The Latest in Light Vans.
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ANY USERS and potential users of light delivery vehicles will be interested to learn details of the new Westear 10-cwt. delivery van, which will be shown for the first time amongst the commercial vehicles at Olympia. This is an all-British vehicle embodying a large number of excellent points, including great economy in operating costs, for it gives 35 m.p.g., has an oil consumption which is almost negligible, and, on pneumatic tyres, is stated to average over 7,000 miles per set. The chassis follows the practice which has been incorporated for some time in the 12 h.p. car of the same make, and it is built by the Strode Engineering Works, Herne, Kent. Slight modifications have been made as regards the gearbox and rear axle, and, of course, the springs have been strengthened to meet the bigger loads. The power unit is a four-cylinder monobloc, with side-by-side valves and a bore and stroke of 69 mm. and 100 mm. respectively. This unit is three-pointsuspended in the chassis, and is thus freed from stresses due to any frame twist which may possibly occur. It is equipped with a gravity-fed Zenith carburetter, high-tenaion magneto, and therme-siphonie water circulation controlled by thermostat. The independent gearbox provides three forward speeds and a reverse. This also is three-point-ans pended and is provided with central change. A universal joint is fitted between it and the Ferodofaced cone clutch.
The propeller shaft is provided with a, universal joint at each end, and conveys the drive to a robust rear axle, in which the torque and drive are taken through the springs, which, incidentally, are -tong and flexible.
The five Sankey welded steel wheels are fitted with cord tyres, 760 mm. by 90 mm., and the steering gear is a Marks patent, which gives absolute freedom from back-lash.
The radiator is tubular, and its large area, combined with the thermostatic temperature control, renders the engine suitable for use in almost. any climate.
The chassis frame is a stout pressing of channel section, thoroughlywell braced. The wheelbase of this van is 9 ft., the track 4 ft. 2 ins., and the ground clearance 10-&ins. Seventeen sq. ft. of floor space is afforded by the body, and the driver is protected by the use of a glass screen.
The equipment included electric lighting, with an interior light, electric horn, driving mirror, etc.
At present we are not permitted to state the price at which this new van will be marketed, but we shall publish this in due course. We understand, however, that it is quite reasonable.