For the racing series, I notice tire compounds aren’t specified anywhere, so I’d like to check;
semi-slick tires are allowed/expected in the R1 and R2 classes, correct?
Knightwick goes racing
The 1959 Knightiwck K40 roadster Letara racing series
Introduced in 1958 the K40 was a purpose-built lightweight sports car using a modern unibody platform but also sharing components with other Knightwick models to lower the list price and make parts available for repair and service.
The racing variant used a prototype twin cam headed version of the 1491cc engine allowing the engine better breathing and over 100bhp in full race trim.
The body and interior are much the same as the road car as it was already very lightweight and stripped out.
Consumer cars.
The first is a 1955 facelift to the Dragonfly sedan. The exterior receives high mounted headlights and new chrome trimmed grille with front indicators to replace the series 1 semaphores. Mechanically the engine has been upgraded to 1094cc now with 43bhp and more useable torque, the engine also now runs on regular fuel with only a tiny penalty to economy.
The second model is the 1956 Harris 1500 bringing the Dragonfly upmarket in the segment. The engine is the larger 1491cc Knightwick “B” engine as used in the K40 roadster. In this car it produces 59bhp making the car much more at home on the highways of Letara.
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The Aero Zipp
WE’RE GOING EVEN SMALLER!
About Aero in 1955
Overall, performance in Letara was considered average by Aero in the first few years. Sales in Letara were similar to most other non-Japan markets, with little to report; other, that is, than the results of the Portunis Cannonball run, in which Aero is pleased to boast a perfect reliability record! (Aero considers the crash at the end of the 1954 run to be a case of human error, and not a failure of the car itself)
It became clear pretty quickly to Aero throughout the late 40’s and early 50’s that there wasn’t much of a market for kei trucks and wagons outside of Japan; unless a market had a specific push towards smallness (which most didn’t), microtrucks simply didn’t provide any cost advantage. so while Aero continued to make Kei trucks and wagons for Japan, it began pulling these models from other markets into the 50’s. It kept its coupes in most places, however, as they usually did seem to attract at least a niche market.
As for lobbying, that was a mixed bag. Aero was happy that it was able to save the Center headlight along with Alira’s help, and that Letara was able to at least make some progress towards the phasing out of leaded fuels. They were also happy to see an emphasis on safety being fronted- but were appalled at the nonsensical way the new safety regulations were implemented. Aero found that the safety regulations were far too demanding given the technology of the day, and also found that they seemed to do a very poor job of actually making cars safer- though that is a discussion for another time.
About the Zipp
The Zipp is the next iteration of Aero’s formula. It’s small and cute, fun to drive while still being cheap and efficient; and most importantly of all, it still boasts semaphores! Now made in Letara, this compact, cute city-coupe is exported all over the world- primarily to Japan. And in a country as hard hit as Letara, Aero figures a car that’s cheap to run and loads of fun may be exactly what Letaran citygoers need!
Aero has ditched the “oversized” and “inefficient” 786cc engines from the Move, and has filled their lineup with 2 brand new, torquey engines; a 360cc engine for Japan’s kei regulations, and a bored-out 640cc engine designed for more upscale consumers. The former engine puts out 8hp (very little, yes, but not abnormal for microcars of this era), whereas the latter puts out almost double. In the Zipp, these engines also found their way to the rear of the car, to improve its handling and make the interior more spacious.
Also, around this time Aero began putting much greater emphasis on the car’s status as city vehicles; Advertising for the cars exclusively showed them in tight city environments (except, of course, the race version), and dealers were required to encourage potential buyers not to take the vehicles onto closed-access highways or roads with high speed limits.
This is the base model, available only in 1 tone color, and with the 360cc kei engine. It is intended to be one of the cheapest possible cars to own, thanks largely to an impressive 4.7 l/100km fuel economy. It also requires less than $500 in service costs.
This is the premium model, available in 1 or 2 tone color schemes, and with the bored-out 640cc engine. It is slightly more expensive than the base model in every way, but comes with more power and features, making it hopefully more fun to drive.
