Synchro-Mesh

Sir,

If the gear-box fitted to Christopher Matthews’ Humber 9/20 (MOTOR SPORT, July, p. 784) really came from a 1922 Austin Ten, it is not surprising that synchromesh assistance was lacking. The Austin range did not acquire synchromesh until 1934, and then only on third and top. Synchromesh on second came in 1935, when they went all modern with a cowled radiator and swept back.

I should know – I learnt on a 1932 Ten, then two years old. Third and top were constant-mesh and easy enough, but dreadful noises resulted if you didn’t get the speeds just right for first and second.

Esher.

J.E. Padfield