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Although a 10-h.p. Swift took part in the 1905 Tourist Trophy race in the Isle of Man, the majority of successes gained by Swift cars were with standard touring models, and it was not until the 1927 Motor Show that a diminutive sports Swift appeared. It was a most attractive little car, with its long-tailed, semi-streamlined body, fully disappearing hood, and sweeping wings. It was developed from the popular Swift "Ten," quite a best-seller in its day, but the 1190-c.c. (62.5 x 97-mm.) side-valve engine was considerably tuned up. Maximum speed was 65 m.p.h., and the car held the road really well. Suspension was semi-elliptic at the front, and quarter-elliptic at the rear. A three-speed gearbox was used. The sports Swift acquitted itself well in all types of sporting events, and was most reliable. Acceleration, however, was not exceptionally good for a sporting vehicle, the very sturdy chassis being a trifle too heavy for the output of the side-valve engine. However, it was excellent on the sticky type of hill, slogging up where many allegedly super-sports cars spun their rear wheels to a standstill. |
