors, Ltd., Parkside, Coventry.
Aston Martin Stand 123
Stand 123 will be, unquestionably, the mecca of enthusiasts, of whom only a proportion will be able to buy the beautiful cars they will see there.
The twin overhead camshaft 2½-litre, six-cylinder DB2, its engine designed by W. O. Bentley, is one of the most potent of British high-performance cars, in spite of carrying closed or convertible coachwork. Developed by the David Brown Companies, it and the open sports/racing DB3 Aston Martin have ably upheld the prowess of the marque in competition. This year the Empire Trophy Race in the Isle of Man, the Nine-Hour Sports-Car Race of the B.A.R.C. at Goodwood and the important R.A.C. Dundrod T.T. were outright victories for the Aston Martin.
A new model on view will be the DB2-4, which is simply a DB2 with accommodation for four instead of merely two persons in the interior of its snug, aerodynamic coupe body. The extra seats are in the nature of “occasionals” but do increase the scope of this covetable “road-burner.” They also fold up when not required to give additional luggage space, and the back window hinges at the top to provide full ventilation. This DB2-4 is equipped with a telescopic steering column (not a telescopic wheel, as the hand-out has it!) a new facia panel with anti-dazzle cowl, enlarged glove boxes (those useful storage places in which gloves are apt to get stuck to the toffees), and self-parking two-speed screen-wipers. Naturally, air-conditioning, de-misters, dual screen-washers and ample interior lighting are provided. All versions of the DB2 Aston Martin now have the high-compression (8.16 to 1) 2½-litre engine, which develops 125 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m., and the maximum speed of the new DB2-4 is in excess of 110 m.p.h., increasing to the magic “two-miles-a-minute” which these days overshadows the former “magic century.” This is coupled with discreet docility, acceleration in the order of 0-70 m.p.h. in under 18 seconds, and an economy of fuel approaching 22 m.p.g. on very fast occasions. And there is the satisfaction of impeccable handling qualities, and a maximum speed in third gear of over 85 m.p.h.
To accommodate the new body the chassis structure has been altered at the rear and the external lines of this fine car are even cleaner than before.
Aston Martin, Ltd., c/o David Brown Companies, Meltham, Yorks.
Austin Stand 158
The A90 model has been abandoned, the Austin range thus comprising the A30 Eight, now joined by newcomers in this field, A40, A70, Princess and Sheerline. Price reductions are announced in the A40 and A70 and the A30 appears in 2-door saloon guise as the least expensive car on the British Market with the exception of the Ford Popular.
Austin Motor Co., Ltd., Longbridge Works, Northfield, Birmingham.
Bentley Stand 171
“The Silent Sports Car” will be shown as a sports saloon with bodywork by the manufacturers, as a two-light drophead Park Ward coupe, as a four-door James Young sports saloon, and there will also be a 115-m.p.h. “Continental” saloon on the stand.
American automatic transmission, but with the Bentley selective control, will be a feature of all but the “Continental” saloon.
Bentley Motors (1931), Ltd., 14/15, Conduit Street, London, W.1.
B.M.W. Stand 119
Sharing the Frazer-Nash stand will be a Type 501 65-b.h.p., 2-litre, six-cylinder Munich-built B.M.W., for which, as in pre-Hitler days, A.F.N., Ltd., were the British importers.
The lines are unmistakably those of a B.M.W., yet fully in keeping with the styles of 1954, and the engine is obviously a very fine piece of engineering, witness its development to give 140 b.h.p. in the Competition Frazer-Nash. Examine, in particular, the unusual steering mechanism.
A.F.N., Ltd., Falcon Works, London Road, Isleworth, Middlesex.
Borgward Stand 128
On the stand will be found a range of German Borgward Hansa cars, of which we dealt at some length, under pain of being described as pro-Nazi in certain quarters, in the September issue of Motor Sport.
These include the 1,800 Borgward Hansa, the 1,800 diesel-engined version, and, of particular appeal to Motor Sport readers, the 1½-litre sports cabriolet, which with twin Solex carburetters and a compression-ratio of 8.5 to 1 against 6.35 to 1 of the normal 1,800 models, is claimed to reach 120 m.p.h. The big 2.4-litre six-cylinder Borgward Hansa is also expected to be on view.
Metcalfe and Mundy, Ltd.
Bristol Stand 160
The Bristol has established an unassailable reputation for being “The Best Car in Britain,” to quote a slogan the Motor Sport road test applied this year to the 402 saloon. The 403 is the same beautiful, correctly streamlined, completely and luxuriously appointed motor car in improved form, with a more powerful version of the B.M.W.-base push-rod o.h.v. engine giving a maximum speed in the region of 100 m.p.h. from a mere 2 litres capacity, and modified brakes to complement this new-found performance. This is truly a car to give joy and well-merited pride of possession to the connoisseur, for besides its many sensible and well-made features and its vivid performance, it handles well, possesses a delightful gearchange by a rigid central lever, and is an exceedingly comfortable and restful car to drive.
It is overshadowed in the eyes of discerning enthusiasts only by the “Business Man’s Express,” as the new Bristol 404 has been termed.
