Translation from Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Number 2311, 31 October 1950
The “Test Day” at Goodwood
A useful event that has been taking place for
three years in conjunction with the Inter-
national Motor Show in London
is the “Test Day” at Goodwood. A
small race track has been built on the no longer used Good-
wood airfield in southern England, where a race track
was created, where reporters, one at a time, on a Sunday get
the opportunity to get to know the latest models from English
automobile manufacturing better.
One of the most interesting experiences
this year was the “reunion” with the extremely
spirited Sunbeam, which — as mentioned
elsewhere — replaced the previously rigid front axle with
an independent front wheel suspension based on the Humber “Hawk”
system (two triangular wishbones + coil spring), the increased
displacement of the engine with
enlarged valves from 2.0 l to 2.3 l. The driving characteristics
have improved so much that this car is now finally in the top class.
The steering has become completely smooth and the suspension is softer
than before to the extent that the sporty character of this car allows.
Driving quickly around curves is downright a pleasure for the sporty driver.
Another lasting experience was the trip with the Allard guys,
who are less well known in Switzerland. Ford
engines are used for the drive (Mercury), the performance
of which has been increased through light metal cylinder heads and other
measures. A Cadillac engine could be seen in Allard's sports car.
What is impressive about these models is not only the large engine power
available to the driver, but even more so the excellent cornering ability
and the quiet behavior of the car at high speeds.
Theoretically, the strange design of the front axle (strictly
speaking, it is a pendulum axle) should give rise to concerns,
but in this short test it gave rise to no complaints, on the contrary.
The rear axle is designed as a De Dion axle, which probably
contributes significantly to the excellent road holding.
Only the visibility, which is noticeably impaired by
the high, overly bulky bonnet, could be better.
The “Jupiter”, a racy sports car based on the Jowett
Javelin, also has exceptionally good road holding.
Its frame, welded from straight pieces of tubing,
proves to be absolutely rigid even under strong road impacts,
which cannot be said of all English
sports cars. The suspension seems a bit hard at low speeds,
but the car only seems to “feel comfortable” at higher speeds.
The cornering position also meets the highest demands.
Judging by feel, the acceleration is excellent,
but over time it will certainly be possible to conjure up
even more horsepower into this engine (currently 60 horsepower).
It would go too far at this point to go into all the cars
that were made available for testing purposes at Goodwood. But
one thing should still be pointed out, namely the remarkably good brakes
on all test vehicles, especially on the fast and heavy ones.
A soft grip, not prone to blocking, and achieving a strong braking effect
with relatively little effort, they reflected the high level that
automobile construction has achieved in certain areas today.
RGDS RLT
Edited by Rupertlt1, 22 January 2024 - 07:58.
