November 3rd 1921

Advance Details of 1922 Models.

A Wide Range of New Hudson Models.

Water-cooled Three-wheeler. 4 h p. Single, Lightweight Two-stroke with Ail-chain Drive.

AT the last Olympia Motor Cycle Show something of a sensation was caused by the production of a beautifully finished three-wheeler by the New Hudson concern. This machine has now undergone several modifications, and, in its new form, has already proved itself on the road. The layout of the chassis is simple and workmanlike, and there is an atmosphere of solidity which seldom surrounds the normal light car, whether three or four-wheeled.

Carried on the frame by stout aluminium castings, a 10 h.p. water-cooled M.A.G. engine transmits its power through a single dry plate clutch to a three-speed and reverse gear box. A simple clutch stop is brought into action by a full depression of the pedal, and the propeller-shaft has a flexible joint arranged immediately in front of the gear box. In the rear portion of the gear box is a pair of bevels and a cross-shaft, and all the gear selector mechanism is protected by an aluminium housing. Final transmission is by chain.

Channel steel side members, with two channel and two tubular cross members, comprise the frame, which is additionally cross-braced by intersecting tubes. Within the front channel cross member, and protected by its flanges, lies the rack and pinion steering gear, which is connected directly to the tie-rod immediately behind the steel tubular front axle. The rear tubular cross member forms a support for the back of the gear box, and also a pivot for the centre of the long cantilever rear springs. A tubular frame carries the rear wheel chain, tension being adjustable by means of eccentrics on the front end of the radius rods. The chassis is supported in front by quarter-elliptic springs.

Such is the bare specification of the New Hudson three-wheeler, but there are many interesting features which are well worthy of attention. For instance, the wheels, shod with 26x3 in. Dunlop light car tyres, are quickly detachable and interchangeable. A permanent jack is incorporated in the rear frame, bv means of which the rear wheel can be raised from the ground with the least possible delay. It should be mentioned, also, that, after removing the knock-out rear spindle, the wheel comes away, leaving the chain sprocket and brakes in situ. The brakes, by the way, both act on the rear chain ring, the hand brake being of the contracting type and the foot brake having expanding shoes.

A spare wheel is included in the specification, as also are a Lucas Magdyno, driven by bevel gear from the front of the engine, and a Cox-Atmos carburetter. Lubrication of hubs and other working parts is effected by means of a screw-in grease gun.

A deep and luxuriously upholstered body, with screen, hood, and good mud-guards, is fitted to the very attractive vehicle, and a neat radiator admirably sets off the whole. It is a most elaborate model.

New Hudson, Ltd., are by no means newcomers to the passenger motor cycle world, so that peculiar interest attaches to their return to this field. The new 4 h.p. New Hudson has a single-cylinder engine of 87x100 mm. bore and stroke (594 c.c). The side-by-side valves are operated by a single cam, and clear air spaces are left between the cylinder walls and gas ports. A two-ringed aluminium piston is fitted, and plain bearings are used throughout, special precautions being taken to avoid oil leakage. The transmission is by chain, a shock absorber being mounted on the engine-shaft, and a Sturmey-Archer three-speed box being fitted to the bottom bracket casting. The magneto is carried behind the cylinder, and draw-bolt adjustments are provided for tensioning both magneto and primary drive chains. A special arrangement of change speed mechanism is provided, the operating lever protruding through the tank in a convenient position. Aluminium footplates and sensible legshields are fitted, and the front chain is protected by a cast aluminium guard, which extends rearwards over the front end of the rear chain. A sheet metal extension protects the rear chain from mudguard drippings. Special provision has been made for quick detachment of the rear wheel, and very wide domed mudguards are fitted.

Attached to this very practical looking machine is a roomy coachbuilt sidecar, suspended on C springs, front and rear, from a rectangular chassis. The chassis is underslung, and is attached to the motor cycle at four points. A wide mud-guard is mounted on the sidecar body. It is probable that 25x3in. tyres will be fitted all round, and the complete outfit is to sell at a very attractive figure.

A minor point, which, however, is not without importance, especially from an overseas point of view, is that a 6in. ground clearance is obtained. This end has been achieved without making the machine unduly high or ungainly.

Lightweights.

In addition to the well-known 2¼ h.p. two-stroke popular model, a similar engine with all-chain transmission and Sturmey-Archer two-speed gear with clutch and kickstarter will be marketed. This little machine will be turned out with foot plates, legshields, air deflector to plug, and 24 x 2¼ in. tyres. The specification should be ideal for the business man, since sensible mud-guards have not been forgotten.

New Hudson lightweights have already made a name for themselves, both in the hands of private users and in open competition work. Oddly enough, though this little machine is particularly well adapted for a short rider, the seating arrangements are such that even a large man neither looks nor feels ungainly - in fact, one of the firm's best known riders is certainly taller than the average.

The popular model is similar to the de luxe type but has 24x2in. tyres, foot-rests instead of -aluminium footboards, and no legshields are supplied. The same little three-port two-stroke engine of 62x70 mm. bore and stroke is fitted in each case, and this engine is built in the New Hudson works throughout.

The Motor Cycle