100 MERCEDES-BENZ

20th September 1968, Page 134

20th September 1968

Page 134

Page 134, 20th September 1968 — 100 MERCEDES-BENZ

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Mercedes-Benz (Great Britain) Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middx.

THIS Commercial Motor Show marks the first appearance in Britain of the right-hand-drive version of the LPS 1923, 38-ton g.c.w. tractive unit. This particular Mercedes-Benz model was introduced at the last Frankfurt Show and has a 225 bhp (DIN} engine driving through a six-speed ZF gearbox as standard but with the alternative of a 12-speed splitter gearbox as fitted in the Show model.

Standard equipment on the LPS 1923 includes a lockable differential, power-assisted steering and frontand rear-torsion bars to reduce roll. The model has the latest design Mercedes-Benz cab which is a fixed unit but adequate access to the engine is provided by hinged sections forward of the front wheels and at the front end. Driver comfort has played a big part in the cab design and the exhibit is fitted with a sleeper-type unit.

Mercedes-Benz is also showing its 0,302 luxury coach which has recently received a p.s.v. Certificate of Fitness. It was shown at Earls Court in 1966 but now Mercedes-Benz salesmen can take orders. Power is provided by a 185 bhp six-cylinder diesel located at the rear end and driving through a five-speed gearbox to the two-speed rear axle. Air suspension is employed and the coach has British seating and standard equipment includes power-assisted steering and an engine exhaust brake.

There are two other tractive units on the stand. These are an LS 1418, 32 tons g.c.w. model powered by a 205 bhp gross (SAE) engine and having a five-speed synchromesh gearbox and twospeed rear axle and the second model is the LPS 1317 with the flat-front cab: this is rated for 24/28 tons g.c.w. and has the same 185 bhp SAE gross engine as the 0.302 bus. The model also has a five-speed all-synchromesh gearbox and two-speed axle with differential lock.

Completing the Mercedes-Benz exhibits there is an L.406 van which with a gross weight rating of 4.6 tons can carry a nominal 2 tons payload. A variety of wheelbase lengths and load capacities are available on this model and there are no fewer than 53 different possible specifications. Among them are a choice of a 65 bhp gross (SAE) diesel engine or 94 bhp gross (SAE) petrol.