The Cars at Earls Court
A.C. Stand 135
There is no change here except that prices have risen, the saloon now costing £1,059 and the Sports Tourer, with Buckland body, £1,098. The drophead coupe model is discontinued. The other cars retain the well-tried 2-litre, six-cylinder single-o.h.c., light-alloy engine that originated at the Thames Ditton factory as long ago as 1919.
A.C. CARS, LTD., THAMES DITTON, SURREY.
ALFA ROMEO Stand 181a
This famous marque appears by courtesy of A.F.N. Ltd. Presumably the 2 1/2-litre models will be shown.
ALLARD Stand 136
The Allard exhibits will comprise a saloon, priced at £999, a K2 sports two-seater, a J2 competition two-seater and a J2 chassis. The J2 models, which have de Dion back axles, will be shown with the new 81 by 95.25-mm., 3,917-c.c. V8 engine with push-rod-operated o.h. valves in alloy cylinder heads. 140 b.h.p. is claimed at 4,000 r.p.m., and in this form the J2 two-seater is priced at £1,050.
ALLARD MOTOR CO., LTD., 24-28, CLAPHAM HIGH STREET, LONDON, S.W.4.
ALVIS Stand 167
The recently-announced 3 1/2-litre Alvis model, in saloon and sports forms, will “star” on this stand. The sports model is of modern appearance and noted for its built-in conveniences, such as cocktail cabinets and make-up cases.
ALVIS, LTD., HOLYHEAD ROAD, COVENTRY.
ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY Stand 149
For 1951 Armstrong-Siddeley are reintroducing a seven-seater limousine (or, more correctly, a saloon with division) into their range of 2.3-litre o.h.v. six-cylinder cars. To accommodate this new body, which has cloth upholstery for the rear compartment, leather for the front, a longer wheelbase, of 10 ft. 2 in. instead of 9 ft. 7 in., is used. This model, fully laden, weighs over 2 tons 5 cwt. It has a preselector gearbox like the Hurricane. The Whitley four-door, four-light saloon, Lancaster four-door, six-light saloon and the Hurricane drophead coupe will be exhibited, in unchanged form.
ARMSTRONG-SIDDELEY MOTORS, LTD., PARKSIDE, COVENTRY.
ASTON-MARTIN Stand 159
Enthusiasts will collect round the David Brown-sponsored Aston-Martin exhibits like flies round a jam-pot, remembering how the 2 1/2-litre DBII twin-cam saloons won at Le Mans and were the first British cars home. The truly businesslike aerodynamic saloon model, capable of well over 110 m.p.h., will be joined by a new model, in the form of a DBII drophead coupe. This is generally similar to the saloon but has a folding hood.
Then there is a new engine, known as the Vantage, which can be installed in either model. Of the same dimensions, 78 by 90 mm., as the normal Aston-Martin engine, the Vantage has a high-compression head and modified induction and carburation arrangements, and the b.h.p. is 120, an increase of 15 b.h.p. Central gear-change, racing tyres and a choice of two different gearboxes (ratios: 3.77, 5.02, 7.48 and 11.03 to 1 and 3.77, 4.75, 7.05 and 11.03 to 1), and four axle-ratios, giving a selection of eight overall gear ratios, are available to purchasers of DBII Aston-Martins who wish to go motor-racing. The present-day Aston-Martin follows very much in Bertelli’s footsteps!
The saloon costs £1,498, the coupe £1,598, and the chassis, with its effective coil-spring suspension, is available for £850.
ASTON-MARTIN, LTD., FELTHAM, MIDDLESEX.
AUSTIN Stand 141
News! But all we can tell you at present is that you will be kissing goodbye to the A40, A90, “Sheerline” and “Princess,” and that an entirely new range of models, hush-hush until the eve of the Show, will be the attraction on Stand 141. Go there and see what Alan Hess has up his sleeve this time! Unfortunately, it seems that the new “Seven” will not be released until the next Show.
AUSTIN MOTOR CO., LTD., LONGBRIDGE WORKS, NORTHFIELD, BIRMINGHAM.