This is the convertible model, available in multiple paint/roof color combinations. The convertible version of the Zipp began production in Aero’s Letara factory in 1956, and was available for all trims worldwide, however due to Letara’s safety regulations, the convertibles could not actually be sold domestically.
Eventually in 1959, Aero was able to find enough loopholes in the broken law to get it through, but only by inflating the car’s cost drastically. So in Letara alone, Aero decided to present the car as a low-volume, limited edition version of the Zipp; available only with the larger engine, and with the most prestigious options Aero offered, including a radio and whitewall tires.
And here we have the R1 racing version, painted the same black/yellow as its predecessor. This Zipp goes all out in performance, with a custom 1.6L engine making 62hp (double its predecessor), and the highest quality available radial tires, while maintaining the focus on reliability from the cannonball run. This car is significantly below the required cost, but that’s because Aero literally couldn’t find anything else to spend money on; after all, the Zipp is a very cheap car.
9 Likes
Thought at Aero… Of a brand from Island, founded by Quwertziopü Asdfghjkl. 
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The Niichi Motor Company is proud to present:
Niichi Kinema -- New for 1960
With the spacious Kinema Estate, the premium Deluxe, and the economical Standard trims, there’s a Kinema for everybody
Kinema Deluxe - Featuring Niichi’s 1900cc 77hp Kuras inline-four
Economy - Elegance - Excellence: The Niichi Motor Company Promise
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From Rhania, To Aero:
“You’re telling the public that the Aero Zipp costs 500 dollars to be maintained while our Rhania Hunter Type-M that we have sent to the government has more power and substance is also around 500 dollars?”
Chapter 2
By 1955, Capital maintained a solid reputation in Letara, being one of the main contributors to the luxury vehicle market with the K6. However, The directive board knew that the difficult times the country had been going through since 1952 had made an impact on their customers. Austerity was on the rise and smart spending was the new trend. Capital had to not just look better, but BE, better.
When the Letaran state announced a new bidding for the National Park guard’s new fleet of trucks, Capital quickly showed up with a proposal coming from one of its subsidiaries, Fitz.
Although it was still unknown in Letara, this brand had earned a big reputation in other countries, leading the light utility truck market. Their sole model, the C90, was chosen and heavily modified to be proposed to Letara’s state.
Safety, drivability and comfort were the main parameters of what would become the Commodore’s succesor:
the 1956 Capital Emissary
The Emissary was conceived as a nimble road cruiser. A newly designed inline-6 was installed, reaching 106hp, while keeping the original transmission setup (4-gear-manual). While it wasn’t much of a performance car, it did well enough to do 0-100km/h barely over 10 seconds, while also being able to reach 170 km/h.
Despite the economic situation, Mako pushed for a new luxury flagship car for the company. Now that Capital owned the coachbuilding company Pegazzo, they were tasked with designing a new body for the Emissary platform, which, 2 years later, it would become the Grand Emissary.
During this period, Capital dropped the basic trims for their future models in order to focus on periodic facelifts to keep up with the competition. That’s why in 1961, a new Emissary was unvailed.
The shaded headlights and rear fins gave the car a sportier look compared to the first iteration. To keep up with the looks, the humble inline-6 was replaced with a powerful V8, coupled with a new 3-speed automatic transmission.
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From AMCW to Rhania:
You mention that your government vehicle cost $500 of your dollar to service. We inform you that cheapest AMCW Scout cost less than $335 to service, and is capable to carry second truck.
Perhaps, spend less time concerned with others, and more time design cars?
Signed,
Vilzahir Jupard Rhuthan-Selgald of Valraad.
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From Rhania, to AMCW:
“Your design of a truck under the assumption was probably built with steel from the U.S.S.R, outdated technology that even our tractors don’t use, little to no entertainment, no power steering, and most of all the execution of Carl Senn which would lead many other companies to investigate the rather peculiar nature of this brand.”
“You can use your powers against this brand, understand that we could do the same as well. So it would be wise to consider not. Before you talk about the cheap maintenance of our vehicle, tell us your fuel economy. Farewell .”
