- - - - - - - - - - - 1958 - - - - - - - - - - -
In 1958, Epoch took their first steps into modern design and engineering. Having tested the waters with their independent suspension design the year previously with the Model 30 4.8, Epoch now released a Model 10 successor featuring fully independent front suspension and a modern 1289cc (79cui) inline four engine rated at 32.2kW (43HP). This car also was the first to carry Epoch’s new model designation, and was sold as the Epoch M10 A1300. Unlike other similar offerings at the time, Epoch retained the traditional rear-wheel-drive layout powered through a 3-speed gearbox, which proved to be more of a controversial choice than expected. Whilst this layout meant that interior space and comfort was reduced, Epoch had attempted to mitigate this by shaping the rear of the small car to imitate a wagon/van. This allowed the rear seats to sit further back, leading the M10 to have superior room length-ways compared to competitors, albeit with less space across the width of the car.
In the production and manufacture of this car, Epoch had inspected every process, making adjustments and changing procedures in order to minimise waste and rework. Simple things were implemented, such as utilising identical brake and indicator fixtures and just varying the glass colour when installed, using identical handles for both the doors and rear opening, and reducing the size and complexity of chromed bumpers. All of this effort led to a reduction in cost, allowing the car to be produced for only $610 ($5292 adjusted).
Shortly after the M10 A1300 was released, Epoch unveiled a sporting version of the same model. Designated the M10 A1500, this car featured a 1499cc (91cui) variant of the same engine with 50kw (67HP) of power, as well as a 4-speed gearbox, which led to a price increase to $732 ($6347 adjusted). Immediately recognisable by its lack of chrome, replaced with black-painted fixtures, and more aggressive wheels and exhaust. These improvements, along with more aggressive suspension, allowed the M10 A1500 to accelerate to 100 km/h in 13 seconds flat, and gave it handling characteristics that surprised and embarrassed many others on and off the racetrack. Customers were far more forgiving about the lack of space within this model, however the short wheelbase combined with the rear-wheel-drive layout caught many inexperienced drivers out, especially on wet roads.
- - - - - - - - - - - 1959 - - - - - - - - - - -
1959 saw the M10 lineup expand with the diminutive Epoch M10 A1300 Trayback. This small workhorse was basically a regular M10 A1300, with the rear roof and interior removed and a tray lining welded in place. Rushed out the door in order to fill a small, but growing market niche, the Trayback model was rough and unrefined (the welds were still easily visible in the rear tray), but it had a load capacity of almost equal its own kerb weight.
