THE COMMER "SUPER VAN" ARRIVES
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Increased Capacity but Reduced Weight Result from Novel Frame Construction in New 8 cwt. Model Offered at Attractive Price EMBODYING the latest thought in van design, definitely pleasing in appearance and designed with a principal aim to efficiency in operation, the new Commer 8-cwt. Supervan announced in our issue dated November 18 is a vehicle which will hold a strong appeal to many classes of operator. Although incorporating numerous improvements, the price remains at £1049 for the complete vehicle.
An outstanding attraction of the new model is an increase in body capacity. It now affords a total space of 110 cubic ft.; formerly the figure was 90 cubic ft. The loading room behind the seat line is 100 cubic ft., the approximate interior dimensions being 5 ft, 10 ins. by 4 ft. 9 ins. by 3 ft. 7 ins.
Lower Weight Despite its greater size, the van weighs actually less than the superseded model. It scales complete 171 cwt. and is stronger constructionally into the bargain. A redesigned frame accounts for a reduction of 1 cwt. Resulting from these facts are better performance and greater economy. There is no change in the permissible gross weight limit, which is still 28 cwt.
There are several noteworthy features calculated to facilitate operation from the driver's angle. Both side doors are wide, the seat is adjustable, the handbrake lever, nearly horizontal (thus causing the minimum of obstruction but well situated for a powerful pull), the bonnet is formed in one piece and lifts on a rear hinge giving excellent access to the engine, and the spare wheel and tools are housed in a cupboard under the floor and easily reached when the full-width rear doors are open.
A clever detail is the bonnet fixing; a picture shows it clearly. The lower end of the centre bar of the front grille, when swung to one side, releases a hook-shaped catch which holds the A22 bonnet in the shut position. There is also an ingenious link gear, instead of a simple hinge at the rear. This provides the correct movement to enable the bonnet to sink properly on to its pads when lowered.
Yet another refinement is the knoboperated one-way-folding chain which opens the windscreen and enables it to be moved through a wide enough angle to afford nearly horizontal vision.
Having the earlier design as its basis, the engine has been enhanced in several respects. The cylinder head is of new design, and modifications have been made to the block and to the manifolding. An improved type of cushioned engine mounting minimizes vibration and a new control layout gives more positive throttle operation.
In the electrical system, desirable points include the standardization of a 12-volt battery, and a Lucas constantvoltage ventilated dynamo.
With regard to the gearbox, this is of the synchromesh type, and it is claimed that all four forward speeds are silent. It is provided with an accessible dip stick. From it the transmission is by Hardy Spicer needle-roller joints and shaft to a semi-floating axle, with spiral-bevel final drive. • Enjoying the name " Smoothride," the suspension system includes extra long semi-elliptic• springs, with Silentbloc bushes at all points except the front-spring forward eyes, where bronze bushes are used, and Luvax piston-type shock absorbers. Steering is by worm and nut, and the column is well raked so that the wheel is low in relation to the seat.
Actuated by cables housed in flexible armoured casings, the Bendix DuoServo brakes operate on all four wheels whichever control he employed. They have easily manipulated adjusters and are designed to require the minimum attention.
Chromium-plated hub discs contribute to the smartness of the van and the wheels are shod with India 5.25 by 16 low-pressure tyres.
Dox Frame Mention was made earlier of the redesigned frame. The special interest attaching to this component merits another word on the subject. Box section is used for both side and crossmembers, of which there are five. Further strength is given to the assembly by a steel sheet, which forms the cab floor and extends below the body floor to the rear of the chassis, being shaped for the spare-wheel compartment. The whole structure is a welded-up unit, and includes, in addition to the members mentioned, the dash and the basis of the cab, with the result that pronounced rigidity is afforded with maximum lightness. We have outlined the salient new features of the engine, hut to amplify what has gone before, a few more remarks about this unit also are called for. It has four cylinders, measuring 63 mm. by 95 turn., which give a total pistOn displacement of 1.1845 litres. Rated at 9.8 h.p. it develops 30 b.h.p. at 4,100 r.p.m.
Cylinder block and crankcase are a single casting, and the water jackets extend for the full length of the bores. The side valves work in detachable guides and in the case of the exhaust valves the seatings are inserted. Aluminium-alloy pistons are employed
and large steel-backed bearings are used for the big ends of the connecting rods.
Mixture is supplied by a Solex downdraught carburetter, having a large air cleaner and being fed by an A.C. pump from a 7e-gallon tank, at the rear of the chassis. Ignition is by coil, the system incorporating centrifugal automatic advance gear and 14 mm. sparking plugs. On each side of the facia board is a cubby hole of useful size. The instruments include a large speedometer, centrally 'placed, and a fuel gauge. There are also tell-tale lights for igni tion and lubrication. The use of a warning light in place of a gauge and the omission of an ammeter admittedly are current practice, but we deplore it nevertheless. The whole panel is illuminated.
Ifra. second scat he respired this is available at an extra that of £2 5s. The driver's seat is adjustable. We were parficularly impressed by its comfort. In the near future we hope to be able to report more fully on this aspect after having conducted a road test of the new Supervan.