BENTLEY Stand 165
The 4 1/4-litre Bentley will be exhibited as a standard-steel Bentley saloon, a James Young saloon-coupe, an H. J. Mulliner four-door sports saloon and a Park Ward drophead coupe, all on the Mk. V chassis. The last-named will have left-hand drive. There are no technical changes.
BENTLEY MOTORS (1931), LTD., 14/15, CONDUIT STREET, LONDON. W.1.
BRISTOL Stand 129
The 2-litre Bristol 401 will be shown in “poshed-up” form, with the side panels tucked underneath in neat contours, new bumpers, new headlamps, improved locking for spare-wheel tray, balanced and hinged luggage boot lid, polished wood facia, etc. The technical changes embrace a modified oil circulatory system, new thermostatic control of radiator temperature, obviating radiator shutters, a new exhaust system, larger suspension torsion bars, telescopic shock-absorbers, bigger Hardy-Spicer cardan shaft, detail improvements to the differential and new handbrake connections. The Stand will contain one 401 saloon. We understand there is no truth in the rumour that the Brabazon will be there to keep it company.
BRISTOL AEROPLANE CO., LTD., FILTON, BRISTOL.
BUICK Stand 176
No information has been received on these exhibits.
CHEVROLET Stand 158
There is no news of any changes in the Chevrolet models for 1951.
CHRYSLER Stand 142
These exhibits will be as follows: A Chrysler Windsor four-door saloon, a Plymouth Special de luxe four-door saloon and a Plymouth de luxe commercial utility.
CHRYSLER MOTORS, LTD., MORTLAKE ROAD, KEW, SURREY.
CITROEN Stand 146
The front-drive, torsionally suspended Citroen represents, in the minds of many discerning purchasers, the ideal in salfe, comfortable everyday cars. In Light Fifteen form it offers very commendable performance and sits on the road, straight or twisty, impeccably. The six-cylinder 3-litre is a 90-m.p.h. car with some inbuilt vintage attributes, the same incredible road-holding, and lots of room. For 1951 the Light Fifteen has had its compression-ratio raised from 6.2 to 6.5 to 1 and now uses a Solex 32 P.B.I. downdraught carburetter, with a Vokes air cleaner, and there is manual as well as automatic ignition control. The Six has adjustable bucket seats in place of a bench front seat and louder horns.
CITROEN CARS, LTD., TRADING ESTATE, SLOUGH, BUCKS.
DAIMLER Stand 148
The 2 1/2-litre Special Sports Daimler, elegant example of British quality engineering, will be seen in unchanged form.
THE DAIMLER CO., LTD., COVENTRY.
DELAGE Stand 128
No information on these exhibits has been received.
DELAHAYE Stand 177
No information on these exhibits has been received.
DODGE Stand 137
Dodge Bros. will display a Coronet four-door saloon and a Kingsway Custom four-door saloon, backed up by a Custom four-door saloon and a Doplomat Custom four-door saloon from the De Soto range.
DODGE BROS. (BRITAIN), LTD., CHRYSLER WORKS, MORTLAKE ROAD, KEW, SURREY.
FIAT Stand 138
The FIAT exhibits will comprise that so-sensible economy car, the 500C, with 570-c.c. push-rod o.h.v. engine, which will be shown in convertible saloon and station-wagon forms. These are cars that with petrol price increases the impoverished if socialised Briton will view covetously. In addition you will be able to inspect a 1,100-c.c. E saloon. The “lion,” however, indeed, one of the “lions” of the Show, will be the new 1,400 model, designed to capture the world’s markets. Incidentally, it is significant that specialist high-performance versions were ready concurrently with the release of the ordinary car, with the full sanction of FIAT. The “1,400” will be shown as a saloon and a drophead coupe and merits close study by all students of design.
FIAT (ENGLAND), LTD., WATER ROAD, WEMBLEY, MIDDLESEX.
FORD Stand 164
A new Ford model is always an event, and this year there will be a new Ford on Stand 164. We cannot do more than whet your appetite at this early date, but it seems likely that this new car, to be called the Five-Star, will replace the current V8 Pilot and it is thought likely that it will be offered with alternative sizes of engine, probably of about 1 1/2 and 2 1/4-litres capacity, and may have o.h. valves and i.f.s. The proven, dependable, well-finished 8-h.p. Anglia and 10-h.p. Prefect models will be continued, with little change, although steps may have been taken to eliminate side-sway from the transverse suspension and to render the Anglia more pitch-free. The two-door Anglia saloon has the distinction, at the time of writing, of being the least expensive car on the British market and excellent value at £257.
