Ford meets licence limit with new 7-tonners
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• Aimed directly to meet the proposed goods vehicle licence legislation due for introduction at the end of 1973 are two new Ford D Series 7-tonners. announced today — almost 12 months ahead of time.
The newcomers, the D0707 and the D0710, have a gross weight of 7.37 tons (7488kg) and, fitted with a suitable body, can be legally driven by non-hgv licence holders both up to and after November 1 next year. After that date it is proposed that hgv licences will be needed for operation of vehicles above 7500kg gross weight, bringing the UK into line with European standards.
Built at Ford's Langley, Bucks, truck plant, the new models go into production this month.
Ford also announces a new delivery operators' option pack for nine medium-weight D Series models, giving a payload bonus of up to 412Ib for urban delivery vehicles.
The 7-tonners — plated at 7.37 tons gvw — are based on the D0807 /D0810 chassis specification with front and rear spring equipment re-specified from types 280 /530 to types 240/430. Axle capacities will be plated at 2.75 tons (2794kg) front and 5.00 tons (5080kg) rear, providing a loading margin of 0.4 tons (400kg).
The D0707 is powered by the Ford 4.2-litre diesel producing. 76 bhp at 2800 rpm (BS AU 141a 1971 net), and the D0710 by the Ford 6.0-litre naturally aspirated diesel producing 106 bhp at 2800 rpm (BS AU 141a 1971 net).
Both models are available with either 120in. or 134in. wheelbase lengths with a choice of factory-fitted platform and float bodies, or as chassis-cab, chassis-windshield or chassis-cowl variants.