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;tand by stand...Chassis stand by sta,nd...Chassis stand

Lightweights

In the lightweight category the exhibits range from the baby Honda van to the new 190 Ford Transit. Other new vehicles include the Bedford Cheyenne which is making its first appearance with two such examples on the stand.

The "go-anywhere" category is also well represented. As well as models from Rover, Toyota and Bedford, the section includes the Russian built 4x4 Belaz which is another Earls Court first timer.

58

BELAZ

UMO Plant Ltd, c/o KingscoH Ltd, 18-20 St. Andrews St., London, EC4A 3AH.

A PICK-UP truck and a chassis cab are the two Soviet built exhibits on the UMO stand. The pick-up truck, the Belaz 452 D, is a 1000kg (1-ton) capacity 4x4 vehicle which is fitted with a 2,445cc (150cuin) petrol engine. Both vehicles are modified to right-hand drive and the pick-up is fitted with the optional Bostrom seats. The chassis-cab Version has been designed to drive a small generator or compressor and both vehicles will run on two-star petrol. With maximum engine output of 60kW (80bhp) the vehicles are designed to cruise at around 88km /h (55mph).

84

BEDFORD

STAR of Bedford's light vehicle display are two Cheyenne vans. Both are fitted with 1.2-litre petrol engines and have a gross vehicle weight of 1,350kg (26.6cwt). Based on the Chevette car range, they have similar frontal styling and share. the same mechanical components as the saloons. They offer a payload of 500kg (10cwt) within a 1.62cum (57cuft) load space An example of the established HA van series is also on show. This vehicle has a gvw of 1,320kg (26cwt) within a 2.3m (91 Sin) wheelbase and is also fitted with the 1.2-litre engine.

For the first time in the UK, a CF 250 chassis cab and a CF 250 van are being shown with the optional GM diesel. The overhead diesel engine has a capacity of 2.1 litres and produces 45kW (60bhp) at 4,400rpm. The van has a gvw of 2.5 tonnes (2.46 tons) while the chassis-cab is designed for a grossweight of 2.4 tonnes (2.38 tons). Both van and chassis cab have a 2.7m (8ft 10in) wheelbase and the van is shown fitted with GM automatic transmission.

A CF 340 van with a gvw of 3.38 tonnes (3.32 tons) is exhibited with the 2.3-litre (140cuin) petrol engine. It has a. 3.2m (10ft 61n) wheelbase and, like the other CFs shown features the new high specification cab which is now standard on the C range.

An experimental 4x4 CF is also on show for the first time which is fitted with a five-speed ZF gearbox. A transfer box incorporates a differential unit and a "viscous couple" limited slip unit. The front axle has a modified rear axle differential 8nd the coil springs are replaced by torsion bars. Drive from the transfer box is via a propshaft to the rear axle and by Morse chain and short propshaft to the front. The conversion can be fitted to the CF 280, 340 and 350 models.

Finally in the light vehicle field, Bedford is showing a basic transportation vehicle_ Using Bedford light van mechanical components as a basis, the vehicles are intended for production in developing countries using a high proportion of local material and know-how.

Payload of the vehicle is approx 500kg (9.8cwt).

86

DODGE

AMONG the newly named Dodge trucks on the Chrysler UK stand are five light vehicles. The Dodge 1100 (previously known as the Simca 1100) is shown in three forms, pick-up, van and high-top van. With a gvw of 152kg (30cwt) the high top offers a payload capacity of 2.5cum (91cuft) within a 2.5m (99in) wheelbase and is based on the pick-up version.

The pick-up itself, which was introduced into the UK earlier this year features a drop-dow tailgate and a detachable tilt i available as an extra. In star dard van form the 1100 has

gvw of 1.4 tonnes (1.38 tonE of which the payload is 510k■

(10cwt). An upward openini door uncovers 1.5cum (55cuf1 of loadspace with a low-loadim platform. All variants use th same 1,118cc petrol engine four-speed synchromesh gear box and servo assisted disi brakes and the suspension or all is adjustable for height.

