Sound Constructional Features in
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A New Light Van
rOR the rapid and economical trans]: port of small packages the threewheeled van is difficult to better, because, among other advantages, it is easy to manceuvre, provides good accommodation for the freight and is low in cost of operation. These remarks apply in every way to the latest Coventry-Victor 5-cwt. three-wheeled van, made by the Coventry Victor Motor Co., Ltd., Cox Street, Coventry.
In planning the chassis, robustness and lightness in weight have been combined, the frame itself being an excellent example of how scientific trussing can secure rigidity without the use of heavy components. Broadly speaking, the main part of the chassis consists of a framework built up of channels with cross-bracing, pylon fashion, underneath.. This provides a structure capable of dealing with 148
lozenging and torsional stresses, and forms a sound foundation upon which to mount the trunnion bearings for the carrier, which is connected to the single rear wheel through a pair of quarter-elliptic springs.
The front suspension is also effected by quarter-elliptics, a separate leaf being mounted above each spring and fitted to the top of a lug carried by the axle, thereby forming a torque arm to resist the braking reaction. Steering is effected by a straight-tooth rack and pinion, the connections to the wheels being carried out in the usual manner by ball-jointed rods.
The horizontally opposed twincylindered engine follows the orthodox Coventry-Victor design. The bore and stroke dimensions of 85 mm. and 80 mm, respectively produce a swept volume of 950 c.c., a maximum b.h.p. of 17.5 being developed at 3,750 r.p.m. Side-by-side valves, a Solex carburetter and a B.T.H. magneto are features. A single-plate dutch and a three-speed centrally controlled gearbox are mounted unitwise with the engine, the power being transmitted by an open, fabric-jointed propeller shaft to a spiral-bevel box carried on the chassis. The final drive is by chain.
The vehicle has a modern appearance, with well-proportioned mudguards, a domed-top body and a large pressed-steel bonnet.
The body is 3 ft. 51 ins. wide, 3 ft. high and 3 ft. 4 ins, long from behind the driver's seat ; as a passenger's seat is not provided packages up to 6 ft. 7 ins, long may be carried. The tax is E4.
The vehicle behaves satisfactorily on the road, being capable of well over 50 m.p.h. when carrying 4 cwt. of payload. It is well sprung and can readily be turned around in an average road.
The price of 95 guineas includes a three-lamp lighting set, an electric horn, speedometer, etc., but for an extra £7 10s. a larger battery and dynamo, together with an electric starter, can be obtained.