37 Seats in Latest Bedford Duple Coaches
Page 37
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DELIVERIES are now commencing of a new series of Bedford coaches and buses with bodywork by Duple Motor Bodies, Ltd., The Hyde, Hendon, London, N.W.9. By extending the body from 27 ft. 7 ins. to 28 ft. lI ins., maximum seating capacity is increased to 37, although the shorter version with 33 seats will still be available. Both types of • body will be produced either 8 ft. or 7 ft. 6 ins. wide. A further new development is a SuperVega coach which will offer a more advanced degree of comfort. This is not yet in production.
The normal capacity of the longer coach body will be 35 seats, whereas the bus will be fitted with 37 seats as standard. The larger-capacity vehicle will, however, cost the same as the earlier shorter model-12,530 complete when 7 ft. 6 ins, wide and £2,565 when 8 ft. wide. Comparable prices in the two widths for the other models are as follows: Mk. VI bus, £2,345 and £2380, and the Super-Vega, £2,690 and £2,725.
The Super-Vega has polished timber mouldings in the interior,. veneered roof panels and matching decorative motifs, carried out in moquette, under the parcel racks. Moquette trimming of interior panelling to match "the upholstery is another new item, and the seats are of an improved type, incorporating individual beadrolls.
In the driver's compartment, which is enclosed behind a half-height bulkhead, the appearance of the dash panel has been much improved. Plastic floor mats and a leather-cloth engine cover are fitted as standard.
Available Extras Heating and radio equipment will be available as extras for the coaches, and special seating arrangements, including adjustable individual seats, may be Specified. Toughened, curved-glass quarter panels in the roof may be fitted, in this case above polished tubular luggage racks in place of the cantilever, solid type normally provided.
Structural details of the body remain as before, the framing consisting of steel pillars and bearers with timber fittings and steel truss panels. The exterior panelling is carried out in 18-gauge aluminium sheet except for the front and rear domes, where 16gauge sheet is employed. Unladen weight of the 37-seat model with glass roof quarters is 4 tons 16 cwt. in the 8-ft.-wide version.