Two of the Dodge 2,50( Spacevans are on show, one o which is a 12-seat bus conver sion fitted with four-speec all-synchromesh transmission An overdrive unit is an optiona extra. The second Spacevan or the stand has the larges. payload capacity offerec 1120kg (22cwt) and is fittec with a 1,725cc engine anc automatic transmission. Tc show what door options are available, this van has a driver'E sliding door, hinged passengel door and the nearside thirc door.

All Spacevans have 5.6cum (200cuft) of payload area and are available in three basic types, 1500, 2000 and 2500. A choice of high or low compression petrol engines ,725cc (105cuin) or a Perkinsliesel 1,750cc (107cuin) may ie specified.

65

FORD

,ord rittOr Co Lid, Eagle Wag; Varley, or Brentwood, Essex. 'ORD is showing two examples

its revised Transit ranges for 1977. A 100 panel van, which las a payload capacity of one onne and a gross vehicle veight of 2.35 tonnes, is lisplayed with the standard 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder )etrol engine which was ntroduced last year.

All long-wheel base Transits low have disc front brakes, and he new "top of the range" 190 shown at Earls Court 'eatures 269mm (10,6in) dia:neter ventilated discs with four piston calipers and a vacuum assisted, vertically split hydrauic system This model is shown Nith a Coachwork Conversions Luton body and has similar automatic adjustment on the rear brakes to the short wheelbase models The smaller Transit models have been uprated and redesignated with the exception of the 1 1 5 and 125 models.

Another new light van on show from Ford is the 35 model, based on the Mark 11 Escort car range. This vehicle replaces the 30 and offers a payload capacity of approx 3 50kg (6.7 cwt). Although the Show model is fitted with the standard 1,098cc (6 7cuin) petrol engine which develops 31kW (41bhp) at 5,500rpm the 35 is now available with the option of a larger 1,298 cc (79cuin) engine.

56

HONDA

Honda (UK) Ltd, Power Road, Chiswick, London, W4 5YT.

HONDA'S newly introducd TN 360 light velmcle range is represented by two examples of each model. Both the van and pick-up share the same mechanical specificatIon. with a 354cc (21.6cuin) engine driving the rear wheels through a combined four-speed constant-mesh gearbox and final drive. The power unit is situated in the centre of the vehicle and access to it is through a Ilft out plate in the -floor of the loading area. The ohc twin cylinder engine is cooled by forced air blast.

In pick-up form, the vehicle has a payload of 500kg (9.9cwt) and comes with drop sides and tailgate plus tie-down hooks. The van offers a payload of 450kg (8.9cwt) and has a nearside sliding door and a rear lifting door with a dropping tailgate. VVheelbases are the same — 1.8m (70in) — on both vehicles

87

LEYLAND CARS

WITH its strongest-ever light commercial display at the Corn mercial Motor Show, Leyland Cars are showing 12 vehicles, Refinements to the 5cwt Minivan and pick-up on show include more comfortable seats with revised back rest angles, reshaped foam padding and safety lock-down catches. The front sub-frames are now rubber mounted at six points and the rear subframe rubber mountings are larger to improve the isolation of the interior from road and power unit noise, Other improvements involve revised dampers, while the interior controls have been rationalised in line with other Leyland light vehicles and include paired steering-column' stalks for wipers, washers, headlamps, indicators and

horn. The Minis now havE larger pedal pads and to assis. in quicker warming up they are fitted with an air temperaturE control unit Which controls inle. air to the carburettor. This iE said to improve economy espe. cially on stop-start deliver) work.

Both van and pick-up are available with either 848cc (52cuin) or 998cc (61cuin: engines.

The Marina-based 7 and 10cwt vehicles are represented by a 10cwt van version which has been improved in line with the saloon cars. Solid top mountings for the kingpin assemblies and uprated dampers are fitted to give better steering response and reduce tyre scrub on cornering while the steering rack mountings have been stiffened. Cosmetic changes include new front bumpers and badges and twin-door-mounted exterior mirrors.

