Sherpas don't quit, neither do their drivers.
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Ifs not just advertising
As you read what others have written and said about Sherpa you'll gather it was not easy to improve on the best (their word, not ours).
But the improvements are genuine. Increased payload.The engine's cheaper to maintain and service.
And the redesigned cab layout alone is a convincing argument for drivers to quit a company not using the vehicle.
Milkmen stay overnight
The David Anderson's (father and son) use a Sherpa to deliver milk in the Shetland Islands.
Early on Saturday morning, 28th January 1978, they set off on their milk-round through15 inches of snow at sub-zero temperatures.
The roads were chaos: cars, vans, trucks stuck in drifts everywhere.
After completing their round and heading for home in blizzard conditions, they too had to stop.The road was blockedby a 4-wheel drive vehicle unable to move furthet
Moving the obstruction took 11/2 hours.
By then visibility was down to about 3 feet.
Snow drifts encountered were reaching windscreen height. Al though now only two miles from home they reluctantly sought refuge for the night in a nearby cottage. Next day, after digging out, brushing drifted snow off plugs and points, their Sherpa started first time.
In their own words: "Long live the Sherpa:
Nods from professional cynics • Truck Magazine' reported a comparison between Sherpa,Transit,Bedford,VWanci Dodge Vans.
Their conclusion (still endorsed by the magazine) ..the Sherpa s were best all-rounders at the test track with consistent economy, respectable performance..
A loaded Sherpa Diesel is the only van on a Motor Transport' Magazine road-test to break the 30mpg barrier An all-time record.
Sherpa, the back-up to big Mocks d big Mack hits trouble out east, we send a Sherpa to he rescue:' stated Andrew Maclean of 0.i-1.S., Transport Rainham, Essex.
As long-distance truckers hauling huge tonnages with the motto 'The Reliable one in International Trucking: they can't afford an unreliable rescue van.
Their First Sherpa has now been replaced by a second.
In less than six months it has already been to places as far away as Eastern Europe at an average of 22mpg.
"History is bunk7 said Henry Ford
The Sherpa engine has a reputation amongst engineers, trade press and operators alike as one of the toughest, most rugged units ever Triade.That's history. Some learn from failures. But our policy is to learn from success.
Now a good engine has been replaced by a new, even better one.
In broad terms: it's lighter, more economical, requires less servicing, is easier to service and is well in advance of today's pollution-control standards.
It is fitted with an aluminised exhaust, for far longer life; up to 40,000 miles.
Kerb weights are reduced and payloads greatly increased-by as much as 264 lbs/120 kgs.
Everything has been tested. And tested again. 30,000 m iles on the dynamometer.Forthc engine alone.
1,500,000 miles on road and track from. desert to sub-arctic conditions.
Don't forget the driver ,
The cab layout is re-designed. All switches, controls and pedals are readily to hand or feet.
A lot of head-work has gone into the seat design. A working bum needs all the comfort it can get. The moral in all this adds up to that intangible asset: driver or employee loyalty.This also pays off on the bottom line of the balance sheet
Britain's best warranty, too
Sherpa comes with Supercover, Britain's best warranty.Not that you're likely to need this-but good to have just in case.
Your Sherpa dealer can tell you more, or write to: Austin Morris Ltd.,Light Commercial Vehicle Sales, Grosvenor flouse,Prospect I lilt, Redditch, Worcestershire, B97 4D().