Thursday, April 16, 2020

Australian Motor Manual July 1949


It's 1949 and a very interesting time in the Australian motoring scene. In late 1948 General Motors Holden unveiled the 48-215, but it would be some time before Holden was manufacturing enough cars to meet demand. While Holden was ramping up, Australians were buying British. Standard, Vanguard, Austin and Morris were all selling well. American models were also selling well.

This edition features a report on the development of Australia's domestic budget car 'like the German DKW', the Wiles, a car completely lost to history. There is also a report on the progress of Sir Lawrence Hartnett's new budget car project. The new Hartnett was based on the French Gregoire marque, but despite Sir Lawrence's high hopes, the project would ultimately fail.


In this edition:
  • Motoring news 
  • The Wiles car trial and the Hartnett car is further delayed
  • Austin A70 reivew
  • Income tax for the modern motorist
  • Why American and European cars differ
  • Trends of trans-Atlantic design
  • Vintage car maintenance - Alvis
  • Changes to petrol tariffs and red tape
  • Average miles per gallon statistics
  • New Ford Anglia review
  • Hillman Minx - used car guide
  • The Australian automobile industry
  • MG gearbox overhaul 
  • Jaguar world record
  • The Healey, worlds fastest sports saloon
  • The new Jaguar Mark V saloon
  • Dyna Panhard review
  • Caravaning in winter 
  • Self service guide - Brakes
  • Federal trucks
  • For the countryman - Walking Tractor from UK
  • Mini-motor powered pushbike
  • Diesel engines
  • Reviving steam cars
  • Testing for electrical circuit faults
  • New Vincent HRD review
  • Motorcycle racing - Australia trounces UK
  • Willys Jeep universal joints
  • National vehicle sales and prices