A CONTINENTAL TOURING COACH.
Page 67
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Some Details of an Interesting Type of Vehicle which Combines Large Luggage Capacity with an Excellent View of the Road.
IT is always interesting to study the means of road passenger transport employed in other countries. To possess a comprehensive knowledge enables the vehicle owner and user to decide which is the best to employ, and which is the type most likely to appeal, taking
into consideration the particular circumstances.
The vehicle which we illustrate is one designed for transporting passengers over very long distances. Several of this type are already in operation, and they journey through France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Necessarily for journeys of such length it is essential that a high degree of comfort be afforded, that all the passengers should be able to obtain a comprehensive view of the country traversed, and that this be combined with a large luggage rapacity, for each traveller must
The actual vehicle we illustrate is a Daimler-Lenz with a body built by Rheinische Verkehr Gesellschaft, of Cologne. It seats a driver, 18 passengers and an interpreter, the last-named being necessary because where so many countries are traversed the passengers may be of a variety of nationalities. Of the total number of passengers, 11 are accommodated in what may be called the observation cabin, access to which is afforded by three steps from the lower _portion. The roof is stepped and windows are provided all round this raised portion, thus giving the occupants in the higher scats a good view in every direction, whilst passengers in the lower portion can see through the ordinary windows. Under the floor of the raised portion is a capacious receptacle for the luggage; this is enclosed by double doors.
There are four large lights in the roof as well as ventilators. Ventilators are also provided above all the windows with the exception of the one at the rear, whilst for inclement weather the interior can be heated by hot air from the exhaust.
The seats are of the arm-chair type, most comfortably upholstered in tapestry and with parcel nets behind each.
The price of such a vehicle as this in Germany is approximately £2,000. The example we saw, and in which we had a short trip, was finished in a most luxurious manner.