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British-bodied French ambulance for GLC
Page 44
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• A power-pack with front-wheel-drive and independent suspension all round is a feature of a prototype ambulance that was officially handed over by Mr H. C. Reeve of Reeve (Coachbuilders) Ltd, Pilsley, Chesterfield, Derbys. on Tuesday to Sir Desmond Plummer, leader of Greater London Council, for the London Ambulance Service.
Sponsored by the National Research Development Corporation, the ambulance has a Sovam 3500 M4 chassis /front end produced by Sovam SA of France and incorporates a Peugeot 1.8-litre 80 bhp petrol engine, a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, front wishbone/coil spring suspension and trailing link /torsion bar rear springing.
The use of front-wheel-drive and 19 x 400 tyre equipment has enabled the floor height to be reduced to 14 /15in., which provides for loading wheelchairs into the 8ft by 611 by 6ft patient department with the aid of a ramp and this obviates the need for an auxiliary loader.
The Reeve company has the sole rights for the production of Sovam-based ambulances for the UK together with social services and welfare vehicles.
Ample headroom and saloon space and a stable ride were mentioned by Sir Desmond as additional advantages of the ambulance. Details of the body include an insulated double-skin structure and double-glazed saloon and rear windows. The wheelbase of the vehicle is 10ft 9in.; ambulances and other types of vehicle will later be available in versions with longer wheelbases.