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The V8 Standard
The V8 Standard, the Raymond Mays sports car, appeared in rallies in 1939, and a few cars were produced before war broke out. The power unit was of 2686-c.c. (63.5 x 106-mm.), with side-valves, and capable of pushing out 85 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m. Gear ratios were 4.75, 6.52, 10.04 and 17.10 to 1, and the car was said to exceed 90 m.p.h. The frame was underslung at the rear, and employed semi- elliptic springs. Front suspension was independent, by means of a transverse multi-leaf spring and wishbones, designed by Peter Berthon, part-designer of E.R.A. racing cars.
The cars were partly built by Standards, and finished at the old E.R.A. works at Bourne, R.E.A.L.L. coachwork being adopted. Saloon and open sports versions were made, but the vehicle did not have the performance of many of the large-engined Anglo-American cars. It scored in appearance and comfort, however, and might well have been developed still further had not Hitler intervened. |
