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• Willowbrook brings back the curved treatment
Page 144
Page 145
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by Martin Hayes
WILLOWBROOK today announces a brand new luxury coach body which marks a major change in thought by the Loughborough coachbuilder. After the square-sided 002 — introduced at the last Earls Court Show — comes the 008 model complete with curved sides. Willowbrook hailed the 002, which is to continue in production, as something "completely different". The 008 is greeted with similar words though, in its side profile at least, it is not unlike the products from Blackpool and Scarborough.
Willowbrook has decided that for the top end of the luxury market curves are a must. It is hoping to get the new model into production by January next year and is setting a minimum target of 200 to produce in time for the next coaching season.
Styling of the 008 is said to be based on sketches by Willowbrook's chairman, the ebullient George Hughes. The resulting vehicle has a sharply raked laminated screen swept up at each side to the level of the side waist rail. This line is continued for the length of the body.
One of the most impressive things about the new body is the treatment of the front. Below the eye-catching screen is a matt-black grill flanked by three headlamps on either side. A stainless steel bumper is fitted, mounted directly on to the chassis. Into this is recessed side, flasher and fog lights. The front registration plate is on a hinged panel which opens to give access to the towing eyes mounted on the chassis.
The rear end features a single-piece window set at an angle. The boot lid is designed to allow luggage to be loaded without having to be lifted over a sill.
Construction of the 008 is basically similar to that of the 002. Steel top-hat section pillars are used for the side frames. A full-depth interior stress panel runs from floor to waist rail. The panel, which is chromate treated to resist corrosion, is solid riveted to both pillars and waist rail. Roof sticks of a similar construction to the side pillars are used and these are riveted to the cantrail. The floor is of 12.5 mm (I/2in) plywood treated to resist fire. Side panels are in aluminium and are flush-fitting without exterior moulding straps apart from those used to cover joints between metal and grp panels at the front and rear corners. Grp is used for front and rear panels, wheel arches and entrance step well.
The body will be available in 10, 11 and 12m form and is designed to fit all the conventional chassis. The show model is an 11 m job on Bedford YRT chassis. On this 5.6m (18 ft 6 in) wheelbase chassis, front overhang is 2.2 m (7 ft 31/4 in) and rear overhang, 3.3m (10ft 10in), Interior height is 1.8m (5ft 10% in). On the Show model an outwards opening door, 0.9m (2ft 1114 in) wide, is used. Production models will probably have inwards opening power doors.
Executive trim
The Show model is in full executive trim with a toilet and galley area at the rear. Because of this there is no need for full-depth side windows at the rear and the body waist rail is stepped upwards from the back axle rearwards. Conventional coach versions will not have this treatment.
In the front of the coach there are 15 individual swivel chairs, each with its own integral lap seat belt. These are arranged to leave an S-shaped gangway down the centre.
Further back is a secretarial area comnlete with typewriter, dictaphone and so on. Opposite this is a four-seat conference area.
At the rear is a galley and bar unit capable of service hot and cold meals and drinks, as well as a fully equipped washroom.
A videotape unit is mounted behind the driver's seat.