(Part of lore)
In 1959, the Rhania factory in Cuba got captured by the communists and so by making these statements, we are trying to gain some relevance as we don’t have an advertising department.
From Aero, to Rhania:
We second what AMCW said earlier; Perhaps you should spend less time snooping into others’ pre-release details, and more time designing your own cars? And perhaps, if you do wish to snoop further, you should do so via private communications rather than public press releases?
The Aero Company.
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To Rhania:
We do not know of this “U.S.S.R.” that you speak of.
That said, yes, we use steel in our vehicle, as it is quite durable in crash. We power vehicle with half of I6 engine, which we use in Minerva Solarian. Has overhead cam, not exactly out of date. We do not know what an “infotainment” is, but we do include AM radio. Also power-assisted steering.
As for your spies in my palace, I will have them found, tried, and executed. This is act of war. We are proud warriors, and in war, you will not win. Surrender, and we may yet have mercy.
As for fuel economy of Scout, it gets 16.8 of your liters to 100 of your kilometers. Should you wish further discussions, you may come here and speak with my spymaster, Kadinya.
Signed,
Vilzahir Jupard Rhuthan-Selgald.
1 Like
Official Statement from Canadian Motors
This letter is directed in response to the criminally recklesss behavior by a certain company.
Firstly, we must address the criminal actions made by the Rhania Corporation.
Clearly you have not learned since our last warning letter we have sent to you back in 1947-1948, and we are especially less than pleased with your recent behavior that you keep participating in.
We are very displeased with you attempting to use your cars’ “advantage points” as leverage over our cars - as seen in the case of you using the O636J “Chieftain” and Kessel cars are benchmarks for your cars. You can rest assured that our highly-trained media and legal team will be contacting you to ensure you comply and take down all advertisements depicting your cars as the superior choice; this is purely propaganda fodder as we see it. We are well aware of the USSR and are actively addressing the threat of the Reds.
As a response to your actions, we hereby in accordance with the compliance of governments have revoked your ability to access countries that are within the umbrella of the British Commonwealth.
We are also coordinating with AMCW and Aero along with HUAC to investigate and deport anyone potentially deemed as spies.
No further reply neccessary if you are the Rhania Corporation.
If you are a company we consider an ally, we look forward to speaking with you,
Canadian Motors
A company for all.
1 Canadian Motors Circle,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
+1 519-XXX-XXXX
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Mayland Motors
Press Publishing Department
More Information Arrives!
February 5th, 1963
Hello, hello! Mayland Motors finally brings you the long awaited updates on the new Mark V. The latest and greatest from the masterminds in the design, engineering and assembly departments here at Mayland, the Mark V is considered, by us, to be the most innovative sports car we’ve made yet. The styling, while inspired by European luxury GT cars, will hopefully allow it to stand out from the crowd while also proving that an American auto manufacturer can also make luxurious long distance cruisers.
However, when that’s said and done, the Mark V is not just some feeble attempt to be like the European grand tourer cars, it is made to be the American GT car. It is fast in a straight line, but has better cornering abilities than other cars in its class, it has a gigantic V8 in a package not much bigger than a US market compact sedan, and it is made to be practical, effectively becoming something we like to call a Muscle GT.
Currently, several options are available in our domestic market, but to make things more simple we will list the options we are going to be making available once the Mark V goes on sale in Letara.
Engines:
Normally we have three engines (a 6.2L V8, a 6.7L V8 and a 7L V8), but for now, only the 7L V8 is available for sale in Letara.
Transmissions:
Unfortunately, at this time we are only offering vehicles equipped an automatic transmission at this time. We do plan to introduce manual transmissions to export models at a later point, but we will be sticking to the ZARTEK ZR-3 automatic for now.
Comfort Features:
Adjustable seats, a standard feature across the entire lineup.
Radio, standard feature, AM connectivity
Phonograph, optional, but can be fitted by dealerships.
Heater, standard feature across the entire lineup.
Air Conditioning, standard feature across the entire lineup.
