A QUADRUPLE-PURPOSE COACH BODY.
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A New All-weather Saloon, the Design of which Incorporates Many Distinctive and Original Features.
THE modern motor coach, and particularly the smaller type of vehicle, is being constructed more closely to resemble the limousine touring car. The conventional type a coach with orthodox seating will always appeal to a certain class of passenger, and is perhaps the most serviceable type for general all-round requirements. This type of vehicle is not good enough, however, for the better class of passenger, who desires the maximum of comfort apart from the mere hot of road touring. To popularize motor coach travel amongst this class of passenger, a type of vehicle which possesses features more generally associated with private-car practice will have to be devised, and the first step in this direction has been taken by London Lorries, Ltd, of Spring Place, Kentish Town, London, N.W. 5, who have just delivered a body which has many distinctive and original features of design.
The body is mounted on a 2-24-ton Dennis chassis, one of the outstanding feRtures of which is the suspension system, which renders the chassis particularly suitable for passenger-carrying, and the complete vehicle undoubtedly pays fitting tribute to the skill of the chassis maker and bodybuilder alike.
The body is of the flush-sided torpedo type, with a single near-side entrance, and a central gangway between the armchair seats, which are arranged in pairs. It is fitted with -a handsome V-front plated windscreen, each half being divided. Each side of the body is fitted with a plated all-metal framework, so constructed as to form a complete unit and accommodating frameless windows either raised or lowered. Each window is operated by a mechanical lifter,
which positively retains it in any position. The whole unit can be instantaneously lowered into a recess between the inner and outer panels, and folds perfectly level with the top fence rail. When in use it is quite rigid and free from vibration, being firmly locked by speoial forged joints. The folding headwork is also a separate and distinct unit, but acts in conjunction with the side framework. It is composed of tubular hoop-sticks, at the feet of which are attached special cast shoes so made as to slide easily along the top of the side framework top rail. Thus, the whole of the hoopsticks Can be brought forward or taken back at will. These hoop-sticks and the back metal pillars and joints are all grouped together and secured, and fold down on the back rail as in cabriolet and landaulet bodies.
The waterproof cevering is fixed to the side and back quarters, whilst the roof portion is entirely free, being secured when in position by patent fasteners to the top member of the side framework. When not in use this material is rolled back and is retained on the upright back hoop-stick. The body is accurately designated a four-purpase all-weather motor coach, for it can be used in the following peal ;— • • • (1) As an entirely closed coach, with the side windows and hood up (2) As a semi-open coach, with the hood up and the side frames regulated or entirely lowered, (3) As an open coach,' with the hood down, but with the side frames up, thus forming ideal dust and wind screens.
• (4) As an entirely open coach, with both hood and side frames down.
The seats are luxuriously upholstered in blue antique leather, and finished at the backs with grey pile carpet and a serviceable plated rug rail. The interior side panels are how-shaped and panelled i out n polished mahogany, into which are recessed the plated window lifters. An instrument board is fitted with the usual speedometer and switchboard, from which the electric roof and outside lamps are operated.
Three roomy boxes are fitted, one at the rear and one on each side running board, for the accommodation of passengers' personal luggage, whilst a wide folding bottom step makes entrance and exit safe and extremely easy. The body and chassis are enamelled. silver-grey, with the side fence rail in a deeper tone and the wiugs in black. a From this briefdescription it will be gathered that very careful thought has been given to the production of this body by Mr. F.. Careens, the managing dime. • tor of London Lorries, Ltd., whose improvements and designs have been carried out in conjunction with the Beatonson patent head.
Judging by the number of orders already placed for this body, it has met with immediate 6tiocess. It can be built in all sizes, to carry 16, 20 or 25 passengers, and can, of course, be mounted on any type of commercial vehicle chassis. The vehicle promises to set a fashion amongst -those desiring high-class and comfortable road travel, for it certainly incorporates all those features which are looked for by the discriminating coach passenger who desires something above the mediocre. It should be stated, in conclusion, that the body on the vehicle we have described is the first, of a large number which have been ordered by the South sea Tourist Co., Ltd., of Middle Street. Portsmouth, from London Lorries, Ltd
This company started passenger vehicle operation 10 years ago, and they now possess a big fleet of Dennis coaches.