AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Redesign for Sher

26th June 1982, Page 10
26th June 1982
Page 10
Page 10, 26th June 1982 — Redesign for Sher
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

MAJOR CHANGES have been made to the Freight Rover Sherpa range, and a completely new 2.8 tonne gross model has been announced. STEVE GRAY reports.

At first glance, one might be forgiven for thinking that Freight Rover has done nothing more than add a new grille to the old body, but the entire front end has been redesigned by Ogle, and the roof and side panels are changed too.

The dog leg B-post has been replaced by a straight one, and hinged door models now have wind-up windows. The changed side panels — they now have vertical seams instead of horizontal — have made an optional sliding, side-loading door possible.

Chunkier bumpers are fitted front and rear, and the rear doors have larger windows. For the first time, there is an optional single lift-up tailgate which has a single window and is supported by gas filled struts.

Inside the cargo area there is built-in provision for load lashing, and operators can choose where the spare wheel is located — either inside the van or in a special carrier underneath.

A more car-like look has been given to the cab area, with clothfaced seats and a wider instrument binnacle which now incorporates a clock. The steering wheel is of a soft grip type, and a special acoustic and vibration pack has been added to reduce interior noise.

Mechanically, the Sherpas remain more or less unchanged, with a choice of 1.7-litre or 2-litre petrol engines or 1.8-litre diesel. The four-speed synchromesh gearbox is retained, with the option of overdrive or a threespeed automatic box. The rear axle is unaltered, although the rear springs have differen bushes which, along with teles copic shock absorbers on thi front axle, should improve thi ride and handling.

In addition to the new 281 models, which Freight Rove says can offer up to 250 kg extr; load capacity, the company i: offering an electric Sherpa, ; four-wheel drive model (using Turner Spicer transfer box aril modified Land Rover axle), and ; Sherpa Leisure motor home.

There are also Luton and Higl top bodywork versions availabli direct from the factory. The Lu ton is built from linked allo, extruded sections which, say Freight Rover, eliminates thi need for riveting. A load capacit of 400 cu ft is claimed for thi Luton, and it comes with an alio, roller rear shutter door as stan dard, although the alloy rea frame can accept a taillift. Th roof is a translucent grp panel and the floor is made up of phenol-bonded composition.

With an interior headroom c over 6 ft, the high capacity val has 330cuft load space capacihi The cab remains steel, but thi rest of the body is of alloy panel fitted to a steel framework.

All Sher rai are primed am pre-treated in Freight Rover' new paint plant.

Tags

People: STEVE GRAY

comments powered by Disqus