Revived pantechiicon is lighte
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Earlier this year S ddon Motors Ltd announced that its pantechnicon model, built by the company's own division, Pennine Coachcraft Ltd, would have to be dropped in order to make room for expanded chassis production. Now, through a new arrangement with Boalloy Ltd, of Congleton, Cheshire, this vehicle, known as the Pennine, has been reprieved.
After taking over the bodybuilding responsibility, Boalloy has built the first Seddon/Boalloy standard model and now the 'firm plans to manufacture between 200 and 300 a year at a present list price of 0500.
Boalloy has accomplished a big weight saving with bodywork mainly in aluminium alloy; this latest version is nearly half a ton lighter than when it was largely steel. The body of the pantechnicon is, in fact, integrated with the chassis.
The mechanical specification is the same as that of the long-established Seddon 13: Four truck chassis, powered by the Perkins 6.354 engine. However, there is an important difference in the chassis Layout in that the front axle is set back. In this way wheel arch intrusion in the cab is avoided and the engine can be mounted over. This also affords plenty of room for the cab. In the standard specification there is a seat for two men in addition to the driver. A deep bus-style two-piece curved windscreen has been used and its curvature minimizes .internal reflections and the field of vision is greater than is usual with .goods vehicles.
With the standard wheelbase of 16ft, a 2000 cu ft body volume is achieved. The vehicle's length is 3211, its width 811, the interior height 9ft and the overall height 13ft 6in. Even greater capacity can be offered on an 18ft 6in, wheelbase chassis, about 2500 Cu ft. The plated gross •weight of the pantechnicon is always 12 tons. The standard rear axle ratio is 6.16 to one, but there is an alternative 5.57 to one.