When we reported on the preview of the new Bristol 403 in Motor Sport last June we called for a lighter, shorter Gran Turismo version of this splendid car. The 404 is it, and we are delighted to welcome it! With a wheelbase of a shade over 8 feet, a weight of scarcely much above a ton, and a wind-cheating two-door two-seater coupe body clearly owing much to the sports/racing Bristol coupe which won its class at Reims, the new 404 is a truly exciting motor car. Its engine, still the well-tried 2-litre “six,” develops 105 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m. on a compression ratio of 8.5 to 1, or, with sports camshaft and this same compression ratio, 125 b.h.p. at 5,500 r.p.m. Twelve-inch diameter in place of 11-in. diameter brake drums are used, the top-gear ratio is 3.9 to 1, the head resistance is even less than that of the 403, and thus the performance of the Bristol 404 can only be guessed at as exceedingly palatable! Its basic price is £2,500.
Bristol Aeroplane Co., Ltd. (Car Division), Fitton, Bristol.
Buick Stand 130
The Buick is one of the renowned American cars and on Stand 130 you will be able to see it in 5-litre V8 o.h.v. form, as a Super four-door saloon and as a 180-b.h.p. multi-carburetter Roadmaster convertible coupe. Both these Buicks have Dynaflow hydraulic transmission.
Lendrum and Hartman, Ltd., Buick Works, Old Oak Lane, London, N.W.10.
Cadillac Stand 130
This famous American make will be exhibited in the well-known 5.4-litre V8 form. A Fleetwood 60 Special and a Series 6219 saloon will be shown, both having Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering.
Lendrum and Hartman, Ltd., Buick Works, Old Oak Lane, London, N. W.10.
Chevrolet Stand 147
The Canadian division of the great American General Motors Corporation will exhibit the six-cylinder Model 1069 WX1 four-door Chevrolet sedan and a Model 1069 WDX1 Bel Air Chevrolet four-door sedan on Stand 147. The chassis has Powerglide automatic transmission and right-hand drive.
General Motors of Canada, Ltd., c/o 23, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W.1.
Chrysler Stand 163
The Powerflite-transmission V8 New Yorker de luxe and six-cylinder Windsor saloon Chryslers will be displayed.
Chrysler Motors, Ltd., Mortlake Road, Kew Gardens, Surrey.
Ciroen Stand 145
The well-tried front-wheel-drive Light Fifteen and six-cylinder Citroens will be shown, representing safe, well-handling, comfortable French-style vehicles with all-steel saloon bodies.
In addition, interest will be manifest in the 2CV 350-c.c. Citroen, a true baby car, capable of returning a regular fuel consumption of 55/60 m.p.g. and more. This tiny car, designed from the start as foolproof transport for the impecunious, is now exceedingly popular in France and is to be assembled at Slough for the British and export markets.
Its air-cooled, flat-twin o.h.v. engine and ingenious suspension will interest engineers. The basic price in this country comes out at £398.
Citroen Cars, Ltd., Trading Estate, Slough, Bucks.
Daimler Stand 164
Besides the dignified Daimler Conquest saloons, with their fluid flywheel/preselector epicyclic gearbox trausmission, Daimler will show a sports model.
This is the new Conquest Roadster, the 2½-litre engine of which develops 100 b.h.p., resulting in the now commonplace claim of a speed maximum in excess of 100 m.p.h. The basic price is £1,180.
Daimler Co., Ltd., Radford Works, Coventry.
De Soto Stand 165
A V8 Firedome 160-b.h.p. four-door saloon fully automatic transmission will be on show.
Dodge Bros. (Britain), Ltd., Chrysler Works, Kew, Surrey.
Dodge Stand 165
Three of the Chrysler-devised Dodge cars will be shown, including a V8 Coronet Eight.
Dodge Bros. (Britain), Ltd., Chrysler Works, Kew Gardens, Surrey.
Fiat Stand 133
The great Fiat Company of Turin, apart from an excellent range of family cars and one of the world’s only true baby cars, the 570-c.c., 16½-b.h.p. Type 500C, will show a model of exceptional interest to Motor Sport’s readers.
This is the 1,100V Turismo Veloce, a fast touring saloon developed from the well-established modern version of the Fiat 1,100. Giving 48 b.h.p. against the 36 b.h.p. of the standard car, with no increase in weight, this new model has an outstanding ability to give enjoyment to its driver as he seeks to pack many miles into few hours. It is a beautifully appointed car, yet is able to exceed 80 m.p.h. on its very modest engine capacity.
The compression ratio has been raised to 7.4 to 1, 48 b.h.p. being developed at 5,200 r.p.m. The body is of more striking appearance and better equipped than that of the ordinary Fiat 1,100, and a foglamp, a lamp in the luggage boot and another in the engine compartment are sensible additions to this businesslike small car. Other exhibits on this stand will be a 500C Belvedere station wagon, one of the most useful of small cars with a truly small engine, a Type 103 new 1,100 saloon, a Fiat 1,400 with 1,900-c.c., 40-b.h.p., 27-m.p.g. diesel engine, a 1,900 saloon and a 1,900 “full light” saloon. The petrol-engined 1,400 will not be shown, as the space has been used to show the 1,100 Turismo Veloce.
