Современное автомобилестроение. Сахарова Н.С. - 95 стр.

club members. Specialist sales such as the outdoor Autojumble (of which Beaulieu’s
in September is the largest) have put huge quantities of old car parts into circulation.
The Museum finds, however, that often parts have to be specially made, after all most
of the spares which you can find are all used items anyway, and are possible in worse
condition than the part which you have got! We are often asked about the availability
of tyres, particularly those unusual beaded edge tyres used on older cars. Dunlop in
particular still manufacture the majority of tyre sizes for older cars. Using old
patterns they use modern materials, so a very high degree of reliability is now
obtained.

   Exercise 1. Read the text and answer the question “Why is it so difficult to find
the appropriate spare parts?”

   17.11 Text 11
                                   The Grand Prix

    The first motor races were held on the open public roads of France. This soon
proved to be too dangerous as cars became faster. Brakes were poor, and dogs and
children ran freely across the road.
    The first Grand Prix was held in 1906 on a 64 mile circuit near Le Mans, France.
The race took place over two days in the heat and dust. Racing cars before 1908 had
become a type very distinct from touring cars. They were monster machines weighing
1000 kg with engines up to 20 litres and capable of 90 m.p.h. During races a
mechanic rode with the driver for the many repairs and tyre changes which were to be
expected. Between 1922 and 1925 power outputs doubled, and with superchargers
speeds of 130 m.p.h. could be attained. The great teams of the 1920s were Alfa
Romeo, Fiat, Sunbeam, Delage and Bugatti.
    1930s Grand Prix racing was dominated by the Italians and Germans. The mighty
Mercedes and Auto-Unions were the most powerful racing cars built and capable of
200 m.p.h. The Italians continued their supremacy in the 1950s but then Britain
became a force to be reckoned with. Were British teams such as Cooper and Lotus
led others followed, for they revolutionised racing car design.
    Since the World Championship began in 1950 the drivers have become the focus
of public attention. Juan Manuel Fangio was a living legend winning 5 World
Championships in the 1950s, and Jackie Stewart won a record 27 Grand Prix. Other
great British drivers were Stirling Moss and Graham Hill.
    The driver today dresses more like an astronaut in his protective suit, helmet and
life support attachments. Their cars cost £250,000 and are the product of the latest
technology.

   Exercise 1. Read and translate the text

   Exercise 2. Answer the question – Why does the driver today dress like an
astronaut?

                                                                                      95