The Murray Overdrive for the Ford 100E

We were recently able to test a Murrary overdrive on a Ford Anglia saloon. This is a constant-mesh helical-gear overdrive with dog-clutch engagement, which can be fitted as an extension behind the gearbox of all Ford 100E models from 1954 onwards. It provides a 22.8 per cent. step-up in all three forward speeds and used in top gear gives 18 m.p.h. per 1,000 r.p.m. It improves petrol consumption on fast runs by some 5 m.p.g., lifts the maximum in middle gear from some 40 m.p.h. to 55 m.p.h. and used as a five-speed box improves acceleration. In town use, the Murray overdrive in all gears can give 10 m.p.g. better petrol consumption and as 70 m.p.h. in overdrive top is equivalent to 57 m.p.h. in normal top, wear and tear is much reduced.

The overdrive is selected by a separate lever to the right of the normal Ford lever, which can be moved as quickly as the hand will operate and has a pleasantly positive action. The gears “fizz” somewhat, so that normal top is aurally indistinguishable from old top but the noise isn’t excessive. The speedometer drive is applied to the rear of the unit so that it reads correctly in any gear. The step-up is not such that the car becomes intractable in o/d second or top and altogether the Ford Anglia was considerably improved by the addition of this simple and compact Murray unit.

The price is £29, carriage and crating free, there is a six month guarantee, and fitting charges at Ford agents cost from £4 to £5. Further details from the Murray Car Co., 336, Prescott Road, Aughton, near Liverpool, Lancs.