Fiat (England), Ltd., Water Road, Wembley, Middlesex.
Ford Stand 137
The sensational New Anglia and New Prefect are referred to and illustrated elsewhere in this issue. As value-for-money they are obvious and the performance of these light, modern-design 1,172-c.c. cars, in spite of side by side valves, should be of an order to intrigue enthusiasts. They look like having a brilliant future before them in rallies and other competition events calling for brisk pick-up and fine handling characteristics. The Ford Motor Company has a reputation for offering the finest transport value in the industry, backed by a very comprehensive and efficient spares and exchange-units service. This reputation dates back to the era of the immortal model-T, through the A, B, V8 and Popular models to the only recently superseded Anglia Eight and Prefect Ten.
The New Anglia and New Prefect join the Consul and Monte Carlo Rally winning Zephyr Six as small but not “baby” cars which will not only provide sterling transportation for millions but which, with their clever small-car lines and sparkling appearance, will constitute “things of beauty and joys for ever” in the eyes of a large proportion of the world’s car-purchasing population. In short, Dagenham has done it again!
True, in relinquishing the earlier transversely-sprung Anglia and Prefect for these coil-spring i.f.s., 1,172-c.c. models, the Ford company relinquished to Standard the distinction of offering the least expensive car on the British market. However, just as the Anglia popped up at Earls Court last year, when it was not billed to appear, and so stole the title of the Show’s Cheapest Car from the new Austin A30, so we suspect it will make a last-minute appearance this year, its price reduced to under £400 with purchase tax paid, and if that happens not only will Ford regain its “model-T” status but the old-style Anglia will become available to a fresh strata of buyers eagerly awaiting just such a dependable, economical, commonsense means of personal transportation. In fact, there will then be few aspects of motoring which the Ford Five-Star range does not cover — news of the £275 “Popular” Ford appears on page 600 of this issue.
Ford Motor Co., Ltd., 88, Regent Street, London. W.1.
Ford (Canada) Stand 143
The Canadian Fords will comprise V8 cars with a choice of normal synchromesh gearbox, this gearbox incorporating an overdrive, or automatic Ford-O-Matic transmission.
Amongst the 41 “Worth More” features we are especially happy about the Power-pivot clutch and brake pedals, Centre-fill fueling, Full-circle visibility, Hull-tight construction, Magic-Aire heating, Flight-style “control panel,” I-REST safety glass, Silent-doorman front door checks, Viscous Control shock-absorbers, Magic-action double-sealed brakes, Automatic Power Pilot and Fordomatic Drive.
Lincoln Cars, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex.
Ford S.A.F. Stand 115
Look for the new Minstrel-V8-powered Vendome and improved Ford Vedette on this stand.
Ford S.A.F., Poissy (Seine and Oise), France.
Frazer-Nash Stand 119
Mecca of all sports-car followers, you and I will dally a long time at Stand 119, examining, probably over a wooden barrier, some of the finest, fastest, starkest sports cars made in England, with the Brothers Aldington presiding over them as High Priests of the Frazer-Nash Cult (late the Chain Gang).
You will see the fixed-head coupe which won the 2-litre class at Le Mans, the Mark II version of the Competition two-seater with the recently-introduced de Dion back axle, centre-lock wire wheels and Lockheed hydraulic brakes, and a stylish Targa Florio all-enveloping two-seater on which these items of the latest Frazer-Nash specification may be ordered from the Isleworth factory as extras. The engines remain the great 2-litre Bristol units out of B.M.W., available in 140-b.h.p. sports and less potent Turismo forms.
A.F.N., Ltd., Falcon Works, London Road, Isleworth, Middlesex.
Healey Stand 113
The exciting, compact, lightweight Austin-Healey 100 with Austin A90 power unit will attract the Austin sports-car enthusiast to the Healey stand. The car has recently established some very imposing new records at Utah and in standard form should better 110 m.p.h.
Donald Healey Motor Co., Ltd., The Cape, Warwick.
Hillman Stand 136
The well-established Minx medium-sized family saloon, which was considerably redesigned some months ago, and at the same time re-styled, will occupy this stand, in saloon and convertible forms.
Hillman Motor Co., Ltd., Ryton-on-Dunsmore, near Coventry.
Hudson Stand 138
Four 34.8-h.p. Hudson Hornet four-door sedans will be shown on this stand.
Hudson Motor Car Co., Great West Road, London, W.4.
Humber Stand 148
The range of dignified medium and large-capacity Humber saloons remains unaltered for 1954 but prices have been reduced materially.
The exhibits embrace the Mk. V Humber Hawk, the Super Snipe which was in the news this time last year by reason of a fast across-Europe run under winter conditions in the capable hands of Stirling Moss and Leslie Johnson in its then new improved-performance guise, and the big Pullman eight-seater limousine and Imperial saloon, both of which have recently had their former side-valve engines replaced by 7-litre o.h.v. units.
The Super Snipe, capable of speeds in excess of 90 m.p.h., will draw the sportsmen who have families to transport.
Humber, Ltd., Ryton-on-Dunsmore, near Coventry.
