Cheaper James Handyvans for 1938
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ONE of the first manufacturers to announce its 1938 programme, the James Cycle Co., Ltd., Greet, Birmingham, is introducing an improved Handyvan 8-cwt. three-wheeler at a price reduced to the attractive figure of £99 15s.
The new model is available with two types of body—a closed van and an open truck. In both cases the bodywork has been simplified, whilst the chassis remains substantially the same as in the past. Among the means adopted for effecting a saving in the cost of production is the substitution of a composition board, as a material for panelling, for the metal formerly used,
Following in the train of this alteration, are detail changes in the shape of the body. This is now of squarer build, the curved sides and radiused corners baying been eliminated.
However, the most marked modification in respect of the main body lines, is in connection with the front of the driver's compartment. Where formerly the petrol and oiltank filler taps protruded through a scuttle in front of the windscreen, on the new model the panelling merges directly with the screen, the filler caps being accommodated inside the cab.
Moreover, the lamps are now recessed into the front panel, to form a flush exterior, instead of being carried on brackets and projecting at each side. The new arrangement is definitely neater and more pleasing to the eye.
No side doors are standardized in the new machines, but curtains can be provided at extra cost.
On both the truck and the van, a tailboard is now included; in the case of the latter vehicle a curtain is employed to close the space above it. The standard finish
of the 1938 models is green, this having proved, during the past season, to be the most popular colour. Variations can, of course, be made to special order.
Of 75 cubic-ft. capacity, the van has internal measurements of 4 ft. 10 ins. long, 4 ft. wide, and 3 ft. 11 ins. high. With regard to the lorry body, this is 4 ft. 4 ins. long, is the same width as the van, and has 1-ft. 3-in. sides, Both models are subject to an annual tax of 034.
Rated at 10 h.p., the power unit is a V-type 60-degree twin of James manufacture. Its piston-displacement is 1.096 litres, and it is air-cooled. This feature is much appreciated by users during frosty weather. The drive is transmitted by a single-plate clutch and three-speed gearbox, whence a balanced propeller shaft, incorporating two fabric-type universal joints, transmits it to a spiral-bevel final drive, differential and semi-floating axle shafts. The wheels are shod with 27 by 4 tyres.