Two New
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BEDFORD
Passenger
CHASSIS
Full Details of 14-passenger and 20passenger Models which Comply in Every Respect with the Ministry of Transport Regulations
Fon some time it nas been nnown that General Motors, Ltd., Edgware Road, Hendon, London, N.W.9, has been experimenting with passenger chassis similar in. funds.
mental features to the two Bedford 2tanners.
The two passenger models have similar wheelbase measurements to the goods' models, namely, 10 ft. 11 ins. and 13 ft. 1 in, the former being in_ tended for 14-seater and the latter for 20-seater bodies. The frames are slightly arched over the rear axle, and are extended to obtain the full benefit of the legal overhang. The principal dimensions of the two models are as follow :—
14-seater. 20-seater. ft. ins, ft. ins. Wheelbase... JO 11 13 1 Overall chassis lengtCwith bumpers 18 4% 21 4 tyres (excluding wings) 5 3% 6 31/2 Maximum legal overall Ground clearance ... 0 10% 0 1Cti width (body) ... ... 7 2 7 Chassis weight 3 30
The overall width of 7 ft. 3;i ins, for the 20-seater applies when the unladen weight of the complete vehicle is 2% tons or more. Should the • complete vehicle weigh less than 214 tons the overall width is restricted by the Ministry of Transport regulations to 7 ft. 2 ins.
A 12-gallon tank takes the place of the 8-gallon fuel tank on the goods models, and it is fitted on the off side instead of being located under the driver's seat. There is grouped lubrication to all chassis points .from the rear axle ease and from all cross-merahers behind the rear" axle...
The braking layout is no different from that on the goods inodel but in the place of rod-linkage 'ping and split pins, bolts, nuts and Split-pins nike used. . The 20-seater chassis has 324n. by 8-in. high-pressure tyres all round, including twin rear tyres, whilst the 14-seater has 32-in, by medium-pressure equipment, again with twin rear tyres. A mechanical type pump is fitted to the gearbox.
The electrical equipment comprises a 12-volt instead of the 6-volt dynamo, battery and starter and the dynamo is of a special C.A.V. type with self-adjusting output, so that the driver has no charging switch to look after.
The appearance is made smart by a chromium-plated radiator of the familiar Bedford design, and by a wide bus-type bonnet. A chromium-plated double-fronted bumper is fitted. The front axle, of course, differs from that on the goods carrier, the springs being set wider apart in order to meet with the regulations. For the same reason the steering arms are polished instead of painted. Hub-nut shields are fitted on the front wheels.
Another modification concerns the rear springs, these being of the progressive type and having four auxiliary leaves, which come into action when under heavy load, mounted between each main spring and the axle.
We are glad to note that the chassis does not differ in main detail from the Bedford goods models, because the latter are proving satisfactory in service, and the interchangeability of spare parts will be appreciated both by operators and dealers. The new machines are sure to attract public-service-vehicle operators who are interested in the smaller types of passenger vehicle. They are, of course, entirely British, being made at the Luton works.