Jaguar Stand 162
The Jaguar range of handsome Mk. VI saloon and sports XK120, high-performance cars at competitive prices, using efficient twin overhead camshaft six-cylinder 3½-litre engines, remains unaltered for the coming season.
An attraction on this stand will be the Le Mans-winning XK120C Competition Jaguar, proudly wearing the British green.
Jaguar Cars, Ltd., Coventry.
Jensen Stand 139
The 100-m.p.h. very smart Interceptor Jensens will make a big appeal to visitors to Stand 139. They have Austin Princess engines and the transmission incorporates Laycock de Normanville overdrive.
Jensen Motors, Ltd., Carters Green, West Bromwich, Staffs.
Jowett Stand 159
Jowett, although in difficulties over bodies for their Javelin, show a saloon and saloon de luxe on Stand 159. These cars have the Series III flat-four 1½-litre engine, of which a long development story was featured in Motor Sport this year — ask at the stand for a reprint.
The main interest centres round a new R4 version of the 1½-litre sports Jowett Jupiter. This is a Le Mans replica, with 8.5 to 1 compression ratio, giving 64 b.h.p. at 4,300 r.p.m. and having a 4.44 to 1 top gear ratio with overdrive an optional extra. 5.90 by 15 tyres are used and the wheelbase is 7 ft. 0 in. This is an exceedingly compact 1½-litre sports/racing car, yet its cockpit is roomy and there is ample space for luggage. It is claimed to be able to exceed 100 m.p.h. The fan is electrically driven, under thermostatic control, so that it is normally inactive but boosts the cooling in traffic or ‘up an Alp.’
The Show exhibit is finished in cream with contrasting upholstery. It is backed up by a Mark IA Jupiter sports convertible, a very smooth, fast, snug car.
Jowett Cars, Ltd., 48, Albemarle Street, London, W.1.
Kaiser Stand 116
Exhibits on Stand 116 will comprise two six-cylinder Kaiser Manhattan sedans with Hydramatic transmission and a six-cylinder Henry J. de luxe saloon.
Steele, Griffiths and Co., Ltd., 295, Camberwell New Road, London, S.E.5.
Lagonda Stand 132
A particularly refined and technically-advanced high-performance car, the W. O. Bentley-conceived Lagonda has independent suspension all round and a high-efficiency twin overhead camshaft six-cylinder power unit.
At Earls Court it will be seen in new form, the engine size increased from 2.6 to 3 litres, so that 140 b.h.p. is developed, and the car given a fresh external appearance. A rev.-counter and radio are now included in the standard equipment.
A saloon and a drophead coupe will be exhibited and here you see a British quality car which sells in the U.K. for a price comparable with the basic price of many cars in the same class — £3,202 15s. 10d.
The outstanding features of cruciform-braced chassis, hypoid final drive and the aforementioned all-independent suspension are naturally retained.
Lagonda, Ltd., c/o David Brown Companies, Meltham, Yorks.
Lanchester Stand 156
Lanchester Fourteen and Leda saloons will presumably occupy Stand 156. In addition the new luxury 2½ -litre Lanchester Dauphin Hooper two-door high-performance saloon will be a centre of covetous attraction.
Lanchester Motor Co., Ltd., Radford Works, Coventry.
Lancia Stand 126
The excellence of the Italian Lancia needs no embellishment from us! Two versions of the Aurelia will be shown, a 2-litre B22 saloon and a 2½-litre Gran Turismo sports saloon. The latter develops 118 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m. and can very comfortably exceed 100 m.p.h.
A 1,090-c.c. Lancia Appia will also be shown — a small car to make your mouth water.
Lancias have achieved notable victories in this season’s competitions and are likely to run a Grand Prix team next year, so you cannot afford not to dwell on this stand.
Naturally, Lancia’s well-known constructional features of narrow-vee engines — six-cylinder on the Aurelias, four-cylinder on the Appia — are retained, together with their well-known coil spring i.f.s.
Lancia (England), Ltd., Lancia Works, 372, Ealing Road, Alperton, Middlesex.
Lincoln Stand 143
The Lincoln, exhibited in Cosmopolitan and Capri styles, is a truly advanced American car, using a 205-b.h.p. 90 deg. V8 o.h.v. motor, Hydramatic hydraulic transmission and power-steering and braking. These luxury products of the Ford Motor Company will be offset by the experimental X-100 Lincoln.
Lincoln Cars, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex.
Mercedes-Benz Stand 142
On this stand the great Mercedes-Benz exhibits will exude an air of dignity, purposeful performance, beautiful finish and technical brilliance.
The 3-litre Type 300 and faster Type 300S will be exhibited, respectively, in saloon and coupe forms. The specifications of these fine cars were given in the September issue of Motor Sport.
In addition there will be on the stand a small Type 180 Mercedes-Benz saloon, a diesel-engined Type 170SD saloon, and a diesel engine shown separately.
Mercedes-Benz (Great Britain), Ltd., 111, Grosvenor Road, London, S.W.1.
Mercury Stand 143
On the Lincoln stand will be exhibited an example of a V8 Mercury Monterey station wagon with Merc-O-Matic torque-converter/ planetary transmission.
