Elegant Lines in New Whitson Coach
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POMBINING elegance of line and ease of maintenance to a degree hitherto rarely achieved, the latest body to he built by James Whitson, Ltd., West Drayton, Middlesex, is clearly a potential winner in any future Concours d'Elegance. Mounted on a Fodcn rearengined chassis, the new body is fitted with a patented rear-end design, whereby all maintenance of the rearmounted engine may be carried out with a facility which has been lost since the. days of the normal-control, forward-engine coach.
The lower back and side quarters are constructed as a unit and hinged below the waist rail. Once this rear panel. is raised and held open by its
built-in stays, the engine, with its auxiliaries becomes fully accessible. In addition, small doors are incorporated in the main panel, so that Pump priming, sump-dipping and topping-up can he carried out without the need for lifting the entire panel. With the panel BI6
open, the engine and its auxiliaries can be approached both from behind and from the sides, an essential feature with a transveise-mounted engine.
Bodywork is a standard Whitson structure, comprising T-section steel pillars, timber rails and sticks, and steel gussets. Luxury seating for 41 passengers is provided, with ample luggage accommodation afforded in deep lockers under the floor, access being gained through double doors. The locker is trimmed with rubber or linoleum. Parcel racks accommodate other items of personal luggage such as small cases.
A well-curved full front with curved Perspex panels ensures good visibility for the driver. In addition, there z.re Perspex panels in the double-panel sliding roof, and the fixed portion carries four ventilators.
The long, sweeping wings which form so striking a feature of the body are of 18-gauge aluminium, with a flangetype fixing concealed by polished alloy mouldings. In conjunction with the curved waist rail, rounded front and rear panels, these wings distinguish he vehicle as one of original and impressive appearance.