Birch Bros. Design New Taxi
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ANEW London taxicab in which provision is made to carry luggage within the body to the rear of the bench scat forpassengers, was introduced last week by Birch Bros., Ltd., Cathcart Street, London, N.W.5. They pioneered the use of the. Standard oil engine in London taxicabs and this unit is employed, in the new Birch cab, which has yet to be approved by the authorities.
The main objects of the designers were to provide improved comfort for the passengers, luggage accommodation within the vehicle, a more commodious driving cab, easier access to Mechanical units and improved stability.
The full-width partition behind the driver has been eliminated and as the luggage compartment is at the rear of . the body, it has been possible to place a rgarward-facing seat alongside the driver. The driving compartment is, B20 however, partitioned off from the passenger space.
As the main passenger seat has been brought well forward of the rear axle, riding comfort and stability have been much improved.
There is no partition between this seat and the luggage compartment, access to which is gained by a near-side door. This door can be swung well back, Where it is held by an ingenious lock. A feature of note is that the cab, complete with luggage, can be made secure against theft, which is not possible with existing taxicabs.
Fresh air without the need for opening the windows is provided by a scuttle-dash ventilator, which also feeds the heater unit when fitted.
There are no running boards arid to ensure an " easy" step height the main passenger floor is cambered. Included in the specification of the chassis. which was built by the Standard
Motor Co., Lid are a Standard 2..1-litre oil engine,-19Ydraufical1si operated fforg and Beck clutch, three-speed gearbox and hypoid-gear rear axle.
Piston-type dampers control the coil springs u se d in the front-wheel independent-suspension system and the semi-elliptic springs at the rear.
Park Royal Vehicles, Ltd., built the body of the prototype vehicle, which was made to the requirements of Birch Bros., ltd.