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The Vauxhall 14-40 was introduced in 1922 and is a good example of contemporary best practice. In its first 20 years Vauxhall had established a strong reputation for sporting performance, and the 14-40 was their first vehicle aimed at the middle classes. The 14-40 has extensive use of aluminum alloy castings, a unitary engine clutch and gear box with a torque tube coupling to the back axle, half elliptic front springs with a beam axle and cantilevered rear leaf springs. The engine was heavily influenced by Ricardo, so as to have low friction levels and a good combustion performance. The engine design will be reviewed in the context of the fuel available in the 1920s. This paper reviews the vehicle technology in the context of its contemporaries, and makes use of contemporary engine performance data for tuning a simple engine model, the results of which are to be used in a vehicle simulation.

In the introduction of Automotive Engineering Fundamentals, Richard Stone and Jeffrey K. Ball provide a fascinating and often amusing history of the passenger vehicle, showcasing the various highs and lows of this now-indispensable component of civilized societies. The authors then provide an overview of the publication, which is designed to give the student of automotive engineering a basic understanding of the principles involved with designing a vehicle. From engines and transmissions to vehicle aerodynamics and computer modeling, the intelligent, interesting presentation of core concepts in Automotive Engineering Fundamentals is sure to make this an indispensable resource for engineering students and professionals alike.