Lincoln Cars, Ltd., Great West Road, Brantford, Middlesex.
M.G. Stand 153
The famous TD M.G. Midget, so popular in America, where 25,000 have been sold since 1946, will be seen in revised TF form, its appearance altered by a sloping radiator, more domed mudguards, and its performance elevated by the use of raised compression-ratio (8.0 to 1), larger valves, stronger (150 lb.) valve springs and 1½-in. dia. carburetters for the push-rod o.h.v. 1,250-c.c. four-cylinder engine. This should produce speeds in excess of 90 m.p.h., the new engine being virtually the old Series II TD. Detail changes include a quick push-button release for the bonnet, concealed drive for the electric drive motor of the screen wipers and central grouping of the instruments with open glove box on either side.
A new saloon will also feature on this Stand in the form of the new 1½-litre Magnette (famous name revived) which has a 60-b.h.p. 1,489-c.c. M.G. engine of new design in a stylish saloon with a wheel-base of 8 ft. 6 in.
The basic price of the TF Midget is £550 and of the new M.G. Magnette £645. These cars represent the passing on to the customer of answers to lessons derived from competition motoring. Our readers will crowd round in consequence, particularly to compare the lines of the TF Midget with those of a TD.
M.G. Car Co., Ltd., Cowley, Oxford.
Morgan Stand 120
We have not received details of these exhibits but Morgans will presumably show their willing, Vanguard-engined Plus Four, a sports model in the old tradition, but probably with a “new-look” frontal aspect for 1954.
Morgan Motor Co., Ltd., Pickersleigh Road, Makern Link, Worcs.
Morris Stand 157
The British Motor Corporation continues to offer the splendid-handling, economical, good-looking Morris Minor, nowadays, of course, using an Austin A30 800-c.c. o.h.v. engine. A new and attractive model is the Morris Minor Travellers’ Car, a utility-bodied vehicle which costs a basic £422 10s. in spartan or £438 in de luxe form and will have manifold uses.
Morris Motors, Ltd., Cowley, Oxford.
Nash Stand 114
Here you can see a Nash Ambassador four-door sedan, a two-door Nash Rambler Country Club sedan and a Nash Station Wagon.
Nash Concessionaires, Ltd., Nash Street, Albany Street, London, N. W. 1.
Oldsmobile Stand 140
The high-power American Oldsmobile will be exhibited on this stand in Series 98 de luxe four-door sedan, and Series 88 Super four-door sedan and Super Holiday coupe forms. These cars have 5-litre eight-cylinder engines with the comparatively high compression ratio of 8 to 1 and developing 165 b.h.p. at 3,600 r.p.m. There is a fluid coupling in place of a friction clutch and automatic shifting of the gear ratios, which are 3.81, 2.63, 1.45 and direct drive in the planetary-type gearbox. All the Oldsmobiles on show have left-hand drive and a maximum speed of approximately 100 m.p.h. is claimed for them.
General Motors, Ltd., 23, Buckingham Gate, London, S. W.1.
Packard Stand 155
The famous American marque of Packard will be exhibited in the form of three right-hand-drive Clipper de Luxe four-door touring sedans with Ultramatic transmission, and a Pan-American coupe. The latter is a non-production car.
Of considerable interest on this stand will be a cut-away demonstration exhibit of the Packard Ultramatic transmission mechanism, believed to be the first time this “mystery under the floor” has been revealed to motor show visitors.
Leonard Williams and Co. (1940), Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex.
Panhard & Levassor Stand 166
This pioneer French manufacturer will have on display the famous little flat-twin, air-cooled, front-wheel-drive Dyna-Panhard, another realistic approach to the economy-car problem.
Soc. Panhard et Levassor, 19, Avenue d’Ivry, Paris, 13, France.
Pegaso Stand 117
This exotic Spanish motor car will be shown in Tipo 102 form. It has won many Motor Show cups and has begun to appear in sprints, setting a new course record at Rabassada and being placed second in the special sports-car class at the Cote de la Vue-des-Alpes last July.
Technically, it is brilliantly conceived, featuring the best racing-car practice. The engine is a 2½-litre V8 with two o.h camshafts per cylinder bank, driving through a five-speed gearbox to a de Dion style back axle with Autobloquant ZF-type differential. The exciting sports coupe “Thrill Berlinette” by Touring on the Tipo 102/B chassis is indeed a motor car for the connoisseur.
Harold Radford & Co., Ltd., Melton Court, S. Kensington, London, S.W.7.
Peugeot Stand 169
Tom Knowles will display that excellent French family car, the Peugeot 203, on Stand 169. These cars are notably completely equipped so that the purchaser does not have to buy “extras.” They now have an even nicer appearance than before by reason of the roof water rail following the contour of the back window, which now provides improved visibility, improved, ribbed bumpers of stainless steel and a petrol filler cap now concealed beneath a little door in the rear wing.
Tom Knowles, 19, Brick Street, London, W.1.
Plymouth Stand 163
A six-cylinder Chrysler-built Plymouth Savoy four-door saloon will be shown on Stand 163.
Chrysler Motors, Ltd., Mortlake Road, Kew, Surrey.
