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ONE VEHICLE FOR MANY PURPOSES.

17th February 1920
Page 23
Page 23, 17th February 1920 — ONE VEHICLE FOR MANY PURPOSES.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

11 argument were needed to emphasize the claims of the convertible body to recognition amongst commercial-vehicle users, it is surely forthcoming as a result of the inability of most manufacturers to give a reasonably early delivery of their 'chassis. By the use of a ser• viceable convertible body, one vehicle can be rendered suitable fez: the duties of two or more vehicles.

More often than not, changing over from one body to another is an awkward and dirty jOb entailing considerable waste of time. An effort was made some years ago to facilitate this problem by Messrs. R. H. Hopkinson and Son, of Bradford, who patented a convertible combination body. The patent rights for this body have now been acquired by Ellison and Smith, Ltd., who are at present developing the .selleme at their Works at Gatley, near Manchester.

The efforts of this company have been mainly directed up to the present time in rendering the body suitable for the Ford chassis, but the body can be equally well applied to any other make of light motor vehicle. By means Of this body the vehicle can he made to-serve three distinct purposes. In the case of the Ford it can be used as a standard touring car, a flat platform lorry, or as a van. The conversion to any one of these uses can be effected with remarkable ease in the space of three minutes, The rapidity of conversion may suegest'to sortie of our readers insecurity, but, as a matter of fact, this is not so, For we have had the

opportunity of watching the operation take place on four or five different occasions and each time wedaave found the complete vehicle to be as rigid as if a permanent body were attached. We also noticed that it is no exaggerated claim to say that the substitution could be made in leas than three minutes.

The method of conversion is as fol lows :—The detachable sections are rigidly secured by bevelled transverse hare fixed on the inside of the upper poetiOn and adapted-to interlock with similar bars on the permanent body, the two being secured together with drambolts front and rear. The manlier in which this is carried out can be very clearly understood by referents to out illustration reproduced herewith. The touring car doors on the Ford ere fixed on hinge pins and can, therefore, be easily detached.

We see no reason why the idea should

not be developed to embrace any type of body that may he desired, and in this direction it is interesting to learn •that Messrs. Ellison and Smith are already engaged in the construction of a convertible char-a-bancabody for a Ford one-tormar.

About 100 of these convertible bodies

have already been put into service, and it is stated that they are giving, every satisfaction. The cost for fitting a standard Ford touring car and 'supplying the alternative flat lorry with backboard and upholstered driver's seat is 46 guineas. When it is considered that the maintenance, of two separate vehicles is obviated by the use of a body of this description, it will be seen that a big saving is effected in initial outlay. For a small hauling and hiring business where, in many instances, the body has to be altered to the te9uirements of the load, it seems an admirable

proposition. .

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Locations: Manchester, Bradford

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