Six examples from the rationalised Sherpa range are on show. Production has been discontinued of the 220 chassis cab and 220/250 chassis front end models to concentrate on the 250 chassis-cab. This model has a capacity of 1120kg (22cwt). Panel van and pick-up versions are on display which are basically unchanged from the original introduction of the vehicle, apart from the normal proven or continuous refinements.

92

Leyland Truck and Bus

TWO 3.5-tonne (3.45-ton) gvw vehicles are on show on the Leyland stand 92. A Redline EA 345 integral panel van shows how this model has been updated. The flat panel sides are replaced by inverted rib panels and the composite flooring is now of one-piece steel construction. Neither of these changes adds to the vehicles unladen weight.

Other changes to the EA include a modified cooling system and the introduction of sliding doors on all models as standard, although hinged doors are available as loose options for the chassis/front end variants. A diesel engine of 2.5 litres (154cuin) is fitted to the show model, but a petrol unit is optional. Other models in the EA range include the 420, which has the same body capacity of 9.3curn (322cuft) as the 345 and the 440 which has a capacity of 11 cum (390cuft), All are available as chassis/front ends.

The second Leyland 3.5 tonnes gvw vehicle is a Redline FG 345. This is a haulage model, with the familiar angled door openings. It too has the 2.5-litre (154 coin) diesel engine although a petrol option may be specified.

59

Mazda

Mazda Car Imports (GB) Ltd, North Farm Industrial Estate, Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3EY.

ALTHOUGH MAZDA only imports one commercial vehicle, a pick-up, there are several conversions available for it. The Mazda 1600 pick-up on show is a front engine, rear-wheel drive truck with a four-cylinder ohc power unit of 1,586cc (97cuin) capacity. Transmission is via a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. Drum brakes are fitted all round.

The load space gearbox measures 1.9 x 1.5 x 0.4m (74 x 57 x 16in) and it can carry a payload of 1,000kg (22051b). A Luton boxvan, a hard-top cover and a livestock pen are some of the conversions available on the pick-up. The cab of the Mazda is equipped with car-like appointment and includes a bench front seat and steering-column gear change. A "T" handle handbrake lever is situated under the dash and instrumentation includes speedo, fuel and temperature gauge.

52

Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz (UK) Ltd Great West Road, Brentford. MERCEDES is showing a chassis-cab version of its L306D transporter. This vehicle is designed for operation up to 3,556kg (3.5 tons) and has a 2.7m (8ft 9in) wheelbase. The four-cylinder diesel has a capacity of 2,197cc (134cuin) and delivers a maximum output of 44kW (60bhp) at 4,200rpm. Maximum torque is 126Nm (92Ibft) at 2,500rpm from the single overhead cam engine. Drive is to the front wheels via a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox and 228mm (9in) single dry-plate clutch. Front-wheel drive makes for a very low loading platform height and the chassis is said to be particularly suitable for flat or Luton bodies. Braking is by means of split-circuit vacuum assisted hydraulics with drums all round.

82

Peugeot

Peugeot Automobile SA, Peugeot House, Western Avenue, Acton, London, W3.

FOUR EXAMPLES of the Peu geot 404 pick-up are on show, all fitted with the optional 1,948cc (119cuin) diesel engine. This unit develops a maximum output of 37kW (49bhp) at 4,000rpm and maximum torque is 108Nm (80Ibft) at 2,000rpm. The standard pick-up with a gvw of 2,225kg (2.2tons) is shown next to a dropside truck one fitted with a van body and one fitted with a cattle float. All the vehicles share the same mechanical components, and have a bench front seat and steering-column gear change.

58

Renault

Renault LW, Western Avenue, London, W3.

ONLY ONE MODEL of the Renault light van range is on show at Earls Court this year. It is the familiar Fourgon 356kg (7cwt) van which is based on the Renault 4 saloon car. The fourcylinder in-line petrol engine has a capacity of 845cc (52cuin) and drives the front wheels through a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. Maximum power output is 25kW (34bhp) at 5,000rpm while maximum torque of 38Nm (43Ibft) is reached at 2,500rpm. Drum brakes are fitted to all wheels and a pressure limiting valve is fitted in the hydraulic line to prevent rear-wheel lock up.

