Newcomer from the Continent
Page 46
Page 47
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A TYPE of load carrier popular on TA the Continent but almost unknown in this country is now being distributed in Britain by Lambretta Concessionaires, Ltd., 424-426 Kingston Road, London, S.W.20. A three-Wheeler based on the Lambretta 150 c.c. lightweight motorcycle, the vehicle can be inspected on Stand 162 at the Cycle and Motor Cycle Show, Earls Court, London.
The vehicle has a timber-framed nI2 body with hardboard panelling. The body is 3 ft. 7 in. wide. 3 ft. 10 in. long and 1 ft. 2 in. deep internally. There is a full-drop tailboard and the loading height is 1 ft. Sin. Steel-channel hoops support a canvas tilt, the roof of which is 3 ft. 2 in. from the floor. Carrying capacity is 5 cwt.
Beneath the forward part of the machine there projects to the rear a heavy tubular-steel member. Two channel-section pieces are
welded to it, forming a shallow. V. The upper ends of these pieces are welded to a tubular frame which supports the body.
The rear axle is of conventional pattern and the springs are quarter-ellipties, no dampers being fitted. Drive is by shaft through a Layrub coupling. The gearbox provides three forward speeds, but no reverse ratio.
A curved Perspex windscreen can be fitted to the handlebars to protect the driver, who is able to see quite easily to the rear over the top of the tilt.
Overall length is 8 ft. 8 in., width 4 ft. 3 in. and wheelbase 5 ft, 6 in. Including purchase tax, the price is £289, plus £5 2s. 6d. for the windscreen, which is of a different pattern from that provided for passenger machines.
The company hope to attract farmers to this product. Another possible use Jar the vehicle 'is as a works truck. Bodies can be provided to suit different trades. One variety built is higher than that described, and the roof is extended forward to form a canopy over the driver. .
On Stand 65 the Reliant Engineering Co. (Tamworth), Ltd., Watling Street, Twogates, Tarnwortb, Staffs, display their three-wheeled 5-cwt. van, to which modifications have lately been made. The transparent plastics sidescreens in
the doors may now be opened along the full length at the bottom, instead of at the rear• bottom corner only. This allows hand signals to be given easily and inproves ventilation.
Two louvres are now provided in each rear door above the windows. Pirelli tubeless tyres, of 4.50 x 14 section, are fitted as standard, but the spare wheel has been discarded. The van costs £358 19s. 4d., including purchase tax. The inside plastics surfaces of the body are now smoothed and present a appearance. The company's t. model is not on exhibition. Show closes tomorrow night at .m.