Terraplaning report

terraplane8
terraplane8 Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I've just completed a 321 mile journey through one of the most scenic parts of the South Island of New Zealand.



The '33 Terraplane Eight ran like a top the whole way, just gliding along easily with the engine quite close to being silent, with only a distant and slight whirring noise audible. No wind noise either surprisingly as all the window and door seals are perfect. A VERY quiet car to travel in; there is no tyre noise either on crossplies like you get with modern radials. Hence the feeling of quietly gliding along.



I found the journey very relaxing and enjoyable by comparison to the same trip that I have done many times in my modern cars. Cruising speed around 55-58mph and of course hardly any slowing down on the hills. I didn't lift the bonnet once the whole way, just stuck in fuel.



Statistics: average speed excluding stops 51.6mph, including stops 47.5mph, 21.4mpg Imperial, 18.9mpg US. I thought the fuel consumption was quite good as at least a third of the way is fairly hilly.



The '33 Terraplane Eight is not that well known to many today, being a one year model, low numbers built due to the depression etc. In its day it must have been a sensation as to power and smoothness as even 77 years later it is still a very nice and competent car to travel in, cable brakes notwithstanding!

Comments

  • oldhudsons
    oldhudsons Senior Contributor
    thank you for the glowing report in re trek with your T8
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    On the sea...........it's Aqua-Planing. In the air...........it's Aero-Planing. But what you have described my friend............Ahhhh...........That's Terra-Planing!!! What a sensation!! :)
  • oldhudsons
    oldhudsons Senior Contributor
    however, having driven a T8 2000 miles in the Transcontinental Run in '67, from Ind. to L. A., in the summer, and as it was literally a "junkyard dawg", THOSE particular memories not as let us say "refreshing" as yours, LOL!

    (wonder what happened to it? soon as I got back home to L. A., sold it to a guy in Ind. who flew out & drove it all the way back, broken skirt on a piston & all!!!!!!! - maybe in Souers "boneyard", LOL????)
  • terraplane8
    terraplane8 Senior Contributor
    Luckily my one is in very good original condition and has a low mileage fully rebuilt engine too. It's the twin side-mount 4 door sedan with luggage rack. Of course the luggage rack badge is missing, otherwise the car is complete in all the small details. According to the Norwegian I bought it off (in Norway - the car was one of six identical green ones imported there new and this was the last one left in the country) the car had never had much use evidenced by tell-tale signs such as the lack of wear on the brake linkages etc.
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