Type 409

The 409 heralded yet another change to the radiator grille which was reduced in overall area by rounding off the corners at the bottom as well as softening the radii at the top.

• The main headlights are still set into a flat panel.
• To improve the electrical performance an alternator was fitted.
• The springs fitted are softer than the 408 and the car is lighter overall.
• It is fitted with a slightly higher axle ratio increasing the top speed slightly but since this is not a performance guide it is sufficient to say that the engine fitted as standard of capacity 5211cc is quite adequate.

Technical development of the 409 from chassis 7351 (the mythical series 2, a special note)

As with the 408, revisions were applied to later cars in the production series more conventionally called by the registrars and owners alike the series 2. This has been misleading and not correct. Unlike the 408, the changes were not advertised as such by the maker, nor were they indicated by any change in the body shape or body number code prefix. The changes in fact were entirely mechanical.

I have talked with our Patron about the need to get this and other details of the previous edition (Issue 1.10) ever nearer to the mark and in keeping with the company approach. Registrars and all informed Club members should not refer to the divide as 409 series 1 and 409 series 2 in order not to compound this misconception. They can be correctly assigned the description of the earlier and the later specification 409s. In keeping with this approach you will note that the type column now describes all correctly as 409. The 8 cylinder spreadsheet has been modified to match.

• The handbook states that at chassis number 7351, power steering was introduced. It effectively reduced the effort needed to turn the steering wheel at low speeds, such as when parking. This trial was successful and the principle was adopted by the company in later models.
• As can be seen from the club chassis list, a different batch of engines were fitted from chassis number 7355.
• Some of the later cars are also reported to be fitted with the first of the proper dual braking system circuits to be offered, unlike the split system approach previously described fitted to early 404s.
• The tyres fitted were 6.00 x 16 Avon Turbospeed.

Sub-contracted bodywork

The body panels for the production series were manufactured on body bucks and mated to the chassis outwith the factory, by Park Royal Vehicles Ltd of Acton.

409 Special or Non Standard Body cars

None are reported at this time.