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Belsize Progress Amongst Owner-Drivers.

12th September 1912
Page 9
Page 9, 12th September 1912 — Belsize Progress Amongst Owner-Drivers.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

We have emphasized the fact, in many recent issues of this journal, that future successful street trading oi the naotorcal lies, to a great extent, in the hands of the ownerdriver. Manufacturers are rapidly realizing this, and they are supplying highly-finished cabs to small men, which are bringing, by reason of their excellent finish, a large amount of business.

We hear from Belsize Motors, Ltd., that it has supplied several hundred cabs, similar to the one illustrated below, to various ownerdrivers, and, in a covering letter enclosing the photograph, the company tells us that owner-drivers when ordering these vehicles insist upon a well-finished body. The general get-up, sweet running and clean appearance of the cabs are responsible for a great deal of what may be called regular custom. An owner who has one of these machines in service has secured a certain regular morning "fare "from Putney to the City, for the simple reason that the " fare " took an instant liking to the vehicle. This cab is, we may mention, one of the well-known 14-16 h.p. type, chassis design. So pleased was the driver of the cab in question with his acquisition, that he persuaded several of his relatives and friends to club together in order to purchase a second cab of the same make. This action, we are well aware, is typical of many comparable instances. The second cab illustrated on this page is of an exceptional finish. We are informed that 25 of these machines have been sold in one district alone ; the striped panels, the sham cane with monogram on the door rails, and the bright brass finish throughout, even to the patent headwork, are largely responsible for these sales.

An interesting little incident was recently brought to our notice in connection with a cab of this type. It was being driven over Waterloo Bridge when its number was taken by a City business man, who afterwards got into touch with the driver, and made business calls with this cab over a distance of 140 miles stating afterwards that the smart appearance of the vehicle was a distinct help to him in his business.

Mr. I. Dalzell, of Bolton's Garage, James Street, Camden Town, N. W., is exceptionally pleased with the 19 Belsize cabs which now make up his fleet. The majority of these vehicles have been on the streets for 16 months, and they have, during that time, been looked after and kept in repair by one fitter and his mate. Mr. Dalzell tells us that he does not recall having had a cab in dry dock for running repairs, and his trouble in that respect has been practically nil. He is quite pleased with his tire mileage ; the petrol consumption averages from 20 to 25 miles per gallon, one cab in particular having recorded a steady 24 miles per gallon since delivery. This owner tells us, in conclusion, that, awing to the popularity of the Belsize cabs with London taxi-drivers, he has never experienced any difficulty in getting good men to drive the cabs.

It is evident that the. Belsize Co. means to share in this trade.

Tags

People: I. Dalzell
Locations: Camden Town, London

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