Winton's 1903 Runabout twin-cylinder automobile had many interesting and unusual features. The engine was centrally located, driving an unusual two-speed transmission with a separate clutch for each speed and chain drive to the rear axle. The gears were in constant mesh but driven only when one of the clutches was engaged, so the driver of a Winton always had 'clash-less' gear selection. A similar principle is used in current Formula 1 'dual clutch' gearboxes. The same lever system that selected the gearbox clutches also engaged the brake band on the final drive sprocket. There were also contracting-band brakes on the rear wheels, applied by a foot pedal. The 5¼"x 6" bore/stroke engine displaced 260ci (approximately 4.3-litres) and had a rated output of 22hp using the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM) formula. A centrifugal pump circulated cooling water around the engine and through a radiator located under the bonnet at the front of the car. Additional water was carried in a dual compartment storage tank with fuel in the other compartment. Lubrication to both the engine and the gearbox was total loss, controlled by drip feeds and sight glasses. The unique feature of Winton's engines was the inlet valves' actuation system, which controlled their lift using compressed air. The carburetors had no throttle control but Winton's system of controlling valve lift regulated the amount of air/fuel mixture admitted to the cylinders and therefore the speed of the engine. Engine speed was also adjusted by the driver's control of ignition timing. The rear axle was suspended on full elliptical springs and located by trailing arms, while the front axle used semi-elliptical springs. Access to the two seats was facilitated by the right-hand steering column's hinge that swung the wheel out of the way. A single bullseye kerosene headlamp dominates the front complemented by a pair of sidelights, a dainty tail lamp, and a trumpet bulb horn. ----- Best viewed full size. Thanks for looking & commenting. Previous Photo: ----------- * RangeRiderRichard's Photo Albums: Architecture | Atmosphere & Mood | Landscapes | Critters | Flowers & Plants | Miscellaneous | Food | Artwork | Poetry | Holidays | People