Pontiac Stand 121
Three right-hand-drive Pontiac sedans and a left-hand-drive Pontiac Custom Catalina will be shown. These cars have dual-Hydramatic transmission and power-steering, so that even an armless man steering with his teeth should be at home in them — they are truly effortless cars for comfortable fast travel.
U.S. Concessionaires, Ltd., 5, Jubilee Place, London, S.W.3.
Porsche Stand 144
The remarkable air-cooled, rear-engined Porsche which does so much on so small an engine capacity will be seen on Stand 144 in both normal and sports styles. Note the excellent anti-drag properties of the bodywork.
Colborne Garage, Ltd., Ripley, Surrey.
Renault Stand 152
The little rear-engined 750-c.c. Renault economy car, which is made to go so very fast in France by means of various modifications, will be seen in its latest improved form. It combines extreme fuel economy with a very comfortable ride.
There will also be examples of the Renault Fregate, a 2-litre very commodious family car with all-independent suspension. A road-test of a Fregate appeared in Motor Sport this year.
Renault, Ltd., Western Avenue, London, W.8.
Riley Stand 125
Riley has exhibited many exciting new models at past London Motor Shows — remember the sensation the new Nine saloon caused in 1926? — and this time it holds our attention with the new Pathfinder saloon, a car, we trust, which doesn’t really tend to run onto the pavement.
This fine saloon, spacious and stylish, employs the 2½-litre four-cylinder push-rod but hemispherical-head Riley engine to good purpose, for the compression-ratio has been increased to 7.25 to 1, resulting in a power output of 102 b.h.p., which gives a road speed of over 100 m.p.h. under, as the maker’s have it, “ideal conditions.”
Here then is another family saloon capable of achieving the once-so-magic “century” or “ton.” This, moreover, with a back-axle ratio of 5.125 to 1.
In addition to this handsome and purposeful substitution for the former 2½-litre, the well-established and truly good-looking 55 b.h.p. 1½-litre Riley saloon has been still further improved in looks. It costs a basic £850, and the Pathfinder a basic £975.
Riley Motors, Ltd., Cowley, Oxford.
Rolls-Royce Stand 170
“The Best Car in the World” will be shown in Silver Wraith form with Hooper enclosed limousine, H. J. Mulliner touring limousine and Park Ward touring saloon coachwork. There will also be shown a Silver Dawn saloon entirely by the manufacturers.
The Silver Wraith now has a longer chassis to accommodate more commodious bodies. All models on the stand have the automatic transmission imported from the United States, fitted with Rolls-Royce mechanism enabling a measure of manual control to be exerted by the driver, who, however, is normally absolved from the responsibility of using clutch or gear lever.
Rolls-Royce, Ltd., 14/15, Conduit Street, London, W.1.
Rover Stand 151
The unpretentious but in every way excellent Rover has a big following amongst those who appreciate a good purchase and in America this car has been described as second only to the Rolls-Royce.
For 1954, as the exhibits on Stand 131 reveal, two additional engines are available in the basically-unchanged Rover 75 chassis.
One of these is a 2-litre four-cylinder, known as the “60,” which brings the basic price of this handsome well-appointed saloon down to £820.
The other new engine is a powerful 2½-litre six-cylinder which gives new urge and response to an already far from sluggish car. In addition, the 2-litre six-cylinder “75” engine is retained.
These power units have the inlet valves overhead and the exhaust valves set side by side, in line with Rover policy for some years.
The Land Rover is offered as a £630 saloon, with four-wheel-drive, using a Rover 75 engine, and should appeal to many people as a very useful all-rounder.
Rover Co., Ltd., Lode Lane, Solihull, Birmingham.
Simca Stand 141
On this stand you will find those beautiful small cars by Simca of Nanterre. They are based on the current Fiat models and two 9 Aronde saloons, a Chatelaine Estate car and a Grand Large hard-top will be on show.
The 9 Aronde has a four-cylinder, 1,221-c.c. engine giving 45 b.b.p. at 4,400 r.p.m. and, pulling a 4.77 to 1 top-gear ratio, it is capable of 75 m.p.h. Around Showtime Simca usually demonstrate the high-speed durability of its cars at Montlhery, and so it was this time, many new International Class F records being taken.
Simca, 163, Avenue Georges Clemenceau, Nanterre (Seine), France.
Singer Stand 161
On Stand 161 will be shown the Singer 1500 saloon and Singer Roadster overhead camshaft cars.
Singer Motors, Ltd., Coventry Road Works, Birmingham, 10.
Standard Stand 168
Apart from the trusty 2-litre Vanguard in saloon and estate wagon versions, there will be vast milling multitudes round Stand 168, to see the new 803-c.c. o.h.v. Standard Eight.
This little newcomer was described in the October issue of Motor Sport and at the time of writing is the least expensive car on the British market, its basic price in utility form, sans knave-plates, tools, over-riders, etc., being only £339. Yet it is a four-seater, four-door saloon of the 60-m.p.h./43-m.p.g. order, about the only concession to austerity apart from the afore-listed omissions (all of which are available as extras) being a lid-less luggage boot.
