AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

A Nobel convert

28th July 1984, Page 25
28th July 1984
Page 25
Page 25, 28th July 1984 — A Nobel convert
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?

EVEN IF VAUXHALL MOTORS has "no plans to introduce a Nova van", one of its main dealers — Cowley and Wilson of Milton Keynes — is producing _ light van conversions based on the Vauxhall Nova hatchback car.

The Nova Nobel is a 1,215kg (23.9cwt) gvw front-wheel-drive van with a quoted payload of up to 325kg (6.4cwt) with driver on board, and is available with a choice of 33.5kW (45bhp) 1.0 litre ohv or 41kW (55bhp) 1.2 litre ohc petrol engines.

The Nobel van retains the Nova hatchback base level trim package consisting of cloth seats and carpeted floor, and is supplied with the four-speed Vauxhall synchromesh gearbox as standard, although a fivespeed unit with a 0 .7 1 : 1 overdrive fifth gear is available as an option. Final drive ratios will depend on engine and gearbox specification.

The conversion work consists of replacing the Nova rear windows with spot-welded sheet metal panels and the addition of a 12.7mm (1/2in) plywood floor in place of the rear passenger seats. To satisfy Customs and Excise, all rear seat mounting brackets have also to be removed before the Nobel van can be taxed as a light commercial.

The conversion has full Vauxhall approval and does not affect the existing 12 month/unlimited mileage Nova warranty.

An interior load volume of 1.28 cum (46cuft) is claimed for the Nobel which has a load platform length of 1,206mm (47.5in), and a minimum width between the wheel arches of 914mm (36in). The rear load platform is fitted with a 101mm (4in) load restraining lip at the front, although a full height mesh bulkhead can be specified as can a reinforced wooden or metal floor. Interior van body height is 899mm (35.25in).

Average conversion time is approximately two days, and Cowley and Wilson hopes to produce two to three vehicles per month.

It is similar in concept to the Austin Metro Camion van converted by another Milton Keynes car dealer, Bletchley Motor Car Sales (CM, July 31, 1982) and is aimed at small service fleet customers using comparable Metro 310 and Ford Fiesta vans.

Prices for the 1.0 litre-engined Nova Nobel, which comes equipped with heated rear screen, rear wash/wipe, laminated windscreen, twin mirrors and inertia-reel seat belts as standard is £3,125 plus vat, while the 1.2 litre model retails at £3,250 plus bat.

CM had the opportunity recently to drive an unladen demonstrator around the twisting country roads north of Milton Keynes.

The van showed the same taut, sure-footedness of the larger Astra van with good overall handling and light positive steering. The retention of the car trim has helped keep interior noise to an acceptable level, and the standard seats give excellent support.

The 1.0 litre engine coupled with the four-speed gearbox is flexible enough, although for extended motorway work the 1.2 litre ohc unit is a more practical choice.

Overall the conversion appeared to be well carried out, although the vinyl interior body trim has not been continued on over the bare metal panels blanking of the rear window spaces.

One other noticable fault carried over from the Nova car is the uncovered universal joint at the base of the steering column which fouls the drivers foot when it is placed forward on the clutch pedal.

Tags


comments powered by Disqus