57

Toyota

Toyota (GB) Ltd, 320 Purley Way, Croydon, Surrey, CRO 4XJ.

SIX EXAMPLES from Toyota's light van range are on show this year at Earls Court. Smallest of the exhibits, the Corolla van, is a derivative of Toyota's Corolla 30 Estate and offers interior appointments similar to those of the car as well as a 457kg (9cwt) carrying capacity. This' model was introduced into the UK earlier this year and has an 1,166cc (71cuin) engine fitted • with a twin-choke carburetter which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed all-synchromesh transmission. Anti-corrosion body treatment, an aluminised exhaust system and dual circuit disc/drum brakes are standard equipment.

Also new this year is the Hi-Lux one-ton pick-up, which in fact offers a payload of nearly 1170kg (23cwt). This is the largest Toyota commercial on sale in Britain, and it uses a 1,587cc (97cuin) petrol engine which develops 51kW (68bhp). The four-speed gearbox is controlled by a steering-column gear change lever which allows a bench seat for three occupants to be fitted. Two standard versions of the Hi-Ace are shown, a panel van and a dropside pick-up truck, although a range of engine bodies is available. The Hi-Aces share the same engine block as the Hi-Lux models have a capa city of 1,587cc (97cuin). The pick-up has a payload of 1116kg (22cwt) while the van offers 4.7cum (169cuft) of space and a gliding side-loading door. Like the Hi-Lux, the Hi-Aces have steering-column gear changing for the four speed all-synchromesh transmission, A Hi-Ace chassis cab is also shown, without bodywork.

The Toyota stand is complet ed by a Land Cruiser pickup designed to be a "go anywhere" vehicle with 4x4 drive. Its 4.2-litre (256cuin) petrol engine will run on two-star fuel and drives all four wheels through a four-speed all-synchro transmission and two-speed transfer gears. The all-steel body is mounted on a separate chassis frame and the vehicle has a payload of 1200kg (24cwt). Obviously aimed at the Range Rover market it will be interesting to watch its sales performance.

83

Volkswagen

Volkswagen (GB) Ltd, VW House, Brighton Road, Purley, Surrey. THIS YEAR, VW has its widest ever range of commercial vehicles on display at Earls Court. The main emphasis is on the new generation LT range, aimed at the 2.5-3.5 tonne gvw market, and which went on sale earlier this year. Six examples of the LT in petrol and diesel engined forms are on show as well as one of the long-serving one-ton transporters.

The LT 35D panel van ("D" for diesel) is a 2,300kg (2tons 5cwt) payload version fitted with some of the available LT options including a second side-loading door, laminated windscreen and full height bulkheads. The diesel engine is a Perkins unit which produces 48kW (62bhp) at 3,600rpm from a capacity of 2.71 litres (165cuin). Maximum torque is 154Nm (106Ibft) at 2, 20Orpm The diesel version of the LT35 can also be seen in chassis-cab form with the longwheelbase option at 2.95m (9ft 8in) which is available only on the 2.0 and 2.3-tonne payload models, the standard wheelbase being 2.5m (8ft 2in).

The LT31 Luton van on display has a polished alloy body built by PEM Trailers Ltd of Bournemouth with a full-height rear roller shutter door and a side roller shutter door. The total load space volume is 16cum (570cuft) with a payload of 1,566kg (1 ton 12cwt). The rear opening is 1.96m wide and 1.85m high (6ft 5in x 6ft lin). This LT31 is powered by the 2-litre (122cuin) petrol engine which has been developed for commercial vehicle application from the Audi 100 unit. It produces 55kW (75bhp) DIN at 4,300rpm and 150Nm (1111bft) of torque at 2,40Orpm.

The front suspension of the LT is independent with coil springs, double wish-bones, radius rods and an anti-roll bar. The live rear axle is mounted on single-leaf springs with a helper leaf.

Other VW models to be seen include a bus version of the LT 28, an aluminium bodied dropside LT35 and a 2-litre (122cuin)engined version of the original air-cooled VW commercial.