> Since we are discussing strange measurement systems, I have one that has
>bugged
> me for years. I recently saw it crop up again in my latest issue of Classic &
> Sportcar, with regard to the early Triumph Glorias and the Southern Cross.
>What
> the heck is hp? One of the cars in the article was described as, "A 10.5 hp
> model featuring a 48 bhp engine", or something to that effect. I'm assuming
> that it is NOT some arcane method of measuring horsepower. My first wild
>guess
> is that it has something to do with weight. Could someone from across the
>pond
> educate a confused American?
Not from "over there", but I've had this explained to me before.
The 10.5hp rating is a "tax rating", which is based on a formula
that includes bore, stroke, and a rather antique notion of specific
power. It has nothing to do with actual horsepower.
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John R. Lupien
lupienj@wal.hp.com
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