Who They Are
W. van Til and Craig Anderson, who prepared the report reprinted below, are noted South African automotive experts. They were commissioned by H. Polliack & Co., Ltd., of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Polliack Co., is one of the largest and oldest importers and distributors in the Union of South Africa. The car used was a standard Crosley Sedan chosen at random from a shipment to the Polliack Co.
This story was used as part of an advertising campaign by Crosley.
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On Feb. 27, 1947, we left Johannesburg at 0700 hours for the Northern Transvaal. The road is tarmac for 160 miles and thereafter is a first class dirt surfaced road, badly corrugated. Part of the route is over one of the steepest and longest passes in the a Union, Magoeba's Kloof, which is a very steep climb of 14 miles. The dirt roads were very dry and dusty. |
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The first 134 miles were covered at a speed not exceeding 30 m.p.h. The miles per gallon for this stretch were 33.3. For the second leg of 184 miles the speed was pushed up to 35 m.p.h. and 43 miles per gallon were obtained and we noticed that the stiffness of the engine was easing off considerably. The third leg of 228 miles, including Magoeba' s Kloof, resulted in miles per gallon of 38 and the speeds varied from 15 m.p.h. to 40 m.p.h. This leg was covered during the night. |
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The final leg was done at speeds varying from 45 to 65 m.p.h. and the miles per gallon were 34.4. This drop in petrol consumption (they meant increase) over the last two legs of the journey was caused through the very mountainous country through which we traveled during the night and the high speeds attained on the level run back to Johannesburg. The total time taken for this journey was 29 hours non-stop, of which six hours were devoted to refueling and other necessary stops. |
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Owing to the space, leg room and design of the pilot-type seats, together with the springing and shock absorbers, neither of us showed any strain after being in the car for a continuous traveling time of 23 hours. We must stress that at no stage during the 29-hour spell did either of us go to sleep or rest, other than the short stops for refueling and eating. |
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We found the performance of this car quite remarkable and Mr. van Til is of the opinion that it is the most outstanding car he has ever driven. The performance of the engine was truly remarkable, the acceleration being comparable or better than that of a 30-horsepower American car. (The British rate automobiles at 30 horsepower which are rated at 100 or 110 horsepower in the U. S.) |
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No hills were rushed at and we found that not only did the car maintain its speed, but actually picked up and pulled out at the top of the hill at a considerably increased momentum. Mr. van Til is of the opinion that this engine is one of the simplest and most compact units he has ever encountered in his 30 years' experience in the motor trade. All parts are most accessible and servicing is simplicity itself. When accelerating it was found that the whole developed 26.5 horsepower comes into play instantly and the car positively surges forward and, in Mr. van Til's opinion, there is no car in the world for its size which can compare. |
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No oil or water were used at all through the 683 miles and at no stage did the engine run hot or show any signs of strain. We found the steering very steady and nice to handle at speeds ranging from 10 to 65 m.p.h. Brakes were efficient and reliable. For a car of this class the accommodation for luggage is far in excess of that usually connected with a car of this size. |
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