We at Mayland are glad to be welcomed so warmly to selling our products in Letara and we hope that some day we will establish a full dealer network and assembly plant in this humble nation. But until then, look out for any new press releases from us as we get ready to land in Letara.
P.S.
We have recently learned that an automaker known as the Rhania Corporation has been engaging in corporate espionage and it is unknown to us whether these allegations are true, or if there have been any further incidents involving them. Our only words are those of warning, to any company that is unaware of these occurrences, we urge you to please be weary of any newly hired employees acting suspiciously or any burglaries at your factories and administration buildings.
This message was written personally by Mayland Motors founder and CEO, Charles Mayland.
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To AMCW,
“This is now marks a war.”
“Your agency filled with militaristic personal woukd be counteracted by the connections I"ve made in Brazil. The Almad Perididas are now notified as my guards for if any issue was to escalate, and I’ll tell you this your majesty: I will not back down, nor will the Rhania corporation for that matter.”
“Another thing thing to mention is that half a six cylinder that you claim to use, I do not believe that it would possibly have more than 60 horsepower at best.”
Signed, Rhania Gurangardo
To CM,
“To your dismay, we have stated a simple that of which came to be another’s offense. If you were to build a better government vehicle, then maybe I would have seen it as something to overcome but alas you wished to snatch the contract for itself by trying to be first.”
“We cannot legally be charged for false advertising or “propaganda” as the advert made by the Rhania corporation did not have the usage of altered information. The advert contained factual information regarding the performance of the vehicle that the Hunter was being compared to. There was no usage of false information and the facts presented in the advert were confirmed by your adverts that claimed the performance of those vehicles making us not responsible that our vehicles had factually better statistics than that of Kessel or CM. Propaganda would more be like if you were to convince other companies and the government through press releases stating the “harm” of Rhania to plant your own success.”
“I will bring my lawyer Derrick Bluewater to battle against your nonsensical claims against me. We will battle it out, and tag some of your so-called “allies” if you’re sure about your petty argument.”
“Before I end this letter, I would like to say this about your company. You are a tool. You serve a purpose through means of altering conditions of the Commonwealth such as banning Rhania’s access to those countries.”
“Also I sent a bottle of cognac along with this letter, it’s Rhania’s newest branded cognac. It’s been blended for 16 years and we’ve decided to give you the 1st out of 1,000 soon to be made limited bottles. Use this as a piece of decoration if you don’t trust me, give it to an employee, or have a party. This is a letter to you. ”
(A note for the legalities, could we just do it where we send in this chat our arguments and call this like an unofficial part of the LHC where 12 jurors will judge our claims and statements to see who is right? @benjamintamilia )
BENETSCH IN THE 1960S - Premium yet En-Masse
After a moderately successful landing in Letara during the early 1950s, Benetsch had to weather the country’s economic problems; While the rich were still capable of buying new cars, the Soresian company still found itself having to reduce the imports of its expensive, aluminum then-flagship, the Buhrie. In such conditions, most premium companies would avoid making commitments - but not Benetsch. Betting early on the economy’s recovery, Benetsch dropped several hundred jobs towards the cause directly by building a local final-assembly plant. This plant, however, was not meant to assemble Buhries; Instead, a new car would be put together within its walls.
The Benetsch Gwesda was the linchpin of the company’s expansion plan: a compact luxury car, packing the excitement and prestige of Benetsch’s earlier models into a smaller, cheaper and - critically - steel-bodied package. With a 98-inch wheelbase, it was nimble and light - and powered by lightweight, all-aluminum V6 engines.
The Gwesda 31 Fierst is the straightest example of the ‘downsized luxury’ vision. With interior quality not losing a single step to the likes of the Buhrie, the familiar near-fastback styling (though de-finned and squared off for the 1960s) and the brand’s newly developed 3-speed automatic, this car was meant to provide the highest level of comfort you could still lug through a small European town somewhat. Powered by a 3.1-liter V6, this car would climb to 60 in 12 seconds and reach 100 mph with minimal fuss.
