Qood Service from a Lightweight Body A N accompanying illustration shows
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a. new A.E.C. Matador recently supplied to Allen and Hanburys, Ltd., and particular interest attaches to the body, which has been transferred from an older chassis, after 5/ years of service. A product of the Duramin Engineering Co., Ltd., 23-24, Hythe Road, London. N.W.10, this .body was designed for exceptionally heavy service. Nevertheless, it was found possible to eliminate 25-30 cwt. of excess weight, in comparison with the normal form of body construction.
The first vehicle was put into service in July, 1930, and before transferring the body to the new A.E.C. chassis it had travelled about 100,000 miles. Inspection at the time when the new chassis was purchased showed that the old body was in excellent condition and good for a number of years of service. During the 51 years for which it had already been in operation, -maintenance costs had been negligible.
The coachwork was revarnished after three years, and, when transferred to the new chassis, it was found necessary
u28 only to touch up part of the paintwork.
Whilst the Duramin form of metal construction is more costly than a wood or composite body, the saving in weight and the reduced operating costs are claimed soon to compensate for the small addition to the capital outlay. Furthermore, when the time 'does arrive for the body to be replaced the metal has a good scrap value.