S.M. C.

12th November 1929, Page 181

12th November 1929

Page 181

Page 181, 12th November 1929 — S.M. C.

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COMMERCIAL vehicles manufactared by a special department of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co, Ltd., Wolverhampton, are shoivit on this stand for the first time. There arc three exhibits, all powered by sixeylindered engines of ultra-modern design and built to the high standatds usually expected in the private-car world for the products of this old

established motor-manufacturing concern.

The six-wheeled chassis was originally designed for double-deck bodywork to accommodate between 60 and 70 passengers; the vehicle exhibited shows the ample seating arrangements provided by a very large 67-seater body. The manufacturer has clearly not aimed at producing a low-priced chassis, but has . directed all efforts solely towards embodying a . standard of quality and performance equalling the best hitherto attained in the eounnercial-vehicle industry. No refinement has been omitted in endeavouring to provide such a chassis in which reliability, ease of maintenance, road comfort and long service are outstanding features. .

There are actually, two types of engine built by the sponsoring concern, one--the largerbeing rated at 45 h.p. and the , ether at 37.2 h.n.. In all respects, however, except in so far as dimensions are concerned, both types

are identical in design: '17he larger engine, having a bore of 110 mm. and a stroke of 140 mm., actually. develops 70 b.p.h. at 1,000..r.n.m. and 142 b,h,p, at 2,400 r.p.m.

This excellent power output is unquestionably due very largely to the shape of the combustion chambers, in which the valves are overhead and inclined to the axes of the cylinders. These valves are operated, through the medium of push-rods and rockers, from a camshaft contained in the crankcase, the valves on the side of the head opposite to that along which the camshaft lies being operated by push-rods which run, across the engine between the cylinder barrels. .

As might be expected, the crankshaft is carried in seven main bearings of ample proportions, all of which are fed by oil under pressure from a comprehensive lubrication system. This system, by the way, is of more 'than Passing interest, for a dry-sump prin elpIe is employed, the oil being carried in a separate container alongside the crankcase. Two pumps are used, one to scavenge the crankcase proper and the other to force the oil around the engine to all the major bearings.

The power is transmitted via a fourspeed gearbox to the rear bogie by a two-stage propeller shaft equipped with metal-type universal joints at all essential points.

The service brakes are operated through a Dewandre servo motor from the pedal, whilst the hand-lever applies a separate set of shoes in an entirety independent manner.

The smaller four-wheeled chassis, as we have already indicated, is built on similar lines, except in so far as engine size is concerned. In this vehicle, too, the rear axle is suspended on semielliptic springs and, with a wheelbase of 16 ft. 6 ins., accommodation is provided for 26-32 passengers, according to the type of bodywork. All detail work is beautifully carried out,

S.M. C.

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