FORD MOTOR CO., LTD., DAGENHAM, ESSEX.
FRAZER-NASH Stand 181
The 2-litre Frazer-Nash with its engine out of B.M.W. by Bristol, is perhaps the most effective sports-racing car made in Britain to-day. It will be shown in its competition “Le Mans Replica” form and in the more touring, very-Continental-looking “Mille Miglia” guise. The latter model, run at Le Mans and Silverstone by Stoop, is seen in a new form, suited to high-speed touring requirements. It now has a proper hood (side-curtains will be an extra), which is concealed within the body when it is lowered, and luggage space behind the seat, while the fuel tank is smaller, although still holding 15 gallons. The new ”Mille Miglia” drophead cabriolet will not be ready for the Show. The modern Frazer-Nash has a long list of post-war racing successes to its credit—ask Mr. W. H. Aldington about them and don’t ask him where the chains have gone!
A.F.N., LTD., FALCON WORKS, LONDON ROAD, ISLEWORTH, MIDDLESEX.
HEALEY Stand 127
New Healey models will be the attraction on Stand 127. They will include the well-established “Silverstone” sports two-seater and a new drophead coupe and saloon. The S.M.M.T. has sanctioned the showing of the new Anglo-American Healey with Nash engine, which made its debut at Le Mans this year.
DONALD HEALEY MOTOR CO., LTD., THE CAPE, WARWICK.
HILLMAN Stand 153
The famous Hillman Minx was entirely revised for 1949 and given a bigger, 1,265-c.c., engine last year. Consequently it remains unaltered for 1951. Of it, earlier this year, the Editor of Motor Sport said, “as a car for family and business motoring I would look no further.” It will appeal to the bulk of the world’s buyers of economical transport.
THE HILLMAN MOTOR CAR CO., LTD., RYTON-ON-DUNSMORE, NEAR COVENTRY.
HOTCHKISS Stand 175
That very real motor car, the six-cylinder 3 1/2-litre push-rod o.h.v. Hotchkiss with Cotal electrically-selected gearbox, will be seen unchanged technically but with new bodywork—we only hope they haven’t hidden that shapely radiator behind some sort of Cheshire-cat grin! The Hotchkiss is the car which for years has had the Monte Carlo Rally taped and that means it is indeed a fine long-distance fast touring car. You should make a point of seeing it.
HAROLD RADFORD & CO., LTD., MELTON COURT, SOUTH KENSINGTON, LONDON, S.W.7.
HUDSON Stand 157
These typically American automobiles will be seen in 1951 guise, with larger rear window, modified upholstery and instrument panels and a slightly different frontal aspect. The exhibits will comprise four Commodore eight-cylinder saloons and a Commodore eight-cylinder “Club” coupe.
HUDSON MOTORS, LTD., GREAT WEST ROAD, LONDON, W.4.
HUMBER Stand 156
Today’s Humbers are cars appealing to those in the middle and upper-class income groups, or to such persons of lesser substance who wish to disguise this fact. The 1951 Hawk has a bigger engine, 2 1/4 instead of under 2 litre (58 b.h.p. at 3,400 r.p.m.), a large diameter propeller-shaft to cope with the greater torque, a larger capacity radiator, new water pump, light-alloy connecting-rods working directly on the gudgeon-pins, blade-tensioner for the timing chain, which is now jet-fed, a floating filter oil intake and a new water thermostat obviating external pipes. The variable-ratio steering is higher-geared than before, comfort has been improved by using new back springs, fresh shock-absorber settings and 6.40-15 E.L.P. tyres. There are minor improvements to the saloon body, so the Hawk sounds like good value at £625.
The Pullman eight-seater Thrupp & Maberley limousine and Imperial saloon have been cleaned up in a number of ways and the suspension improved by greater flexibility and the use of a stabilizer bar. Overseas buyers who seek cars for dignified business and governmental duties should inspect these cars, competitively priced at £1,395.
HUMBER, LTD., RYTON-ON-DUNSMORE, COVENTRY.