But if you needed to go lower, there were the non-Fierst cars, with a comparable equipment level to the lesser Buhries (which were discontinued due to slow sales). The one pictured, a 26U, sports the most basic powertrain - a 2.6-liter V6 and a 3-speed manual - but provides top-tier practicality for a rear-engined car due to being an estate (albeit, as seen below, with a tall engine doghouse) with an added frunk. And it’s still a damn sight more comfortable than a family estate from a mainstream brand.
The advanced unibody construction of the cars allowed them to pass most state-mandated crash tests - included all Letaran ones - with flying colors. For Benetsch, it was good PR in a manufacturer climate where all the economy manufacturers complained of the regulations’ stringency.
As earlier, Benetsch offered a performance version, as well. The 38SK package, available only in the two-door car, transformed the compact into a veritable pony car. Armed to the teeth with the V6’s bigger sibling - a 3.8-liter, 4-barrel V8 - the SK rocketed to 60 in just 7 seconds and pushed on to a top speed of 131 mph.
Said engine, pushing 190 net hp but usually quoted as “235 SAE gross”, uniquely came mated to a 4-speed floor-shifted manual; interior choice was limited to high-dollar ones and always featured a Fierst-style wooden center console. Whereas the other trims were meant to satisfy the needs of a middle class that Benetsch hoped would appear, the 38SK was a hero car, closer in price and stature to the larger models and seemingly only remaining small for the sake of being lighter.
That said, both SK and regular coupe models always came with sizable rear seats. It wasn’t like Benetsch to go crazy - not with a road car, anyways… For true craziness, you need but look at what first rolled up to Lerance Speedway in 1959.
Benetsch had been slow in transitioning from a road race supporter to a modern track stable proprietor, believing road races to be more exciting and realistic in terms of engineering. However, by the late 1950s, racing and road cars had grown considerably - so now Benetsch had no choice but to launch a formal racing program. Before full-blown racing prototypes could be built, the company made do with heavily modified road cars. It’s still more amazing, then, that one such frankenstein was able to race at the highest level of racing in the 1950s: The GBK, a heavily modified streamliner Gwesda, raced in the unlimited class. With a huge 7-liter V8 built exclusively for racing and pushing north of 400 horsepower, this rear-heavy beast was built for endurance and extreme straight-line speed.
So, such was Benetsch at the turn of the decade: Building a hopeful middle class workhorse and occasionally turning it inside out to be a wild track racer. Only time could tell if this strategy had paid off.
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Mocabey introduces new lineup of large vehicles
Mocabey has seen the Letaran people cry out for bigger and better commercial vehicles, and after years of development we have delivered. For those who need enclosed space, we have the Warehouse, because frankly it’s a warehouse on wheels. For the farmers who just need to throw stuff in the tray, we have the Haymaker. We even have a passenger SUV on the platform, the Pioneer, for those who need space for six people and their cargo.
From left to right: Warehouse, Haymaker, Pioneer
The commercial Warehouse and Haymaker come with Mocabey’s brand new truck sized straight six, the all-iron beast producing 210bhp with a two-barrel carburetor, and simple Macpherson strut front suspension for easier servicing and improved off road performance. Seen here in RWD form, the Warehouse can carry a tonne of cargo inside itself and tow nearly as much, for just $15,800.
All three vehicles also have the option of 4x4 and locking differentials (even with RWD), shown here on the Haymaker, and come standard with skid plates. With those options equipped, a farming family of four can vault over the toughest terrain Letara has to throw at them.
For the families who wish for more seats and more comfort, the Pioneer comes with double wishbone front suspension and is standard with several interior furnishings and an improved sound system that are optional on the Haymaker. Also standard is world class safety engineering and a four-barrel version of the giant straight six, producing 235bhp. Even in 4x4 spec, the Pioneer starts at $21,000 with the manual transmission.
For the Letaran Government: the Mocabey Oreamnos
The Oreamnos features an updated version of the standard Mocabey straight six, this time fitted with a two barrel carburetor to improve reliability without unduly compromising power or fuel efficiency and producing 105bhp. This engine will also run on unleaded or leaded petrol as poor as 85 octane.
