A NEW FRENCH EXPRESS DELIVERY CA-R.
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The Appearance on the British Market of a Small Tradesmen's Carrier Built to Transport 3 cwt. Loads. A Light Car Chassis Modified for Business Requirements.
THERE HAVE been several instances in the past where light car chassis have been adapted for the carriage of geode in small quantities, but, although such vehicles possess the undoubted merits of simplicity, economy and reliability—features which should particularly appeal to the small class of tradesman—it is singular that few, if any, of these little commercial carriers have gained an enviable popularity, deserved though it may be in certain instances.
The reason for this is, perhaps, not far to seek. The great obstacle to the pro-' gress and extended use of the small carrier built to carry 3 cwt. or 4 cwt. is, of .course, the Ford, which, it must be frankly admitted, claims a big share of the light van market. The standard Ford model, it is true, carries 7 cwt., and its capacity is double that required by certain classes of tradesmen, but such is their method of reckoning that—be it right or wrong--they are inclined to favour the vehicle that will carry double the quantity of goods (not necessarily at the most economical rate) and for which in many cases an extremely low initial outlay is demanded. They also have the experience of other small users upon which to base their estimate of the utility of the Ford.
It may not always be pleasant to face facts, but it is doubtful whether any small vehicle will make headway on the British market until it can give the highest mechanical efficiency, together with proportionate low cost, according to the quantity of goods to be carried, and a service and spare parts organization comparable to that. behind its most serious foreign rival.
In spite of the meagre market which at present exists for light chassis (other
than the Ford) we do certainly welcome the appearance of further models on the market, and for two reasons : firstly, because it shows that-manufacturers are making a bold bid to secure a tooting iii
i a market pregnant with possibilities, and, secondly, because it prevents the market becoming wholly monopolized by any one vehicle.
For this reason we are pleased to witress the arrival of a new 3-cwt. carrier made in France. It is about a twelvemonth ago that a new French-produced light ear chassis, styled the Derby, made its debut to the British market, a-nd it is this vehicle which, in broad outlines, forms the present commercial model. The Derby light car has many successful performances to its credit la British competitions, and its reputation should aid the progress of the new unit in the businese world.
.Quite apart from this, however, Orton and Co., Ltd., The Broadway, Mill Hill, London, N.W. 7, Who are sole comessionnaires in this country for the Derby chassis; point to the fact that the running -costs of the carrier—including all expenses for tyres oil and petrel—is
coveredby Id. Per mile, This factor, coupled with those of low petrol and oil consumption, which are quoted at 55 and 1,000 m.p.g. respectively, should certainly induce small tradesmen to eon,$ider the merits and utility of the vehicle for their particular needs.
The engine of the Derby carrier is a four-cylinder unit with a 000 c.c. capacity. It bas a, bore of 58 mm. and a stroke ,d 86 mm., its R.A.C. h.p. rating being 8.3. The engine is the well-known Chapuis_Dornier, and the barrels of the four cylinders are formed in a single casting ; each cylinder head is detach
able. The thermo-siphonic system is used fur water circulation., and the cool ing effect is aided by a fan-cooled radia tor of ample proportions, which is protected by a stamped metal guard. For lubrication, the oil is forced to the main bearings, a constant level trough, into which scoops dip, being used for the big_ and bearings. Magneto ignition is em ployed, and the weil-knewn Zenith carburetter is fitted. In spite of the fact that the engine is completely enclosed, a feature is made of its accessibility for inspection.
The clutch and gearbox form a completely enclosed unit with the engine, which is three-point suspended. The clutch and gearbox unit, emanates from the same factory as the engine, and so aimple is its design that it can be re moved altogether from the engine in a short space of time. The clutch is of the floating-disc type, Ferodo-lined, and the gearbox provides three speeds for ward and a reverse. The gear lever control is on the box, and a patent locking device is incorporated to overcome the possibility of faulty gear changes. The drive is conveyed, from the gearLox by an enclosed tubular propeller shaft, which has a flexible metal joint at its front, end. The driving part of this joint is capable of a sliding movement on the gearbox shaft.. The back axle is of the bevel-driven type with a -single live shaft. The differential has been emitted from the design of the vehicle in order to simplify brake arrangement. Fah foot and hand brakes operate on drums in the rear wheels.
The wheels are of the detachable type, fitted with pneumatic tyres, 700 mm. by 80 mm., and a simple method of locking is employed. The worm-and-nut type of steering is employed. An extra leaf has been added to each of the back springs of the light car chas
sis in order to enable the vehicle to carry its rated quantity of goods, whilst, as one might naturally expect, a lower gear ratio is employed.
The carrier really has two separate goods compartments, that at the back of the driver being 2 ft. 7 ins. high by 2 ft. 6 ins, long, and a width at the back of 3 ft., tapering to 2 ft. 6 ins, at the front, whilst the dimensions of a capacious locker to the left, of the driver are I ft. 8 ins. by 1 ft. 4 ins. by I ft. 5 ins.
There is no fixed partition between each of these compartments, so that a com paratively long parcel can be easily housed. On a vehicle of this type the driver usually has to undertake the delivery of parcels, and to prevent waste of time when deliveries are being made, it has been arranged that the driver can reach the parcels from his seat.
The load capacity of the vehicle is 5 Owl.., and its price S1197 10e