"Hot-rods"

Sir,

With reference to the controversy in your correspondence columns concerning American ” Hot-Rod” performance figures, I have been in communication with Professor Chuter Lien, Principal of the American Institute of Hot-Rod Technology, who, in answer to my request, has furnished me with the following data, upon which all ” Hot-Rod” performance calculations are based :—

(1) 50 seconds = 1 “Hot-Rod” minute. 100 “Hot-Rod” minutes = 1 “Hot-Rod” hour.

(2) 5,000 feet = 1 “Hot-Rod” mile.

By using the formula : Normal mph =  [HRM x NT] divided by [NM x HET] X “Hot-Rod” mph.

where : HRM = No of feet in 1 “Hot-Rod” mile =5000

NT = No of seconds in 1 hour = 3,600

NM = No of feet in 1 mile = 5,260

HRT = No of seconds in 1 “Hot-Rod” hour = 5000 

we obtain :– Normal m.p.h. = [5,000 X 3,600] divided by [5,280 x 5,000] x “Hot-Rod” mph. 

which simplified becomes :– Normal m.p.h. = 15 over 22 x “Hot-Rod” mph. 

Taking two cases in point :–

(a) 110 mph achieved by 23-hp side-valve Ford.

(b) Acceleration of 0-60 mph in 10 seconds, and using the above formula we arrive at :–

(a) 75 mph.

(b) 0-40 mph (approx) in 10 seconds. These figures are more akin to those attained by similar vehicles in this country, and I hope the above information may serve to settle any further argument on the subject.

I am, Yours, etc.,

John A Hall, Shepperton.