Converting High-class Car Chassis for Van Duties
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WE illustrate on this page a new VY and attractive van that has recently been commissioned for service by Postans, Morley Brothers and Birtles, Ltd., the well-known paint-manufacturing concern of Trevor Street Works, Birmingham. It consists of a converted 6i-litre six-cylinder Bentley chassis with the normal four-speed gearbox and back axle. The modifications which were needed were surprisingly few and simple in their nature.
To begin with, the engine was completely stripped, but reboring was found to be unnecessary, although the chassis had covered 80,000 miles. The wheelbase was lengthened 1 ft. by cutting the chassis in two and welding in an extra section. Stronger springs were made for use at the rear in order to carry the increased weight. Two S.U. carburetters were fitted in place of the single Smith-Bentley five-jet carburetter originally installed. The $ront wheels were left unaltered, but those at the back were built up to stand the extra weight and fitted with 32 x 6 truck-type tyres.
The chassis modifications were carried out by George Brown, of Greet, c24 Warwick Road, Birmingham, and the smart body was built by Thomas Startin, junr., Ltd., Aston Road, Birmingham, the van being finished in the operator's Quicksynth synthetic coach enamel. Incidentally, this enamel is obtainable in a wide variety of shades for commercial vehicle applications.
The total cost, including the purchase of the 1928 Bentley saloon, chassis modifications and body
building, was under 4300. The result is a vehicle which the company considers to be unparalleled in its class for appearance, speed and reliability, whilst it is expected that repairS and replacements will be extremely low.
The vehicle is capable of a speed slightly in excess of 80 m.p.h., and yet it will pull away without any trace of snatch with a load of 30 cwt.-2 tons from below 5 m.p.h. in top gear on the level.