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An Improved
Page 116
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Singer 5-cwt Van
Larger Loading Space, Better Performance and an Improved Chassis Frame the Outstanding Features
THE design of light goods vehicles follows closely that of private cars, so it is to be expected that each advance made in the manufacture of cars would be accompanied by a corresponding advance in small commercial vehicles. it is fairly obvious that this should be the case, for the average four-seater or five-seater saloon is designed to carry 6 cwt. or 7 cwt. of personnel, and little modification is required to make a small chassis suitable for freight loads. Naturally, there are certain items in the specification walch are peculiar to the commercial outfit. It may be taken for granted that, in producing an improved 5-cwt. van, the Singer Co., Ltd., Coventry, has drawn upon its extensive experience in the production of small-powered cars. The frame of this particular model is thoroughly substantial with downswept, pressed-steel side-members joined by well-flitched cross-ties. The wheelbase is 7 ft. 6 ins, and the track 3 ft. 9 ins.
The body itself provides accommodation for 53 cubic ft. of freight, the interior dimensions being as follow :—Width, 3 ft. 61ins.; height, 3 ft. 6i• ins.; length from behind the driver's seat, 4 ft. 4 ins.; and floor area, 15 sq. ft. As only a driver's seat is provided, it is possible to carry packages up to 7 ft. 6 ins, long extending into the cab.
As the weight of the complete van is under 12 cwt, it is taxed at R10 per annum. This relatively light weight is due, in part, to the fact that the body 'panelling is built up entirely of sheet aluminium, the ash framing being c50 scientifically designed to give adequate strength without the use of unnecessarily heavy sections.
The four-cylindered engine, with bore and stroke dimensions of 60 mm. and 86 mm. respectively (972 c.c.), has overhead valves operated by an overhead camshaft and develops 25.4 b.h.p. at 3.500 r.p.m. This output provides a good power-weight ratio, and it is claimed that a speed of well over 50 m.p.h. can be obtained on level roads.
A detachable cylinder head makes decarbonizing a simple matter, and in view of the fact that the aluminium-alloy pistons are specially designed to keep down oil from the combustion chambers the engine may be considered as a serviceable type, despite its undoubtedly high efficiency. Ignition is by high-tension coil and distributor, with an automatic advancing and retarding mechanism, whilst a Solex " self-starter " carburetter supplies the mixture, fuel being fed from a 4i-gallon gravity tank in the scuttle.
A cushioned-centre single-plate clutch mounted unitwise with a three-speed, centrally controlled gearbox transmits the drive to a semi-floating-type rear axle having a spiral
bevel final reduction and a spur-gear differential. Lockheed brakes are applied by the pedal, whilst the hand lever operates independently on the rear wheels. The 6-volt electrical equipment incorporates a starter, and the usual electrical instruments arc included in the standardized price of *315; this is the cost of a van completely primed, but unpainted.