HORNET IMPROVEMENTS FOR 1933.

HORNET IMPROVEMENTS FOR i933.

Cylinder Liners, Enlarged Back Axle, New Type Clutch and alteration in Rear Track size among refinements developed by experience in competitions.

THOSE who have had experience of that delightful little car, the Hornet Special, will not be surprised to hear that Wolseley Motors have not introduced an entirely new sports model for 1933. Instead, they have confined themselves to making detailed improvements to the Hornet Special Chassis—gilding the lily as that may seem.

Our readers will remember that the Hornet Special Chassis was produced in May last with a view to adding various qualities essential to a sports car to the already lively normal Hornet Chassis, such as improved brakes and road holding, increased power and better lubrication.

Now, after some four months of intensive experience in trials and competitions, culminating in the magnificent victory of the marque in the Relay Grand Prix at Brooklands, when a team of three E.W. Hornet Specials averaged 82.68 m.p.h., certain minor refinements are to be included in the car’s specification for 1933. To begin with, centri-cast hardened cylinder liners are fitted to the

cylinders, and with the addition of a special scraper ring below the gudgeon pin of the dome-top pistons, should prevent wear and ensure minimum oil consumption.

The clutch is of a new single plate type, with flexible centre and cushioned discs, providing a perfectly smooth action. The gear box is of the same design as previously, giving four forward ratios with double helical constant mesh and third speed gears, but the whole unit has been strengthened, and roller bearings fitted to the lay shaft,

Following racing practice the accelerator pedal is now of the organ pedal type and has been moved to the outside, instead of between the clutch and brake pedals. Another small refinement is in the improved spring-spoke steering wheel.

The back axle has been generally enlarged, the crown wheel, pinion, and all bearings being of a more robust construction—a wise move in view of the really remarkable power given off by the 6 cylinder engine.

As far as the chassis is concerned, the greatest alteration lies in the wideningof the rear track to 3ft. 9in., so that on the 1933 model the front and rear track will be the same. The front springs have been slightly modified, thereby improving the already excellent steering qualities of the car.

Finally the wheels are alternatively of the Dunlop Magna or centre lock type, with 27in. x 4.75in. Dunlop tyres. The price is £175.