The 803-c.c. engine externally resembles the Vanguard unit, that durable big-four which possesses easily replaced wet cylinder liners, simple o.h. valve gear, Framn oil filter and Solex carburetter.
Standard Motor Co., Ltd., Canley Works, Coventry.
Studebaker Stand 154
Studebaker will exhibit striking American cars, styled to a “long, low European look.” One model will incorporate automatic transmission and power steering in its specification.
Studebaker Corporation, 385, Euston Road, London, N.W.1.
Sunbeam-Talbot Stand 134
Popular high-performance Britishers of moderate engine capacity, the Sunbeam-Talbot range is enhanced by the new Alpine model which adopts the make-name of Sunbeam, although it bears no more relationship to the old Wolverhampton-built cars than the essentially-modern Sunbeam-Talbots do to the former Coatalen/Roesch designs.
The Alpine has proved itself a very fast, beautifully proportioned car and its cylinder head, giving a compression ratio of 7.42 to 1, is now available, if desired, for the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 engine, which more normally has a compression ratio of 6.45 to 1.
This results in a power output of 77 b.h.p. at 4,100 r.p.m. as against 70 b.h.p. at 4,000 r.p.m. with the normal “90” cylinder head. The Sunbeam Alpine develops somewhat more power as it has other competition-bred features of design.
The Sunbeam-Talbot 90, obtainable in smart saloon and convertible forms, now has longer steering drop-arms to give higher-geared steering, improved seals for the grease-lubricated steering ball-joints, more powerful headlamp bulbs and small changes in external appearance, including a chromium-plated surround for the back window of the saloon.
The mechanical modifications stem from Rootes’ enthusiastic entry in the more strenuous long-distance contests, such as the Alpine Rally and Monte Carlo Rally, and the Sunbeam and SunbeamTalbot cars which have so evolved represent the ideal of many of the world’s purchasers of medium-sized, decently economical cars of up-to-the-minute appearance and convenience and with a very good all-round performance. We shall expect to hear more of the Sunbeam Alpine in 1954 competition events.
Sunbeam-Talbot, Ltd., Ryton-on-Dunsmore, near Coventry.
Triumph Stand 124
The 2-litre Triumph sports two-seater which took Earls Court by storm last year will again be a centre of attraction on this stand. It has a Vanguard engine linered-down and modified to give an increased power output. This car is wonderful value for money at £555 basic price. The smart, knife-edge Triumph Renown saloon will also be shown — it also has a Vanguard engine.
Triumph Motor Co. (1945), Ltd., Canley Works, Coventry.
Vauxhall Stand 150
Four Vauxhall saloons will be on view, one of them revolving on a turntable. They will comprise a Caribbean-blue Velox with blue and grey upholstery, a sand-blue Velox with blue and grey upholstery, a cloud-mist grey Wyvern with red upholstery, and a forest-green Wyvern with green upholstery and left-hand drive.
All these cars will be fitted with Vauxhall-approved accessories and two will have radio and heater installed. Compression ratios have been raised from 6.4 to 6.8 to 1, with the option of 7.6 to 1 compression ratio on the Velox.
Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., Luton, Bedfordshire.
Volkswagen Stand 149
The Dr. Ferdinand Porsche-designed rear-engined, torsionally-sprung, 1,132-c.c., air-cooled, flat-four Volkswagen is a car bound to appeal to engineers. It also represents a very pleasant form of semi-sports saloon for four persons, freeze-proof in winter, adequately fan-cooled in summer, which gives the excellent fuel consumption of at least 36 m.p.g.
A road test of the de luxe Volkswagen, the model aimed at the British economy and family-car market, appeared in Motor Sport last month.
V. W. Motors, Ltd., 7/9, St. James’s Street, London, W.1.
Willys-Overland Stand 118
On this stand a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder Willys-Overland Aero Lark will be seen. The most powerful version is the Aero Ace with 2.6-litre F-head 90-b.h.p. engine. These cars are interesting on account of the small size of their engines compared with contemporary American practice.
Jack Olding and Co., Ltd., 8, North Audley Street, London, W.1.
Wolseley Stand 146
The Wolseley Four-Forty-Four (four-cylinder) and Six-Eighty (six-cylinder) notable for overhead-camshaft valve actuation, the smaller car having very good rack and pinion steering, will be displayed in substantially unaltered form.
Wolseley Motors, Ltd., Cowley, Oxford.
*
Besides the production-car exhibits the following Special Exhibits are on show at Earls Court:–
Racing Cars
Connaught 1953 Type A-L, having a 1,967-c.c. four-cylinder engine with Stuart Hillborn fuel injection.
Cooper 2-litre Mk. II, with 1,971-c.c. six-cylinder Bristol engine.
H.W.M., with 1,960-c.c. four-cylinder engine.
Cooper Mk. VIII (R), with 497-c.c. J.A.P. engine.
Kieft, with 496-c.c. four-cylinder Turner twin-overhead camshaft engine.
Staride Mk. III, with 500.c.c. Norton d.o.h.c. engine.
