Motor Sri Lanka – July 2019

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Motor


maglanka.lk


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ead Substitute is specifically
formulated for engines with
unhardened valve seats such as
cars manufactured at a time when fuels
had lead additives in them, classic cars,
lawn-mowers, boat engines, stationary
engines etc. Lead Substitute is self-
mixing and is added to the fuel. The
contents of the can are sufficient for 250
liters of fuel.

Organic sodium compounds
The Lead Substitute forms a protective
coating on valves and valve disks.

No Heavy metal
compounds
Can also be used with
vehicles retro-fitted with a
catalytic converter

Features
Organic sodium
compounds form a
protective coating on
valve seats and disks.
This prevents deformation
and striking of the valves.
Protects against knocking,
pinging and backfiring of
the engine. Increases the
service life of the valve
seats, the outlet valves
and the entire fuel system.

LEAD SUBSTITUTE


For engines with unhardened


valve seats


“Uncle Topolino” – cemented on the silver screen
The Little Mouse has starred in so many Italian and Hollywood films from the time it was
introduced, that it is impossible to keep track of them all. So here’s one for the younger
generation. Recall the film franchise “Cars”, more specifically “Cars 2”. Now think about the
main character Luigi’s favourite Uncle? Why it’s Uncle Topolino, isn’t it? And guess what
he’s based on, a 1937 Fiat 500
Topolino! He’s married to Mama
Topolino (based on a Renault
Dauphine) and is the village’s
tyre shop owner, giving advice
on tyres and more to Luigi. Now
isn’t that a nice tribute?

How and Why of “Bug” Fiats
Talk about a Fiat 500 in Sri Lanka, and people would immediately think of the Nuova

500 and the later – Retro - 500. But chances are that (the older generation in Sri Lanka at


least) may have heard of the “Bug Fiat”. And that name is fondly allocated to the 500C in


local motoring slang. However, rather than the car having being named as a “Bug” Fiat just


because it looks like a bug; this name has a more colourful history.


Edward Mason was a Motoring Journalist in Sri Lanka who did a motoring page in the


Sunday Observer for many decades. He was born on November 26, 1915 to a respected


planting family in the Kegalle district.


His interest in cars began with his father’s three-wheeled Morgan! During his life of 86


years he contributed immensely to transport and road safety in general and motoring and


racing in particular.


After a stint in the Army, Edward Mason began his motor racing on December 7,


1947 when he entered his little Fiat Topolino for the circuit meet organized by the Ceylon


Motorcycle Club at Ratmalana. In the first race there were three Topolinos and Paddy


Philips beat the others. Mason confessed, “It was my first experience in racing and it cut


me down to size.” In the next event for cars under 1,000 cc. in his own words he had the


cheek to enter the little Fiat of 500 cc. against more powerful vehicles. He sprang a surprise


leading the more powerful Renault 4CV, Morris Minor and Standard 8 over a lap, but


had bad luck missing a turn and losing valuable seconds in getting back to the track. J.P.


Obeysekera took the lead in the Renault followed by R. de Livera in the Morris and the little


Fiat finished third despite the detour!


In the Monsoon Reliability Trials which commenced on June 5, 1948 from Torrington


Square and covering 461 miles, Mason entered his diminutive Fiat but no one was willing


to be his navigator! He knew the roads well and won the event despite not having a


navigator. It was his first win and earned the nickname of ‘Bugs’ Mason for having driven


the diminutive bug-like Fiat to victory.


From then on, Edward Mason became Bugs Mason... and the Fiat 500C became the


Bug Fiat!

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