JAGUAR Stand 170
This Stand may well be the most popular at the Show, for the 3 1/2-litre XK 120 Jaguar has proved itself to be Britain’s most outstanding sports car. Its stamina was proved in this year’s Alpine Rally, it was the next best thing to the Ferraris at Silverstone in the Production Car Race and its convincing performance in the T.T. last month sets seal to its fame. Its speed and acceleration are known to be in the racing car category, as one would expect from a twin-overhead camshaft engine in a two-seater weighing 22 cwt., yet when you drive this Jaguar XK 120 you can handle it like the most docile of touring cars and the ride is as comfortable. Add to this the fact that it is one of the best-looking ears ever built (did you see Mrs. Nick Haines in the B.A.R.C. Midnight Beauty Show with hers?) and that its price of £998 is highly competitive and it will be seen that the XK 120 is outstanding. It is a deserving dollar-earner.
It will consequently be a centre of attraction, backed by the 3 1/2-litre Jaguar saloons and drophead coupes with engines of the same capacity but with the o.h. valves operated by push-rods and rockers instead of by twin-overhead camshafts.
The actual exhibits will be an XK 120 sports two-seater, a 3 1/2-litre Mk. V saloon and drophead coupe, together with a stripped chassis and an XK 120 engine.
JAGUAR CARS, LTD., COVENTRY.
JENSEN Stand 178
The Jensen exhibits should not be missed. They will comprise the 4-litre four-door saloon, for which a speed of 95 m.p.h. is claimed, and the Interceptor two-door, 5/6-seater cabriolet, shown with both left and right-hand drive, for which 105 m.p.h. is claimed, presumably because the gear-ratios are higher, the weight lower. These Jensens use the Austin A.135 87 by 111-mm., 130-b.h.p. engine. The tyres on the Interceptor cabriolet have been increased in size from 5.50-16 to 5.75-16.
JENSEN MOTORS, LTD., CASTLE BROMWICH.
JOWETT Stand 162
On this stand the popular, roomy and rapid Javelin will be displayed as a green saloon and a maroon saloon de luxe, while those with an engineering turn of mind will be able to study the clever o.h.v. flat-four engine and torsion-bar suspension, etc., for a sectioned engine unit and a rear suspension unit will also be on show.
These exhibits will be backed up by the sports Jupiter, which appeared last year as the E.R.A.-Javelin and thus has two Earls Courts to its credit without having passed into the hands of private owners. Actually E.R.A. no longer have any association with the Jupiter, which made its debut in its present form at the New York Show last May and won the 1 1/2-litre class at Le Mans very convincingly on its first appearance in racing. At Earls Court it will be shown as a chassis and a convertible coupe finished in metallic-copper.
Small improvements have been made to both Javelin and Jupiter. The Javelin now has full hydraulic 9 in. by 1 3/4 in. Girling brakes, a new frontal motif and two-piece grille, of which the top part opens to give access to the oil filter, 8-in. headlamps, separate sidelamps, normal in place of the former self-adjusting tappets, possibly with a view to obtaining quieter operation, proper dust-proofing of the body and minor innovations to do with the jacking socket, screen wiper, interior-light and switch and radio. A Smith’s large-capacity heater is available for use in climates of extreme cold.
The De Luxe Javelin has had its bumpers tidied up, its rear number plate improved, and improvements incorporated in the ash-trays, scuttle pads, wiper warning window, horn-push and steering wheel. The prices remain at £595 for the normal and £695 for the de luxe saloon, radio extra.
The Jupiter has the 2/3-seater body seen at Le Mans, but the windscreen has been rendered detachable so that two aeroscreens can be substituted for racing; the screen frame is of shock-insulated 16-gauge aluminium alloy and there are winding glass windows in the doors. Air-conditioning and heater have been deleted.
Technical changes concern the substitution of adjustable for self-adjusting tappets and lower gear-ratios. 60 1/2 b.p.h. at 4,500 r.p.m. is claimed from the 72.5 by 90 mm., 1,485-c.c., flat-four engine, using the 8 to 1 compression-ratio. For softer customers a 7.6 to 1, in place of the former 7.2 to 1 and earlier 7.1 to 1, compression-ratio is available. The carburetter is a 30VIG5 Zenith. An eight-gallon tank is available to replace the ten-gallon tank if desired. A b.m.e.p. of 131 lb./sq. in. at 3,000 r.p.m. is quoted. Lucas 12-volt electrical equipment is used.
