New Commer 8-cwt. Supervan Embodies Notable Improvements
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A Popular Model In Which New Features, Aiming at Improved Efficiency and Economy, are Now Incorporated
THE Commer 8-cwt. Supervan was introduced in 1933 and with each succeeding year a, number of useful improvements, all intended to secure greater refinement of performance, has been incorporated. The new-series model, which has just been announced, is no exception. The success of this progressive policy of steady development, rather than drastic change, is clearly reflected by the fact that there are no fewer than 7,000 of these vans in service.
In general form, the new Supervan remains .as before, with the addition, however, of several modifications. The most outstanding is the fitting of a new-type Solex carburetter, which automatically gives a lean mixture for part-throttle running ; wide-gap 14 mm. sparking plugs, working in conjunction with automatic ignition embOdying vacuum control, are used. This alteration to the carburation and ignition has enabled the maker to claim an additional 3 m.p.g. over give-and-take roads under normal operating conditions.
Greater silence and efficiency are also claimed for the four-cylindered side-valve engine, which develops 30 b.h.p. The water spaces around the valves have been simplified and enlarged to give more even cooling and the exhaust-valve seats are rrow made from Valmax steel.
Another development is the new four-speed synchromesh gearbox. This is much quieter than formerly and more robust in construction, the casing being heavier and the mainshaft of larger diameter. The fitting of a dip-stick, which reveals—from the driving seat— the oil level in the gearbox, is a further improvement, whilst the more-forward location of the gear-change lever provides increased leg room. Silent running is also a marked feature of the redesigned rear axle, which has been given a stiffer casing and a more rigidly supported pinion and crown wheel. The diameter of the axle shafts has also been enlarged.
In addition, there are changes making for greater smoothness of run ning. These include a better and simplified " cushion-power " engine mounting employing bonded rubber cushions at the rear, and the" smoothride " suspension, which ensures automatic variation to load and road surface, has been improved by the use of piston-type shock absorbers. Silentbloc rubber bushes are still used for spring shackles. Apart from these modifications, the chassis remains as before. Thus, such proved features as box-girder-section .frame, worm and nut steering, Bendix duo-servo brakes, India . large-section lowpressure tyres 'and six-volt lighting and starting still • _ figure in the specification.
shanges have been made to the smart body, .which has a capacity of 90 "ctibic ft., , including 10 cubic ft: beside -the, driver 'when the detachable passenger Seat is not used.
The. drivel's comfort has received special attention and several new features are • noticeablein the front compartment. Two seats with deeply sprung. backs , offer intreased comfort, and a new design of instrument panel carries quick-Vision dials and a new oil warning light in lieu of the usual pressure gauge. .
At the recently reduced price of £149 complete, the Commer Supervan in its improved form should certainly enhance the popularity gained by this smart and handy light-transport unit.