A 1922 Citroen passes the test

Sir,

I have read a number of letters in your Readers’ column about the Ten Year test, and cannot see why the writers allowed their cars to be driven by the testing mechanic, as far as I can see there is no need for the mechanic to do so, and I would certainly not allow one to drive mine.

Perhaps my experience will be of interest:

I took my 1922 Citroen to the local Corporation Transport Department, not wishing to patronise any commercial garage which carries out these tests; the car was almost failed through having a faulty headlamp bulb, but did fail through slight play in the off-side king-pins, and by the fact of hitting the handbrake smartly it was possible to knock it off the ratchet. I drove the car during the braking test and had to stop it from 20 m.p.h., on the handbrake alone. I did not consider the play in the king-pins to be excessive, and so I took the car round to another testing station. The proprietor walked round the car, felt the play in the steering wheel, which was negligible, asked me to drive the car up the road and apply the footbrake. He then said, ” Right, we will go and give you a certificate, it’s obvious anyone possessing a car like this is going to drive it with due care, and I do not think the test is meant for this type of car anyway, but just for ‘old bangers’ and tinware.” No meter was used for the braking test and the total time taken was about eight minutes.

I should be very grateful to hear if any of your Readers could help me to obtain a 720 x 120 beaded-edge tyre; this size seems to be particularly hard to get, and any information will be most welcome.

                                                                                                  I am, Yours, etc.,

Leigh.                                                                                                                A. EDMUNDSON.