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Commer . 113
Page 10
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N0 fewer than five of the seven exhibits are of recent introduction. A feature of several of the models which have, during the past few weeks, been added to the Commer range is that, although they maintain the Commer reputation for sound construction and the provision of an ample margin of safety, the prices are such as to ensure a wide appeal.
One of the most popular models for the coming season is certain to be the Raider. This is a 30-mvt. chassis with a six-cylindered side-valve engine developing 56 b.h.p. at 3,000 r.p.m. It has a four-bearing crankshaft, farce-feed lubrication and cast-iron pistons, which are standardized in this power unit. A special feature of the cooling is that the water from the pump is directed across the cylinder block towards the hottest points—the exhaust-valve seatingsparticular care being taken to keep down the temperature at points where two exhaust valves are adjacent.
The four-speed gearbox is unitmounted with the engine, and drives to the spiral-bevel rear axle through an open propeller shaft. The rear springs are of the progressive type and are underslurw. The chassis is priced at £225, and the wheelbase is 10 ft. 6 ins.
Another example of the Raider is shown with a drop-sided lorry body. The coachwork is also by Commer Cars, Ltd., and the complete vehicle, in Priming colour, is priced at £267.
D20 A slightly larger vehicle, but one embodying the same type of engine and gearbox construction, is the Centaur 2tonner. The exhibit in question is of the long-wheelbase type, giving a loading space up to 11 ft. 6 ins, behind the driver. The frame has a depth of no less than 7 ins., and the wheelbase is 12 ft. 9 ins. An alternative wheelbase is 10 ft. 6 ins. The longer model—that on the stand—costs £265, whereas the short type, with a loading space of 9 ft. 2 ins., costs £248.
An old favourite which is exhibited takes the form of a 5-ton tilt van. In this case it has forward control, and utilizes the Commer four-cylindered 74 b.h.p. engine. The specification follows the general lines which have been adopted by this concern for several
years. The vehicle in question is priced at 1998, the chassis costing £820.
At the 1929 Show the 06 type made its first appearance, and may be said to have introduced to this country the feature of the set-back front axle, which is so much in evidence at Olympia this year. It gives legal axle weights, improved tyre loading, and marked accessibility for the engine. This vehicle has a six-cylindered power unit developing over 100 b.h.p. Its performance is reassuring. There is ample power either for fast long-distance work or shortdistance heavy-duty haulage. When the brake pedal is depressed, all the shoes in the rear-wheel drums are brought into action. Dual servos are employed for the service brakes.
The smallest of the passenger range to be shown is the new Centaur, exhibited as a 20-seater service bus. It has a companion specification to that of the Centaur goods model, but, of course, it varies in certain detail respects in order to comply in every way with Ministry of Transport requirements. This vehicle has Willowbrook bodywork and costs £595.
Another new model is the Corinthian 24-26-seater coach. It has a 65 b.h.p. engine of similar design to that in the Invader, and a gearbox embodying the same features—the silent third which, in respect of commercial vehicles, was pioneered by this concern.—Commer Cars, Ltd., Luton.