A NEW FRENCH DUAL-PURPOSE CAMIONETTE.
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The Latest Product of an Old-established Company, which Can be Employed for Business or Pleasure Purposes.
MHE popularity_ of the NormandyJ. type camionette or light, open delivery vehicle in France continues to grow, mid this applies particularly to that which is fitted with the dual-purpose type body, enabliug the vehicle to be -used either for business or pleasure. France is essentially a country of small proprietors and small but prosperous businesses, and the. light van has naturally made very great progress, especially in the country districts.
The transformable camionette which gives its proprietor a comfortable and smart-looking private car for use on Sundeys and at holiday times, and a serviceable van during the week, is a fairly recent development. A fine example of this type of vehicle has just been produced by the old-established firm of Sigma.
The new camionette is mounted on the standard 11 h.p. (French rating) chassis. This chassis is a light but substantially built affair, and is constructed on modern French lines, The engine, which is supplied by the wellknown proprietary engine firm of 8.C.A.P., is a four-cylinder side-valve unit, with a bore of 70 mm., and a stroke of 105turn., and its power is conveyed through a single-plate clutch and a four-speed gearbox. Transmission is by -enclosed propeller shaft to the beveldriven rear axle, which has Gleason gearing.
Suspension arrangements' as is usually the case in modern French vehicles, are excellent. Rear suspension is by very long ii_df-ellipties, whilst nearly fiat halfellipties are provided at the front. The frame is straight-sided and upswept
gently over the rear axle. The side members of the frame have an inverted U-section.
Right-hand steering, and central levers are arranged as standard. Fourwheel braking is naturally employed, and the front-wheel brakes are of the Perrot type. Michelin wheels with 730 rem, by 130 mm. low-pressure tyres are fitted to suit French road con(Mines, as these do much towards damning out sboeks due to the many road inequalities.
When the vehicle is arranged in its touring trim for private use, it has a most attractive appearance. The body forms a two-door open torpedo with rather unusual leg room for the rear pasengers. The body is finished in a particularly hard-wearing kind of semileather. This finish is very popular in France at the present time ; it certainly would appear to retain a good appearance longer than paintwork.
In the Sigma camionette, the leather cloth is used for covering the bonnet, as well as the body. When it is desired to use the vehicle for business purposes, the rear seats are first removed. The 'detachable upholstery is next unbuttoned and removed. A special floor is then slid into position, making a level plat
form for carrying goods. The rear panel can be removed for loading purposes, and the left-hand front seat lifted out if desired, so as to give extra carrying space. The camionette will take useful loads up to about 1,400 lb. The most remarkable feature of this Sigma ouLtfit is its
-price. In France the vehicle is sold retail at 27,900 fr., completely equipped for its dual-purpose career.
At present exchange values the vehicle should cost about £180 in London, duty, freight and other charges paid. It is made by Automobiles Sigma, 63-69 Route de lit Revolte, Levallois-Perret (Seine).