T he 8120 7.5-tonner was Renault's first use of Perkins' six-cylinder
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Phaser 125 engine, Rated at i 1 8hp (8615kW), the sixlitre naturally aspirated diesel offered a healthy power-to-weight ratio with no compromise on reliability or durability. A five-speed transmission coupled to the fastest of four final drive options gave a geared top speed of 68mph while at the bottom end we were able to pull away comfortably up a one-in-five. It was a relatively high revving engine, developing its maximum power at 2,600rpm: at motorway speeds it was working outside its most economical range, between 1,500rpm and 2,100rpm. However, over A-roads it was in its element, returning 18.67mpg which helped to boost overall fuel consumption to 17.39mpg. These were good figures, helped by
311C44 Renault's drop-side body While acceleration and hill climb times were lively, a slower-than-average speed over the motorway section pushed overall journey times below average. Plenty of effort on the long pedal was needed to obtain a reasonable response from the air/hydraulic drum brakes. Long multi-leaf parabolic springs did not give the soft ride we expected but with anti-roll bars fitted front and rear there was little evidence of body roll For an urban 7.5-tonner steering lock was not particularly good but the integral Power steering made high-street parking easy enough. The cab's single wide step gave adequate access but the "nonslip" tread offered little grip to leather soled shoes. The cab's firm rubber mountings were supple mented by a mechanical suspension driver's seat; there was no such luxury for passengers. We were assured that the cloth trim would stand up to any amount of wear and tear Installation made the instruments look dated but general visibility was good and the layout made it possible to slide across to the nearside door to dismount.