It has a selectable 4WD system and locking differentials as the demands of rough terrain require nothing less. All terrain tyres are fitted to maximise off road potential while maintaining some semblance of on road comfort, and the interior is fitted with the furnishings one would expect from a regular consumer vehicle.
With the four speed manual transmission, the Oreamnos will tow 1500kg, yet unburdened it will reach 120km/h. We offer this vehicle for $13,700.
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New for 1963:
The Edgewater Silverstone GT and Silverstone GT-R
Silverstone GT
The Edgewater Silverstone GT is an expressive, beautiful machine. The Silverstone GT is fitted with dual- Double-Wishbone suspension, making for a responsive and nimble car, factory-built for winding roads and tight corners.
The Silverstone GT comes standard with an aluminum 1.8L inline 4 good for 100 horsepower, and 4 wheel disc brakes.
Silverstone GT-R
The Edgewater Silverstone GT-R takes everything good about the Silverstone GT and amplifies it. A liveried body and subtle body kit gives the Silverstone GT-R a more aggressive stance. The responsive handling is made better by sticky Sports Compound tires. The suspension is slightly stiffer, making for a track experience unrivaled by anything else on the road.
The Silverstone GT-R comes with a top-of-the-line 2.0L aluminum inline 4 with Dual Overhead Cams and Fuel Injection™ technology, making for 180 horsepower and a blistering 0-100 of 6.2 seconds.
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Capable Motors New Vehicle Lineup!
From Capable Motors Co.
Letara has endured some hard times recently, and here at Capable Motors Co., we are dedicated to building vehicles which make your life easier. That’s why our new pick-up truck for 1955 is capable of carrying a ton of cargo! That’s right, the Capable Lugger has the capability of lugging 2,110 kg! Didn’t have time to dry out your harvest before needing to send it to market? No worries. While lugging wheat with a moisture content of 20%, the Capable Lugger can lug 71 bushels! Even with all that wheat, there’s still space left in the cargo bed, so no need to worry about your crop falling out.
Not a farmer? Well the Capable Lugger has you covered, with the capability of lugging 750 liters of aluminium! That’s 1,241 whole .032 gauge 2’ x 4’ aluminum panels! And no need to fret if your aluminium plant lacks paved roads. The Capable Lugger comes equiped with a 4x4 drivetrain, and manually locking differentials. The all-terrain tires are as capable off road as they are on road.
If you need to lug some cargo, the Capable Lugger is for you!
A contract was released by the Letaran government, for a 4x4 ranger off-road vehicle to patrol Mont Modred National Park. We at Capable Motors Co. engineered the most capable off-road vehicle there is! The Capable Wayfarer is equipped with a 4x4 drivetrain, manually locking differentials, and tires specialized for off-road travel.
That’s not all, though. A motorized winch in the front can rescue any stranded vehicles, remove tree stumps, and assist in construction of stations in the wilderness.
The bright yellow and white paint contrasts with the brown and green of the forest, improving visibility of the vehicle.
6 high-powered auxiliary lights, 2 in the front, 2 on the sides, and 2 in the rear, makes search and rescue missions in the night a whole lot easier.
And our innovative new siren allows the Wayfarer to act as a mobile, off-road ambulance and fire truck.
Cargo capacity of 1,830 kg.
No place in Letara is too remote for the Letara Wayfarer
Want to get your hands on the Wayfarer? We made a consumer version which lacks the specialised ranger equipment, but is just as capable in every regard. 5 seats means no problems with bringing the entire family, and with the large space in the trunk, you can bring all the camping equipment you have.
For dedicated off-road travel and fun, buy the Capable Wayfarer C!
New for 1959, is the Capable Lugger P!
While the Lugger has standard seating, the Lugger P has premium seating and a new high-tech radio.
The most impressive capability of the Lugger P is its improved capability for lugging cargo.
4,260 kg! A totally unsurpassed amount of lugging will happen when you drive the Lugger P!
The Lugger P is capable of lugging 2,482 .032 gauge 2’ x 4’ aluminum panels!
For all your transportation, shipping, and lugging needs, buy the Lugger P!
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