Laundry Bantams
Page 39
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for L.C.S.
INUSUALLY good capak..) city, handsome appearance and fitness for purpose are marked features of a series of 20 laundry vans being built on Karrier Bantam 2-ton chassis by the Mayfair Carriage Co., Ltd., The Hyde, London, N.W.9, for the London Co-operative Society, Ltd.
Well known in connection with quality coachcraft for Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Alvis cars, the company has brought traditional finesse of design into these commercial vehicles, which are of composite construction, but have many minor features of more than ordinary value.
Of Luton type, the body measures 11 ft. long, 7 ft. high and 6 ft. wide internally, with the addition of the Luton extension, measuring 4 ft. by 6 ft. by 2i ft. Capacity is thus 522 cubic ft., whilst the loading height is only 2 ft. 6 ins.
The standard scuttle has been extended by 6 ins, each side, giving a wider cab and better visibility. The fuel tank has been moved outwards to match the wide body and a spare wheel carrier is fitted at the rear of the chassis, under the body.
An interesting point about the body is that a sectioned collapsible division is arranged mid-way, to accord with the operator's system whereby clean and soiled laundry is kept separate at all times. The body interior is slatted and treated with Cuprinol. The matchboard roof is externally covered with Perfecto canvas and the body sides are panelled with Plymax. There is an Acme sliding shutter at thc rear, and a hinged tailboard incorporating a folding step. • At the front, the main bulkhead has a sliding door and there is a small tip-up seat for the driver's mate. The driver's bucket seat hinges to disclose a toolbox.
Further notable details are substantial strengthening gussets at the ends of the lower rear cross-member of the body, and strong angle members at the top of the rear corner-posts. Each of the rear-hinged front doors swings fully backwards to engage positively with a locking mechanism. The rear number Plate is well recessed.