The gear ratios have gone down from last year’s 4.0, 5.63, 8.91 and 14.62 to 1, to 4.56, 6.25, 9.9 and 16.25 to 1, which reduces the speed per 1,000 r.p.m. in top gear from 19 to 17 m.p.h. At. 2,500 ft. per min. piston speed in top gear the car now does 73 m.p.h. instead of 82 m.p.h. At Le Mans over 100 m.p.h. was attained, so we presume the 4.0 to 1 axle-ratio was employed. The weight of the car has increased by 1 cwt., to 14 1/2 cwt. The price has increased from £495 to £525 for the chassis and from £795 to £850 for the complete car. Radio is extra. The makers claim over 90 m.p.h. in top and over 70 m.p.h. in third gear for this compact, torsion-bar-suspended newcomer, so a road-test is awaited with interest.
JOWETT CARS, LTD., IDLE, BRADFORD, YORKSHIRE.
KAISER-FRASER Stand 130
This much-discussed American car, that successfully competes with the old-established makes, will be shown again, with certain internal modifications in the 115 b.h.p. “Supersonic” s.v. engine. Normal, overdrive or Hydra-matic transmission is available. The Kaiser Special Series is a roomy car—the makers claim that it is the only car you can ride in, play in and work in—and the Special “Traveler” could without much difficulty be converted into a mobile bed.
STEELE, GRIFFITHS & CO., LTD., 295 Camberwell New Road, London, S.E.5.
LAGONDA Stand 160
The 2 1/2-litre, twin o.h. camshaft, six-cylinder Lagonda luxury car, with independent suspension of all wheels, by coil springs at the front, torsion bars at the back, will be shown in £1,750 saloon and £1,798 drophead coupe forms. An exhibition chassis will also be on view.
Only minor modifications are incorporated for 1951, mainly concerned with increased comfort, but all models now have an air-conditioner and fog-lamps.
LAGONDA, LTD., FELTHAM, MIDDLESEX.
LANCHESTER Stand 140
No information has been received on these exhibits.
LANCIA Stand 172
One of the outstanding cars of the Show will be seen on this Stand—the 60-deg., V6, 1,754-c.c. Aurelia, which was announced last May. Take a good look at its neat 56-b.h.p., o.h.v. engine, gearbox and clutch in unit with the rear-axle and differential and gearbox and all independent suspension, on the pioneer Lancia coil spring system at the front and by coil springs and swing-axles at the back. This inspiring car will be shown as a pillarless saloon on the 8-ft. chassis, as a 5/6-seater saloon on the 9 ft. 4 1/2 in. chassis, and as a cabriolet on the 9 ft. 6 1/2 in. chassis. 84 m.p.h. is claimed on the geared-up top, with 27 m.p.g. A sectioned exhibition chassis will be an absorbing exhibit. The 903-c.c. Ardea will be shown in 4th Series form, with alloy instead of cast-iron head and h.t. bronze inserted valve seats, a compression-ratio raised from 6 to 6.7 to 1, new cast-iron cylinder liners, new timing chain tensioner applied by engine oil pressare, and a 5.3 to 1 axle-ratio. The b.h.p. is up by two, to 30 b.h.p. at 4,600 r.p.m., and the overdrive fifth gear is now standard. 65 m.p.h. in overdrive and 38 m.p.g. are claimed. A pillarless saloon and normal saloon Ardea will be shown.
LANCIA (ENGLAND), LTD., LANCIA WORKS, EALING ROAD, WEMBLEY, MIDDLESEX.
LEA-FRANCIS Stand 180
The short-push-rod inclined o.h.v. 1.7 and 2 1/2-litre Lea-Francis models are unchanged mechanically. The 14-h.p. four-light saloon is now 2 in. lower and has its lamps recessed in the front wings. The bonnet is also lower and the roof slides. A new model is the six-light saloon, available with either power unit. The one you will want to see is the 2 1/2-litre sports model.
