Jowett 10-cwt. Flat-four Van Makes its Debut
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Latest Machine Available in either Van or Lorry Form, at £180, with Guaranteed Overload of 2 cwt.
ITHERTO, jowett Cars, Ltd., Idle, 1 'Bradford, has concentrated on its 8-10-cwt. machine, equipped with the well-known 8 h.p. horizontally opposed power unit. The commercial model now made available is, therefore, of more than usual interest, in that it is powered with the jowett 10 h.p. " flatfour " unit, the capabilities of which have already been proved in the jowett Ten car.
This vehicle has been designed to carry a normal pay-load of 10 cwt., with a guaranteed overload of 2 cwt., so that it should make a particular appeal to those operators who require a machine of moderate capacity for a reasonable capital outlay. In either van or lorry form, it sells for £180.
Deep Frame Members.
In the main, the design follows that of the private car, but it differs in one or two important features. The frame members, for instance, which are of box section and 4f ins, deep, are not downswept, and are extended forwards to a substantial front bumper and rearwards to the extreme end of the platform, the last named thus being supported throughout its entire length. A spare-wheel housing is provided at the rear, beneath the floor and the frame members. The cross-hracings of the frame are tubular and are 2 ins, in diameter.
To provide for the maximum body space, the engine is mounted well forward, the flywheel actually coming directly over the front axle; the type of unit is, in itself, a further aid in this direction. In effect, semi-forward control is provided, so that there is ample room, even for a 6-ft. driver.
Taking into account the space beside the driver, the van body has a total capacity of 130 cubic ft„ box-type wheel-arches with flat tops giving increased loading area as well as tending to strengthen the structure. The internal dimensions of the body are : Width, 4 ft, 8f ins.; length of floor, 8 ft. 6 ; full inside length, 10 ft, 10 ins. ; height, 3 ft, Uf All main body joints are steel armoured, whilst the side panels are of metal-faced plywood. Check binges are fitted to the louvre-ventilated rear doors, in order to hold them fully open when loading. In the case of the dropsided lorry body, the platform measures 7 ft. 3 ins. by 4 ft. 11 ins., giving a total area of 85i sq. ft.
Following customary practice, the engine forms a unit with the clutch and gearbox, the whole being three-point suspended on rubber. The gearbox provides four speeds, with ratios of 4.89, 7.832, 12.3 and 20.6 to 1. From the gearbox the drive is by a two-piece propeller shaft, provided with a centre trunnion bearing, the rear portion of the shaft being equipped with Layrub universal joints. As in the case of the 10 h.p. car, the steering is of the Manes-Weller cam type, and the centre of the 17-in. steering wheel carries a switch for the self-cancelling direction indicators, horn button and dipping control.
A central hand-brake lever operates Bendix-Cowdrey self-energizing brakes, via pull rods in tension.
Semi-elliptic road springs of wide section in conjunction with Luvax shock absorbers are fitted, and it is to be noted that the rear springs are designed to give progressive action. A jacking system of the Stevenson type is incorporated.
Petrol Tank Amidships.
The ventilated disc-type wheels carry
Goodyear 17-in, by tyres and, as previously mentioned, the spare wheel is carried beneath the body, where it is retained in position by means of the hinged. rear number plate. To avoid possible damage to the 8-gallon petrol tank, it has been fitted amidships, alongside the chassis frame, the filler being made accessible from the near side.
Where frequent calls have to be made, it is a convenience to retain the starting handle in position and, for this purpose, the Maker has thoughtfully introduced a spring-loaded catch, which will, however, permit the starting handle to be detached instantly. An adjustable bucket seat is provided for the driver, beneath which accommodation is available for tools.
The 12-volt electrical system is by Lucas, dashboard mounting of the battery being adopted. An illuminated instrument panel carries the slowrunning control, petrol and oil gauges, ammeter, starter switch and speedo'meter. The weight of the vehicle is 1134 curt., and it is taxed at £15.
One of the big features of the twocylinder jowett was its freedom from vibration. This characteristic is even more marked its the flat-four type of engine, so the new model should' he extremely good in this respect, ••