_
Nine of the car manufacturers are showing models which have gained fame in events in the International Calendar (or are otherwise of some special and outstanding merit). These exhibits are as follows:–
Special Cars
Aston Martin DB3(S). — This car has achieved the following successes: B.R.D.C. Empire Trophy, Isle of Man, June 18th — first. Silverstone International Sports-Car Race, July 18th — first, second and third (three team cars entered). Charterhall Sports-Car Race, August 15th — first (only one team car entered). B.A.R.C. Goodwood International Nine-Hour Race, August 22nd — first and second. R.A.C. International Tourist Trophy Race, Ulster, September 5th — first and second.
Austin-Healey 100. — The car which broke over 100 International, National, and American Stock-car records at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, U.S.A., in September (subject to official confirmation).
Bristol 2-litre Type 450. — This car won the 2-litre class in the 1953 Reims 12-hour race on July 4th-5th, and was designed, built and raced within seven months.
Ford Zephyr Six. –The car which won outright the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally.
Frazer-Nash Le Mans fixed-head coupe. — Winner of the 2-litre class in the 1953 Le Marts International 24-Hour Grand Prix d’Endurance, also setting up a new Le Mans distance record of 2,119.5 miles in the same class.
Jaguar XK 120C. — This is the car which won the 1953 Le Mans International 24-Hour Grand Prix d’Endurance, covering the record distance of 2,534.6 miles at a record average speed of 105.849 m.p.h.
Lincoln X100. — An experimental car with revolutionary features built by the Ford Motor Co. of America. It is not a new model and will not itself be produced for sale to the public. New features include sliding plastic roof over driver’s compartment actuated in three ways, one of which is a moisture-sensitive electrical device which closes the canopy and windows in the event of rain. Special 300-b.h.p. engine with entirely new induction system. Automatic power transmission with electrical gear selector. Front-wheel brakes cooled by automatic thermostatically-controlled blowers when temperature rises, and many other electrically-operated accessories for which approximately eight miles of wiring is used.
Panhard Dyna. — The car which was first in the Index of Performance in the Le Mans International 24-Hour Grand Prix d’Endurance.
Lancia Aurelia Gran Turismo. — These cars won the Liege-Rome-Liege, Liege Alpine Star, Tuscany Cup and Tour of Calabria.
Some Earls Court Accessories
Delco-Remy-Hyatt, Division of General Motors, Ltd., Grosvenor Road, London, S.W.1. — Oil-filled ignition coils, Trimatic motor radio and motor car heaters.
Laystall Engineering Co., Ltd., 53, Great Suffolk Street, London, S.E.1. — “Cromard” hard-chrome-plated steel cylinder liners, crankshafts, and Laystall-Lucas M.G. cylinder heads.
Smiths Motor Accessories, Ltd., Cricklewood Works, London, N.W.2. — H.M.V. car radio, aerials, built-in hydraulic equipment, portable jacks, all types instruments, car heaters, batteries, Bluecol anti-freeze, K.L.G. sparking plugs, and built-in suppressors.
E. K. Cole, Ltd., Southend-on-Sea, Essex. — Comprehensive range of car radios.
C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd. — Lubriquipment.
Joseph Lucas, Ltd., Birmingham, 19. — Flashing indicators, new Lucas twinlamps, headlamps, headlamp conversion sets, Continental light units, rear lighting, reflex reflectors, sup ressors, motor horns, windscreen wipers, overdrive control circuit, batteries, magnetos. foglamps, reversing lamps, defrosters, anti-dazzle equipment, driving mirrors, European Touring parts kit and sports coil.
Romac Industries, Ltd. — Anti-freeze mixture, Celebrite car polish, wheel gloves and all motor-car accessories.
Grico-Folbester, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex. — Windscreen wiper blades, windscreen washers and full range of motor-car equipment.
Jenolite, Ltd., 43, Piazza Chambers, Covent Garden, W.C.2. — Rust-removing and paint-stripping materials.
A.R.O. Machinery Co., Ltd., 18, Madrid Road, S.W.13.—Spot-welding guns.
Michelin Tyre Co., Ltd., 81, Fulham Road, S.W.3. — Motor-car tyres, new X ” type — sizes available, 6.00-16, 6.50-16, 6.70-16.
Lockheed Hydraulic Brake Co., Ltd., Leamington Spa. — Brakes, shoe and disc.
Borg & Beck Co., Ltd. — All types of clutches.
Automotive Products Co., Ltd., Leamington Spa. — Purolator “Micronic” oil and fuel filters, Thomson steering-rod assemblies.
Lister Equipment, Ltd., 3, Charlotte Street, Manchester. — Car cleaning equipment.
Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd., Melksham, Wilts. — High-perforrnance and high-duty motor-car tyres.
Weathershields, Ltd., Bishop Street, Birmingham, 5. — Armrests, “Coolride” cushions, radiator mufflers, roller blinds, radiator warmers, car heaters, loose covers, draught deflectors, etc.
Tyresoles, Ltd., Palace of Engineering, Wembley. — Tyre reconditioning.
Dunlop Tyres, Ltd. — Tyres and accessories.
Marchal Distributors, Ltd., Brook Lane North, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex. — High-performance lamps and horns.
Bosch, Stuttgart. — Wide range of electrical equipment.
Runbaken, Electrical Products, Manchester. — “Oilcoil ” ignition coils.