LEA-FRANCIS CARS, LTD., MUCH PARK STREET, COVENTRY.
LINCOLN Stand 131
No information has been received on these exhibits.
M.G. Stand 154
The jolly little “TD” M.G. Midget sports two-seater and 1 1/4-litre saloon and tourer, all with independent front suspension, are unaltered for 1951. Don’t forget to ask about the sensible “hot-rodding” which the M.G. Car Company has introduced for pepping up the “TD” in five different stages. In the second stage of this “hotting-up” i.e., Mk II, the “TD” M.G. Midget won its class in the T.T. American visitors will flock to this Stand.
M.G. CAR. COMPANY, LTD., COWLEY, OXFORD.
MORGAN Stand 134
Do not miss the new “Plus Four” model. It should be exciting, for it is an improved version of the “4/4,” with Standard Vanguard 68-b.h.p., 2,088-c.c. engine. There is a four-speed remote-control gearbox, a 4.1 to 1 hypoid back axle, longer front coil springs with automatic lubrication and hydraulic shock-absorbers, a more rigid frame, 5.25-16 Dunlops on wide-base rims, and all-hydraulic Girling brakes. The bodies give greater room, better weather protection, the bonnet is longer and the shorter radiator has a chromium grille. Approxinuttely 90 m.p.h. is claimed and this extremely interesting “Plus Four” Morgan is shown as a £510 two-seater, £525 four-seater and £565 coupe.
MORGAN MOTOR CO., LTD., PICKERSLEIGH ROAD, MALVERN LINK.
MORRIS Stand 166
No information received on these exhibits.
NASH Stand 144
This stand will display the Nash Statesman and the new Ambassador and Rambler models.
NASH CONCESSIONAIRES, LTD., NASH STREET, ALBANY STREET, LONDON. N.W.1.
OLDSMOBILE Stand 133
It is not expected that the Oldsmobile exhibits will differ materially from last year’s but to those who like these advanced American automobiles, with their “Air-borne Ride,” “Whirlaway HydraMatic Drive,” “Power-packed Economical Six Engine,” etc., these are just the cars they will like. The “98” model, with the “Futuramic Rocket” V8, o.h.v., 135-b.h.p. engine, is a very high-performance car indeed.
GENERAL MOTORS, LTD., 23 BUCKINGHAM GATE, LONDON, S.W.1.
PACKARD Stand 179
The new Packard “200” (138 b.h.p. on a 7.5 to 1 compression-ratio, with “Ultramatic” transmission), “300” (150 b.h.p. on a 7 to 1 compression-ratio, with “Unimesh” transmission) and the “400” (155 b.h.p. on a 7.8 to 1 compression-ratio) will be exhibited.
LEONARD WILLIAMS & CO. (1940), LTD., GREAT WEST ROAD, BRENTFORD, MIDDLESEX.
PANHARD ET LEVASSOR Stand 155
If the new 745-c.c. flat-twin, air-cooled Dyna-Panhards are here, this Stand will be a major attraction. Not only did these little economy cars do exceedingly well in the Alpine Rally, but we hear of the impoverished English having to push their large cars very hard indeed to pass these 3/4-litre Panhards.
SOC. DES ANCIENS ETABS PANHARD ET LEVASSOR, 19, AVENUE D’IVRY, PARIS, 13.
PEUGEOT Stand 171
No information received on these exhibits.
PONTIAC Stand 143
The Pontiac exhibits will comprise five Series 25 Chieftain models, a de luxe four-door sedan, a cavalier grey and skylark blue de luxe four-door sedan, a de luxe Catalina two-door coupe in Sierra-rust finish, a Super de luxe Catalina two-door coupe finished in San Leandro ivory and Sierra rust, and a Super de luxe Catalina two-door coupe in San Leandro ivory. All have a six-cylinder, 90.5 by 101.6-m.m., 3,920-c.c. engines, 10-ft. wheelbase, 7.10-15 four-ply tyres and “Hydramatic” transmission. Kaye Don runs this show.
U.S. CONCESSIONAIRES, LTD., PONTIAC WORKS, JUBILEE PLACE, LONDON, S.W.3.
