A French Van for the British Market.
Page 22
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TN our issue for July 14th last, in _L dealing with the range of commercial models which are marketed in this country by De Dion-Bouton, Ltd., we referred to the new 10-cwt. and 1-ton chassis which the company are marketing. We were able to give fairly complete details of the latter chassis, although we were not than in a position to refer to the design and construction of the light van chassis.
This particular chassis, which is POW available to British users, is known as the I.S. model, and is designed for carrying 10-cwt. loads. It is of clean and straightforward design, and embodies many of those details of design which the company have proved to be highly efficient on other models which they manufacture, For power purposes reliance is placed upon a four-cylinder engine with a bore of 70 mm. and a stroke of 120 mm., its R.A.C. rating being 12.1 h.p. The b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m. is 24. The engine forms a unit with the plate clutch and gearbox, which are enclosed in an aluminium casing. The engine is cooled th.ermo-siphonically, and an automatic system of lubrication ensures that the oil in the sump is properly distributed. A Mem instrument • is the means of effecting carburation, and for ignition a Victrix high-tenaidn magneto is used, the latter being of the company's own make. A. noteworthy feature of the anglue is the use of aluminium pistons.
The power is conveyed from the engine to a plate clutch with three parallel plates, thence being transmitted through a four-speed-and-reverse gearbox, the final drive being by bevels.
The company have realized that, for a speedy transport unit, it is essential to see that the chassis is properly sprung, and, accordingly, semi-elliptic of ample proportions are used at the B40 front, the rear assemblies being of the cantilever, pattern.
The brakes are of the internal-expanding type, those operated by foot taking effect on the rear wheels, whilst the hand brake acts upon the transmission, a brake drum being fitted at the rear of the gearbox.
The chassis is fitted with Michelin disc wheels carrying Dunlop cord tyres of 765 ram. by 105 mm. dimensions, and a spare wheel is included in the equipment.
A. self-starter is incorporated, and electric lighting installation is fitted as standard. The overall length of 'the chassis is 12 ft. 4i ins., its overall width being 4 ft. 11i ins. The wheelbase is 9 ft. 9 ins., and the track 4 ft. 3A ins. The van body space behind the driver's Seat is 3 ft. 8 ins. When fitted with a light delivery van body (unpainted), as shown in our illustration, the vehicle sells complete at £330, the chassis price being £265.
When a box van body of the type shown in our picture is used, a hood extending from the front of the body to the 'windscreen pillars is used to protect the driver's Seat.