The Real Hispano - Suiza
Some time ago I became aware of the fascination of an "automobile Hispano-Suiza" and compiled some notes which appeared under the heading, "What Had the Hispano?" (Oct., 1944). Now, I…
• * * AN ALVIS MATTER.
Sir,
I have read with interest the letter regarding the supposed performance of the Alvis I used to own, AXX 385, the one you described in “Busman’s Holiday.” For the record the following facts may be of interest :
Tyres : Standard Dunlop 5.500 by 19; rear axle ratio : 4.5 : 1 ; 3rd gear ratio : 1.48: 1 ; Dunlop figures for revs./mile on standard 5.50 by 19 tyres, (179; 1,000 engine r.p.m. = 19.6 m.p.h. in top ; 1,009 engine r.p.m. = 13.7 m.p.h. in 3rd.
Of perhaps further interest might be the fact that you witnessed 5,200 r.p.m. on the rev. (counter in third when the car was demonstrated—which gives” over 70 m.p.h.,” ” which after all is all you said in your write up.” I am Yours, etc.,
Ruislip. W. H. J. Kay-Salm. * * *