RENAULT Stand 152
The little rear-engined 4CV Renault economy car will be displayed as four standard £370 saloons finished, respectively, in clipper-blue with blue upholstery, golden-biege with red upholstery, polychromatic-green with green upholstery, and mid-grey with grey upholstery; as a de luxe saloon in vermilion with red leather upholstery, and as a de luxe saloon with radio, sliding roof, Tygan black-and-white check upholstery and black pearl finish. The engine and gearbox unit and front suspension and steering unit will also be mounted on pedestals for individual inspection, Renault, as their catalogue shows, being fully aware that customers buy on specification as well as on appearance.
Offering as it does 47-50 m.p.g., doing 58-60 m.p.h., having notable level-keel riding over bad roads and seating four persons each with his or her own door, the Renault is a very sensible answer to the motoring requirements of impoverished Europe. The only change for 1951 is a reduction in the cylinder bore from 55 m.m. to 54.5 m.m., reducing the capacity from 760 c.c. to 748 c.c., as Renault has an eye on the 750-c.c. class in competitions. Go and enthuse, as we shall, over these splendid little cars, which covered themselves with snow and glory in the Monte Carlo Rally—and then ask British salesmen why their firms ignore cars of this size.
RENAULT, LTD., WESTERN AVE., LONDON, W.3.
RILEY Stand 168
No information received on these exhibits.
ROLLS-ROYCE Stand 169
The six-cylinder i.o.c. Silver Wraith will be shown as a Park Ward six-light saloon, an H. J. Mulliner enclosed Iimousine and a Hooper touring limousine. There are no mechanical changes in this six-cylinder version of the “Best Car in the World,” but the entirely new Silver Dawn straight-eight chassis, as supplied to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh and an export-only model. It will be exhibited with a Rolls-Royce all-steel body.
ROLLS-ROYCE, LTD., 14/15, CONDUIT STREET, LONDON, W.1.
ROVER Stand 150
After its sensational debut at Earls Court last year it was hardly to be expected that the Rover “75” would be radically altered this time.
Among the detail improvements embodied in the 1951 models is an attractively designed new instrument panel with large circular dials, and housed in the screen rail is a small clock visible to the rear-seat passengers. The doors are now held open automatically whilst passengers enter or alight, and the action of opening a door switches on interior lights.
THE ROVER CO., LTD., LODE LANE, SOLIHULL, BIRMINGHAM.
SIMCA Stand 132
The Simca makes its debut at Earls Court and this is a Stand which will hold much of interest to the enthusiast. The exhibits will comprise the little Simca Eight, beloved of Continental motorists, in fixed-head saloon and drophead coupe forms. It is also hoped that a Simca Grand Sport sports/racing car will also come over and be on show, and if so it will be of exceptional interest.
SIMCA, 7, RUE LOUIS DAVID, PARIS, 16.
SINGER Stand 174
The S.M. 1500 saloon will be seen with re-styled interior finish. The 4A “Nine” roadster will not be at Earls Court but it is continued for 1951. The new 4B “Nine” roadster with i.f.s., re-styled frontal aspect and improved wings, will be on the stand and should appeal to open-car lovers.
SINGER MOTORS, LTD., COVENTRY ROAD WORKS, BIRMINGHAM, 10.
STANDARD Stand 147
The useful 2-litre Vanguard will be continued unchanged.
STANDARD MOTOR CO., LTD., FLETCHAMSTEAD WORKS, COVENTRY.
STUDEBAKER Stand 139
J. A. Joyce, one-time A.C. racing man, is in charge here. No details of the exhibits are to hand.
STUDEBAKER CORPORATION, 385, EUSTON ROAD, LONDON, N.W.1.
SUNBEAM-TALBOT Stand 163
Fresh from its recent good showing in the strenuous Alpine Trial, the Sunbeam-Talbot is just the sort of high-performance car that appeals to so many motorists. The “90,” shown in sports saloon and convertible coupe forms, will display a number of important improvements. First and foremost, the old “cart-spring” front suspension (“can’t spring” as a wag has it!) has been discarded in favour of independent suspension of the coil-spring and unequal-length wishbone type. This is a long-awaited modernisation on this car which should do much to enhance its popularity, particularly if it has imparted to it the excellent riding and handling qualities of the modern Minx. In conjunction with this new springing there are longer, wider, back 1/2-elliptic springs, Armstrong double-acting hydraulic shock-absorbers all round, a torsion anti-sway bar at the front and a similar restrainer at the back.
