A ONE-SEATER CAB OF ORIGINAL DESIGN.
Page 44
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A German Product with a Number of Interesting Features.
TIURING the past week or two a JJ number of one-seater taxicabs have made their appearance on the streets of Cologne. They have an unusual but not unpleasing appearance and, naturally, have attracted a great deal of attention. Permission for these vehicles to ply for hire was granted by the licensing authorities, after consultation with the local Hackney Carriage Proprietors' Association, both of which were convinced that there was a definite demand for this type of taxi.
The taxicab of this kind is, perhaps, more likely to appeal to the general public for single-passenger journeys than the motorcycle and sidecar taxi, which was introduced to fill the demand for a cheap and fast conveyance for one person. Especially in a town with so many narrow streets such as Cologne, the increased mobility of the former type is especially noticeable, whilst the lower running costs enable the fare to be reduced to quite a marked degree.
The only make of one-seater taxi at present plying for hire in Cologne Is the Hanomag, a product of the Hanomag Co., of Hannover-Linden. The little two-seaters of this make are already well known in Germany and are capable of standing up to really serious work, as has been amply proved by their numerous successes this year in reliability trials. We point this out to make it clear that this type of vehicle cannot be classed as a freak in any sense of the word.
The engine of the new cab is of the one-cylinder four-stroke, watercooled type and of C h.p. It can be started from the driver's seat. The vehicle has two brakes, bah of which operate on the back wheels ; detachable wheels are fitted. Three speeds forward and one reverse are provided, the drive being by chain ; the chain is completely enclosed in an oil-bath and is thus totally protected from dust and dirt The tank capacity is 20 litres, which supply is sufficient for 250 miles' running.
The body is of the landaulett type, but even when closed the large windows ensure a good and clear view, both ahead and to the rear, for the driver and the passenger. A wooden partition which reaches to about shoulder height, separates the driver from his passenger. The passenger's seat is upholstered in plush and the driver's seat in leather. Riding comfort is further increased by the use of low-pressure tyres.
Whether this type of cab will become popular it is too early to say, but there is no doubt that the experiment will be watched with keen interest, in order to see if the demand will justify the introduction of such small vehicles on a large scale. No provision is apparently made for the carrying of luggage, but there seems to be no reason why accommodation for light articles should not be provided at the rear, where the spare wheel is at present carried. The excessively low position of the body might not be favouredby some people, but, on the other hand, this materially reduces the risk of skidding.