Not many Batten Specials were produced, but those that did appear in competitions acquitted themselves extremely well. The car was a much-modified Ford V8, built to special order in the 1937-38 period, and was understood to be capable of a speed of 100 m.p.h., with a 3.7 to 1 back-axle ratio. A very short chassis was employed, and bodywork tended towards the Spartan. Suspension, normally, was a form of the well-known Ford transverse leaf system, but one or two cars were built with the front wheels independently sprung in the manner of the Lancia. That is to say, helical springs were used. From time to time Batten Specials are to be seen in trials and speed events, and the high power-weight ratio is seen to advantage, especially in special tests calling for acceleration and easy handling. |
