Welfare Centarider
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• Chesterfield-based bodybuilder Reeve Burgess has added a new welfare bus body to its light PSV range. The Centarider can carry up to 20 passengers and is based on the Freight Rover Sherpa 300 extra-long-wheelbase chassis cowl.
Two versions are currently available: a 3,740kg gross weight 3.2m wheelbase bus, which can be fitted with up to 16 seats or will accommodate six wheelchairs; and 3,950kg gross weight model, based on the 3.6m extra-long-wheelbase Sherpa which is to be phased out by Freight Rover in favour of a 4,050kg model (see below).
The standard power unit for both Centariders is the 52kW (70hp) Land Rover 2.5 litre diesel engine, which is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox.
Reeve Burgess says the Centarider will provide local authorities and welfare vehicle operators with a high-quality minibus at a low price and with low running costs. Prices, including the chassis, start at around £19,000.
The Centarider has an aluminium frame and alloy exter
nal panelling, with a GRP front end blending into the standard Sherpa bonnet. A manuallyoperated jacknife door is fitted to the front entrance while twin rear doors give wheelchair access. A Ratcliff electro-hydraulic tailift is standard on all Centariders, with a Henderson Hide-away model offered as an option.
The interior of the Centarider is claimed to be both du
rable and easy to clean. Melamine-faced wallboards and GRP panelling are used for the interior trim; the floor is covered lit heavy linoleum.
Tracks are built into the floor to secure wheelchairs and seating layouts can be varied. Ventilation is via hopper units in the side windows and a roof-mounted extractor. The standard Sherpa heater can be backed up by an optional Eberspacher dieselpowered heater.
• Coach operators can expect 1987 to be a boom year for tourism, according to government minister Michael Spicer, with over two million visitors expected from the United States alone. Last year 13.8 million tourists visited Britain.