A New Six-cylinder Medium-weight Chassis
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ANUMBER of modifications has been made to the StudebakerPierce-Arrow 3-4-ton chassis, and the new model is assembled at the works of Henlys, Ltd., 385, Euston Road, London, N.W.1, which concern is the sole concessionnaire in Great Britain for this make.
The latest chassis, which is to be known as the Panther, immediately strikes the eye, in that outwardly it closely follows the prevailing fashion in private-car appearance. The radiator cowl is of the vee type and is set at a slight angle. The wings are gracefully moulded to follow the lines of the radiator, and the bonnet is cut away at the front to take the valance, thus avoiding the usual gap between bonnet and valance.
The chassis includes the front half of a pressed-steel cab, and the vee windscreen and cab peak again follow out the motif of the design.
The chassis is available in the following lengths of wheelbase :-11 ft. 9 ills., 12 ft. 9 ins. and 13 ft. 9 ins., the respective turning circles being 24 ft., 27 ft. and 31 ft.
The design of the six-cylindered sidevalve engine follows that of the previous model, but modifications have been made to increase the performance and to assist in easy maintenance. The bore is 3-41 ins, and the stroke 41 ins., giving a capacity of 3,772 c.c.; 75 b.h.p. is developed at an engine speed of 0,200 r.p.m.
The engine is mounted at four points, the front mounting being on rubber pads. This, combined with a Lanchester vibration damper at the for-ward end of the crankshaft, and a further damper incorporated in the clutch centre, should ensure smooth running. •
Increased water space has been provided in the cylinder block, and a fourbladed fan driven from the water-pump spindle should give adequate cooling under arduous operating conditions. The dynamo is also driven from the 1349 water-pump spindle by means of a double belt ; a fan is incorporated in the dynamo, immediately behind the driving pulley. Air is circulated through the windings, cowls being provided for its outlet at the commutator end.
The Stromberg dowrAlraught carburetter is equipped with a large air cleaner, and the engine speed is limited by a Hardy B.W.-type governor.
The clutch and gearbox are mounted as a unit with the engine, the clutch being of the dry double-plate type. The gearbox gives four forward speeds and a reverse, the standard ratios being :— First,. 6.40 to TI; second, 3.09 to 1; third, 1.69 to 1; top, direct ; and reverse 7.8'2 to 1.
Two tubular shafts, supported by three metal universal joints, transmit the drive to the rear axle. The ma versal joints work on needle-type bearings and, being packed with grease, should require little or no attention.
The rear axle is fully floating, and an adjustable thrust block is provided on the rear edge of the crown wheel to take care of abnormal loads. The standard axle ratio is 6.8 to 1.
The frame is of sturdy construction, for the frame members are of 7-in. by 2i-in. by 7-32-in, channel section. Six pressed steel cross members ensure rigidity throughout the length of the frame. The self-energizing four-wheel brakes are operated by rod and cable, and are assisted by a vacuum booster. A simple ratchet adjustment is provided on each wheel. The hand lever operates contracting bands on a drum on the transmission line.
The chassis, complete with wings and half-cab, is to be sold for £395.