Cross-country Chassis Released
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I T is understood that the Ministry of Supply has agreed to manufacturers' releasing four-wheel-drive cross-country chassis of the type normally supplied for military requirements to specified civilian markets. Conditions imposed include that the release of these models must not interfere with the agreed Ministry of Supply programmes without previous sanction, and that the chassis will be offered only to countries whose Governments have a similar outlook to our own,
In general the vehicles which will be available are nominal 3-7-tanners, downrated for off-the-road operation and equipped with the chassis manufacturer's engine, transfer case and front-wheelsdrive assembly. They are Toad-carrying long-wheelbase chassis employing single tyres at both axles.: In some cases manufacturers may offer-, twin-tyre equipment at the rearaxle. It' is probable that Austin, Bedford, Commer, Fordson Thames and MorrisCommercial vehicles will be available under the plan, but as the decision to release was made known only last week, sonic manufacturers have not yet had time to investigate their schedules or offer potential deliveries.
Rootes sales representatives were quick off the mark, and have offered early delivery of the 5-tonner, downrated to 3-tons capacity, for arduous cross-country work, to oil companies in London. It is probable that as the Morris-Commercial 1-ton four-wheeldrive chassis is now in full production this might also be subject to an early release.
It is understood that the Commer Superpoisc chassis, which is being offered to civilian markets has a 95 b.b.p. petrol engine, front-axle drive through spiral-bevel gear and Traeta
• constant-velocity joints and 11.00-20-in. tyres of 12-ply rating.