Austin Taxi has " Saloon " Cab O Tuesday, at the
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premises of Mann and Overton, Ltd., Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, S.W.6, the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., introduced its new taxicab. An outstanding feature is that the driver's cab is fully enclosed, with sliding glass windows mounted above a central partition on the driver's left.
The four-cylindered overhead-valve engine has an R.A.C. rating of 15.63 h.p., the unit developing 64 b.h.p. at 3,800 r.p.m. A Borg and Beck single-plate clutch takes the drive to a four-speed-and-reverse gearbox. having synchromesh engagement for second, third and top gears.
An open propeller shaft, with HardySpicer needle roller hearing imivetsal joints, takes the drive to the threequarter-floating. rear axle. which has a ratio of 5.2 to 1. The cam and geartype steering, in conjunction with special clearances, gives a turning circle of 25 ft.
Semi-elliptic springs, with 7inc inter-leaves, are employed all round, being mounted on Silentbloc hushes and con trolled by Armstrong hydraulic shock absorbers in conjunction with an antiroll torsion-bar system. Girling mechanically operated brakes are used. those on the front wheels being of the two-leading-shoe type.
The general construction provides a low centre of gravity, making for increased stability. A cross-braced frame is employed, with full-length deep box-section side members and front cross-member.
Electrical equipment includes two 6-volt batteries, foot-controlled headlamp dip switch, self-cancelling direction indicators, and dual windscreen wipers, in addition to the normal lights, twin tail and stop lamps, electric horn and built-in " For Hire " daylight sign.
The body is of pressed steel and is sound insulated, Easily detachable front wings, self-balancing window; and leather upholstery are features of the coachwork. The overall dimensions of the new Austin taxicab, known as type FX3, are: length, 14 ft. 4 ins.; width. 5f1. 4 ins.; height. 5 ft. 10 ins.
Price. including tax, is £936 Is. 8d.