383   Page D3                              NEWNES PRACTICAL MECHANICS                 April, 1936
  The Engine
  And now regarding engines. Readers apparently have experienced no difficulty in obtaining offers of second- hand motor-cycle engines and gearboxes at prices varying from 20s. to 30.s. The engine which I have selected is the 350-c.c. side-valve Blackburne, and I am using the well- known Albion gearbox, to the manufacturers of both of which I desire to tender my thanks for their co-operation in placing units at my disposal. An engine which is eminently suitable for this car is the unit-constructed New Imperial engine which also has the gearbox incorporated. Thus, in the one unit you save yourselves the trouble of having to make two mounting plates if you can call simple metal-work a troublesome operation. It isn't really.
  Another question which has produced a volume of correspondence is that concerning the steering system. I show herewith photographs of the type of steering which I have used. This is similar to that which was fitted on the Carden car, a popular light car which was on the market a few years ago. The great advantage of this system is that it dispenses with leaf-springs, which are somewhat expensive. It will be seen that the steering heads are mounted between the springs, which in themselves absorb the road shocks ; no other form of additional front suspension is necessary.

Type of Steering
A further advantage of this type of steering is that it eliminates the need for a geared steering box such as would be necessary on a heavier car, but quite unnecessary on a light vehicle of this description. Thus, it, will be appreciated that direct steering is employed. It is easy to make, and satisfactory in every way. The front axle merely consists of two pieces of angle iron which can be purchased locally, and which are bolted direct to the chassis members. Nothing could be much simpler than that. I shall give detailed drawings, of course, so that the reader can make up the steering system himself, although he will need to purchase the hubs and rims. Complete wheels will be supplied by the British Hub Company, whose address readers may have on application. It will be seen that the internal expanding brakes are incorporated in the hubs. If you are skilled at wheel building (1 shall give instructions on how to assemble and true the wheels) the cost is very low. I have made arrangements with a manufacturer to supply the steering heads to our readers for a nominal sum, although, of course, they can be cut from the solid if it is desired to save even that expense. But it is not essential that the type of steering illustrated should be used; you may use, for example, the front axle assembly of an Austin " 7," provided that you are able to purchase also the steering box, and the semi-elliptic front springs. These are quite easily mounted by means of the shackles, as on the Austin "7". It is possible to pick up a complete front axle and assembly quite cheaply from the car breakers.