Few British Vehicles for Geneva
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AT such a bright, well-attended and international Show as that which opened at Geneva yesterday, it seems regrettable that the British representation on the commercial-vehicle side, and particularly amongst the "heavies," is so meagre. It is difficult to understand the reason for this, as foreign vehicles are there in large numbers, and although Switzerland is a small country and the opportunity there for the sale of British vehicles may not be great, the Show is well attended by buyers from the Continent and elsewhere.
This report deals only with advance details of some of the British exhibits, but other vehicles may be displayed by Continental agents. Next week the Show generally will be reviewed.
The largest range is that of the Rootes Group. Amongst the Commers there are an Express delivery van, medium-duty pick-up, a Superpoise 25-cwt. van, a 54on Superpoise long
wheelbase chassis with cab, a• 5-ton forward control underfloor engined chassis with cab, and a sectioned overhead-valve six-cylinde red engine, as used in the Superpoise. The single Karrier exhibit is a Bantam 2-ton chassis with cab.
The only Austin model is the A125 ambulance, a distinguished-looking vehicle based on a long-wheelbase chassis with powerful six-cylindered engine, independent front suspension; hypoid axle and Lockheed hydraulic brakes. It can carry two• stretcher cases or one stretcher and six sitting patients.
One vehicle which is attracting much interest from the technically minded and those who have to operate vehicles under the most exacting conditions, is the all-purpose Land-Rover, which is shown both as a complete vehicle and as a well-finished chassis.
First introduced in 1948, thousands of these vehicles have been supplied for exceptional work. -Svvitzerland is one of the overseas territories where their unique qualities have been found especially useful, and many are in use there.
Of the three models staged, one has a rear power take-off with pulley Unit for belt drives and, at its front end, a capstan winch driven from the front of the crankshaft through a dog clutch and universal shaft. The second has a quickly detachable metal top providing an enclosed weather-proof body for goods; or scats can be fitted -for four inside passenger's.. "The other vehicle has a metal cab. accommodating, the driver and two passengers, and is designed to be operated as a small pick-up truck.
Fratclli Ambrosoli, of Zurich, shows a three-way tipper with Wirz Swiss body. This is on a Dodge chassis which is of particular interest in that it is powered by a Perkins 105 AL/P6 oil engine.