A NEW PARCELCAR
Page 68
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Unusual Features
WE have on numerous occasions pointed out that there is a large potential market for a really satisfactory parcel carrier which can deal expeditiously with light but fairly bulky loads. Until comparatively recently the prewar Autocarrier was the most popular type, and numerous examples of this make are still to be seen in operation after 15 years on the road. Now, there are several different makes on the market, some carrying loads up to 1 ton, but it is exceptional to find a British-built model really designed to carry loads as low as 3 cwt., the majority of the vehicles of this capacity being sidecar machines.
We are impressed by the neat and
workmanlike appearance of the new Ivy three-wheeled parcelcar built by S. A. 'Newman, Ltd., of Lichfield Road, Birmingham, and marketed, with the body painted in any colour to order, at £70. This vehicle is so easy to drive that it has been proved to be quite safe in the hands of youths aged 14 years.
What appeals to us most in the design is the cab arrangement for affording protection against the weather, and this without impeding the driver's vision. A window in the partition behind the driver also gives an adequate view to the rear.
The body is mounted on semi-elliptic springs, and the bucket seat for the driver is attached to the body, and, consequently, is sprung with it.
The power unit employed is a one-cylindered two-port two-stroke, with a bore of 73 mm. and a stroke of 79 mm., giving a capacity of 348 c.c. The chassis is built of U-section rolled steel, The front brake is operated by a hand lever, whilst internal-expanding, pedal-operated brakes r provided for each rear wheel. A differential is embodied in the rear axle and the driving shafts run inside a casing, being carried in Thuken roller bearings, following car practice. A Sturmey-Archer threespeed gearbox is driven by chain from the engine; the drive to the differential is also by chain.
As the loading platform is built low, the centre of gravity is also re duced, giving good stability. The dimensions of the body are: Length, 4 ft.; width, 2 ft. 10 ins.; whilst the height can be, in accordance with requirements, from 3 ft. to 3 ft. 9 ins.
We have already referred to the protection Of the driver, and this is additionally secured by side curtains, legshields and footboards.
It is claimed that this ileat little vehicle is very light in petrol and oil consumption and, owing to the careful selection of the gearing, is quick in getting in and out of traffic, which, of course, is facilitated by the small space which it occupies. The equipment includes electric lighting, with Lucas dynamo, two headlamps and tail lamp, and Dunlop tyres.