Speedy Delivery at Minimum Cost
Page 49
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F
OR the trader anxious to provide local delivery services at the . minimum cost, the exhibits at the Cycle and Motor Cycle Show at Earls Court, London, are of the greatest interest. The Show, which closes to-morrow, houses a range of ultralightweight delivery vehicles from 2-10cwt. capacity powered by engines from 75 c.c. to 747 c.c.
The smallest class is represented by the motorized box tricycle exhibited by Trojan, Ltd., Purley Way, Croydon, which is equipped with the new Mini: motor 75 c.c. air-cooled two-stroke engine driving the back wheel through a roller of new design.
The largest vehicle on show is the well-established Reliant three-wheeler, available as in previous years in 6-cwt. and 10-cwt. forms, with either van or truck bodywork. Further development of the design is seen in the driver's cab, where the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals have been rearranged. Formerly these controls passed under the floor, but are now located on the front bulkhead, so that the pedals themselves arc almost vertical Complete redesign, rather than development, is seen on the stand of W. R. Pashley, Ltd., Chester Street, Birmingham, 6. The complete range of Pashley trucks has been refashioned, so that the driver now sits in, instead of on, the vehicle. In addition, the single driven rear wheel which has been a feature of the make for some years, now has a coil spring and a Girling shock absorber.
A tubular frame is employed in place of the channel section structure formerly used and the driver's comfort is greatly improved by the change in seating and control arrangements. Burman-Douglas steering gear is used, the steering column and wheel being ideally, situated for ease of control.
A bucket seat is provided instead of a saddle, and as the pedals are on each side of the steering column behind the body, the driver enjoys greater protection from the weather. A windscreen may be specified, ..
Three models are shown. One is the Peterborough 3-cwt. closed truck, with double centrally hinged top loading doors. The body in this design has an ash frame, panelled with resin-bonded plywood, and measures 3 ft. 9 ins. by 3 ft. 3 ins. by 1 ft. 4 ins.
The Preston is a similar design with an open top, whilst the Penzance is a platform truck with hardwood body, 3 ft. 9 ins, wide and 4 ft. long. The power unit is a Villiers 197 c.c. twostroke, driving the rear wheel through a three-speed gearbox.
For deliveries of even smaller bulk and lighter weight, a new version of the Douglas Vespa commercial " scooter " ' and sidecar is available Normally a box sidebar may be-fitted to this type of-machine, which is powered by a 125 c.c. twostroke engine. At Earls Court an original presentation is the publicity sidecar disguised as a loaf of bread. This has a steel
lined interior and may carry loads up to 125 lb.
Costing £218 including purchase tax, a vehicle of this type will, it is claimed, yield 65-75 m.p.g. under normal conditions. The standard Vespa commercial sidecar costs £166, including tax, and is manufactured by Douglas (Sales and Service), Ltd., Kingswood, Bristol.
The Lambretta, another scooter of Italian design, is also shown this year with sidecars for commercial use. Two types are displayed, one with an allsteel body and another of composite construction with exposed timber framing. The concession for this machine is held by Lambretta Concessionaires, Ltd., 64, High Street, Epsom, Surrey.
Advanced design providing notable economy is the main feature of the Bond Minivan shown by the maker, Sharps Commercials. Ltd., Preston. Lancs. Two versions are seen, one with enclosed bodywork with a single rear loajing dcor, and one with an open body, known as the Minitruck. Both are powered by a Villiers 197 c.c. twostroke engine driving the front wheel through a three-speed gearbox.
The Corgi miniature motorcycle is again shown with a commercial sidecar, the load-carrying part of which is readily detachable from the frame. This is displayed by Brockhouse Engineering (Southport), Ltd.. Crossens. Southport.