THE COMMER
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PROGRAMME
Chassis Modifications • and Price Revisions
DURING the year which has elapsed since the Commercial Motor Show, Cominer Cars, Ltd., Biscot Road, Luton, has, been turning out chassis in larger numbers than ever before and, at the same time, effecting a drastic reorganization of the works with the object of still further improving the output. By discarding old plant and installing the latest methods, it has been found possible appreciably to reduce prices on several models in the range, the decrease in certain cases being as much as £100. At the same time, the quality has been improved by reason of detailed refinements in design.
In order clearly to set forth the alterations which have been made, we will deal with the models one by one, taking, in the first instance, those in the goods-carrying range.
First is the G2, which has been raised from a two-tonner to a 40-50-cwt. model. It will be remembered that this chassis has a six-cylindered engine with unit construction for the engine and gearbox, the latter component having the celebrated silent third speed. The oil pump now has a larger capacity, the valves are of 511chrome and the design of the pistons has been modified. In place of 33-in. by 5-in. tyres, B28 32-in. by 6-in, covers are now standardized. Additions to the equipment consist of a Dewandre vacuum servo and an electric petrol gauge; front wings are now supplied with the chassis, which costs £445. This represents a reduction of £20.
Next is the G3 3-ton goods chassis, which takes the place of the 23GN 21-3-ton chassis. This model has a four-cylindered engine with auxiliaries grouped on the near side. The gearbox is separately mounted and drives an overhead-worm axle. —
This_chassis now has a deep radiator of the type popularized on the Invader and G2 models, whilst front wings are supplied as standard. The radiator mounting consists of rubber bushes around the supporting studs, precautions being taken to prevent spewing of the rubber. Rubber bushes also are employed around the rear mounting bolts of the engine. Other new features include the grouped-nipple system of I lubrication, a duplex-chain distribution drive in place of thp gear train formerly employed, and the fuel is supplied by a camshaft
driven pump instead of by a vacuum tank, The prices of this model remain unaltered, namely, £555 on solid tyres and £610 on pneumatics.
The Same modifications and improvements which apply to the G3 3-tonner -hold good in the ease of the G4 4-ton chassis. In this case, the new prices are £680 on solid tyres —a reduction of £70—and £725 on pneumatics—a reduction of £100.
Again, in the case of the G5 5loaner, the alterations mentioned in the case of the G3 are operative. The prices show reductions ; in the case of the solid-tyred model it has dropped by £70 to £725, and by £100, when having pneumatics, to £795.
By reason of its unique design, the G6 6-7-ton six-cylinder chassis Was 'attracted considerable attention. It will be remembered thaf the front axle is set back a considerable distance in order to improve the weight distribution, to contend with legal axle-weight restrictions, and to ease the burdens on the rear-wheel tyres. This chassis still sells at £935 on solids and 1995 on pneumatics.
Changes in the specification include the use of two vacuum servos. Both are operated by the pedal, and, by means of an ingenious inter-locking system on the brake-camshaft levers, the two sets of shoes in each wheel drum are expanded when the pedal is depressed, whilst only oue pair of shoes is brought into action when the hand-lever is operated. This reduces the tendency for the formation of " shoulders " in the brake drums and increases appreciably the frictional area wfthout calling for the manipulation of two brake controls at the same time. Front wings are now supplied at standard, and the' 'engine lubrication syStein has been modified.
Turning to the passenger-vehiclE -range, the Invader chaSsis for 20seater bodies has 32-in. by 6-in, reinforced tyres in place of those of 5-in. section hitherto supplied. The headlamps -now have dipping reflectors, whilst Newton:Bennett shock absorbers are installed both fore and aft. The steering wheel is now 1 ft. 8 ins." in diaineter and front wings are supplied as standard equipment. Engine modificatidns include a larger capacity oil pump, Silchrome valves and improved pistons. The silent third speed, which has been a feature of the Invader, is, of course, retained. The price of the Invader is unaltered —£495. The wheelbase is 13 ft. 6 ins.
A similar chassis, but having a 15ft. 6-in, wheelbase, is one destined for service as the basis of horseboxes. The improvements listed in respect of the Invader hold good in this case, whilst the price has been lowered from £570 to £550.
The Avenger chassis for 32-seater bodies still costs £995, but the price now includes front wings and dipping reflectors to the headlamps. The London sales of Commers are now handled 'from 35, Stratton Street, London, W.I.