The bore of the push-rod o.h.v. engine has been increased by 6 mm., the dimensions now being 81 by 110 unn., 2,267 c.c., all increase in capacity of II per cent.; 70 lilt. p. is claimed at 4,000 r.p.m., in place of the former 64 at 4,100, and a new water pump and thermostat, without, external plumbing, is employed. The chassis has been redesigned, an 1-section cruciform bracing and a variable-ratio steering unit (ask the salesmen about this I) being employed. A ltypoid back axle has been adopted to lower the floor and quieten the body interior, and minor but valuable improvements embrace a new form of front engine mounting, better control of ventilation, bigger air-cleaner and silencer, new situ viz,ors, new doorpulls and a re-vamped heating and demisting system with new control panel and bigger screen demisting nozzles ; this la.st an extra. The front seats have more comfortably contoured backs and the appearance of lids 1951 Sunbeam-Talbot. ” 90 ” is enhanced by new front wings that elevate the new headlamps 3 in., separate side-lamps in place of untidy pass-lamps, better fairing the front faunper and new air-intake grilles on either side of the radiabir. 70 b.h.p. is an output that cal pru wit hi gtiod performama• without extravagant fuel n?MtitnItptiort or need. frequent. maintenance. :Lod this new Sunbeam-Talbot should constitute it major attraction to the bulk of the buyers
at Earls Court. No one can distribute to the far ends of the earth better than the Rootes Group. The sports saloon costs £775, the convertible coupe £825.
SUNBEAM-TALBOT, LTD., RYTONON-DUNSMORE, COVENTRY.
TRIUMPH Stand 145
Triumph appear to have produced a ” winner ‘ for 1951, in the form of their new roadster. This will, like the Renown, have a Standard Vanguard power unit but the rest is entirely new. The 2/3-seater body has a very pleasing ” Continental ” look and is a light-alloy double stressedskin manocoque with control runs passing between the two skins. Very clean lines render the appearance particularly pleasing and so as not to spoil them the headlamps are recessed in the front wings and concealed during the daylight hours behind automatically-openable shutters following the wing-contour. This body is up-to-the-minute without being ” futuristic ” in outline, but a very modern touch is the use of eleetro-hydraulic jacks for raising and lowering the coupe top on operation of a control on the facia, and similar hydraulic adjustment Of the Dunlopillo upholstered, tubular frame, bench-type front seat when a switch on the seat-base is operated. The head disappears within the body when folded. Built-in heater and radio are fitted, the grouped instruments are lit by concealed-edge facia lighting, and flashingtype traffic-indicators are installed.
This remarkable new roadster is only 3 ft. 2 in. high to the top of the scuttle, weighs under 23 cast. dry, and pulls a top gear of 4.38 to 1 in a three-speed box. The wheelbase is 7 ft. 10 in., the engine gives 71 bhp. at 4„200 r.p.m., and a genuine 85 m.p.h. is claimed.
The little Mayflower saloon is joined by a new drophead (loupe.
TRIUMPH MOTOR CO. (1945), LTD., FLETCHAMSTEAD WORKS, COVENTRY.
VAUXHALL Stand 161
The two Vauxhall models, four-cylinder 11-litre Wyvern and six-cylinder 21-litre Velox, remain unchanged. They are up-to-the-minute, brisk saloons produced at competitive prices under the auspices of the great General Motors Corporation at the old-established Vauxhall works at Luton—where the straw hats came from, but nowadays turning out big quantities of essentially usable cars. It will be recalled that both models, new since the outbreak of peace, were considerably tidied-up last year, so the lack of change would appear sound policy. We told you how the Velox performs in Motort Sroirr.
There will be three Velox and three Wyvern models on show, one of the Velox having a transparent bonnet. A sectional, working Velox engine, samples of carpet and trim available and a special exhibit to indicate the colour options available, will please the ladies.
VAUXHALL MOTORS LTD., LUTON, BEDFOR DSII IRE.
WOLSELEY Stand 151
No information received on these exhibits.