New Mercedes and Vauxhall / Club News, September 1959

Overshadowed by important developments in the baby car field both Mercedes and Vauxhall have made changes to their current range of models.

The 220 series has beeen restyled and the 180, 180D, 190 and 190D have been given detail improvements. The 220 will now appear in three forms, the 220 having an engine which gives 105 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m., the 220S giving 124 b.h.p. at 5,200 r.p.m. and the 220 SE with fuel injection giving 134 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m.

The rather rounded and bulbous lines of the Mercedes have been fattened out on the 220 models, no doubt to test public reaction. The roof line is flatter, the front and rear windscreens are more curved and swept round with a hint of tail fins at the rear. The car is larger than its predecessor becoming a full six-seater in its latest form with luggage capacity increased to 22.6 cubic feet. The radiator grille is also lower and wider but still retains the traditional Mercedes characteristics. The rear swing axle suspension now features a compensating spring as on the 300SL.

Mercedes claim maximum speeds and fuel consumption as follows:– 220 — 96.2 m.p.h., 220S — 102 m.p.h., 220 SE — 105 m.p.h. Fuel consumption: 20-25 m.p.g.

The other models have been given detail changes such as lower and wider radiator grilles, smoothed and strengthened bumpers, new tail lamp clusters, whilst standard equipment is now fuller, including screen washers, turbo-finned brake drums, front doors now locked by key, and pass lights. Prices of the new models have not yet been released in this country.

The Vauxhall Cresta and Velox models have received one of their periodic styling changes although the Victor remains virtually unchanged except for new colours and upholsterychanges. Since the Series II Victor was introduced last February 59,700 models have been built.

On the Cresta and Velox the body has been strengthened, particularly in the rear section, whilst the engine mountings have been strengthened. In the styling department the wrapround windscreen has been extended, the radiator grille has been modified, the bumper redesigned and various other small details have been changed. Inside more attention has been given to comfort, with larger seats, wider and softer door arm rests and the half horn ring has been replaced by a full-size one. The prices of these models remain unchanged.

Club News

The annual Sunbeam S.T.D. Register Sandhurst Rally will be held on October 4th and on October 17th a meeting will be held at the Sunbeam-Talbot Coventry factory to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original Sunbeam Motor Company, when the Rootes Group will entertain members. Details from the Hon. Registrar, Winifred Boddy, Carmel, Fleet, Hampshire.

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The Bull-Nose Morris Club holds its Paignton Rally on September 5th. Cars will assemble near the pier at 12 noon. Entries have closed.

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The position to date in the Inter-Register Contest (S.T.D., 12/50 Alvis, Fiat and Humber Registers and Bull-Nose Morris Club) is that the 12/50 Alvis Register leads from S.T.D., followed by Fiat, Humber and Bull-Nose. The final round comes in the 12/50 Alvis Register Night Trial in September.