Technology

The X-Ray picture of the M1 prototype clearly shows that the car was not a four-seater, but rather a '2+2': two neat seats for adults in the front, two (folding) seats for smaller children in the rear. There were also plans for a transverse rear seat that would have sufficed for an adult.

The photo clearly shows the small folding seats of the prototype, which in this form would only be suitable for children - and for short distances.

The rear axle is sprung by coil springs and, as the small lever shows, damped by a lever shock absorber.

The chassis was completely made of light metal sheets, additional stiffening resulted from the body also made of light metal.

The M1 Rover engine with its cylinder capacity of 700 ccm developed 28 bhp - that is 40 bhp / liter displacement - and took full advantage of the unique Rover valve arrangement (IOE = inlet via outlet).

To accommodate large luggage, the rear of the vehicle was fitted with a lower hinged luggage compartment lid designed as a luggage rack without disturbing the lines of the vehicle.

At first they had considered developing a small open two-seater. But they feared that the design might be too modern for the conservative public - and initially decided on the 'M1'. The mini-coupé in the background was developed from the roadster model. In both cases it remained with the small models.

Source of pictures: "The Motor", August 10, 1949