Ford worth
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waiting for
by the Passenger Editor
AID'S long-awaited uprated Series psv chassis is revealed clay.
The engine, mounted in the Lassis at an angle of 45' to e nearside, offers great tprovements over the tradimai upright installation and fers improved engine accesoility, interior noise levels td entrance layouts.
An improved version of the x-litre Ford Turbo II engine used. It incorporates a new )olant by-pass system, revisI thermostat settings, stroner head bolts to give higher v.linder head clamping loads, stronger head gasket and ew corrosion resistant core lugs.
A new radiator, based on the series core, is featured with remote header tank. This istallation will allow the Luple Dominant II body to be tted to the R series chassis for le first time.
A particularly welcome im-ovement is that oil and • ater checks can be carried Lit without lifting engine flaps r floor traps.
A 'large diameter oil filler nd dipstick is located under a mall hinged panel on the .ont body panel alongside the adiator filler cap. Ford claims hat the engine covers will illy have to be lifted when the ehicle is due for servicing.
Greater potential side locker pace is obtained by relocating he engine air cleaner on the ffside of the chassis behind he front wheel, instead of on he nearside behind the front vheel. This change, Ford says, vill lengthen the element life s the unit is in a relatively lean atmosphere compared with the dusty kerbside conditions.
Twenty-four volt electrics are now standard on the chassis which is fitted as standard with a single twin-belt drive 50 amp/hr • alternator in place of dual 60 amp/hr units. The engine now has a crankshaft-mounted fan. Ford has considerably improved the gearshift by fitting a new engine-mounted bracket similar to the one used on its Transcontinentals. Suspension on both the 10m (32.8ft) R1014 and the I I m (36ft) R1114 has been uprated to improve ride and handling.
A short test drive showed that the new chassis should live up to its promise. The Piaxton Supreme-bodied vehicle performed very well fully laden, on the M4. It accelerated quickly and cruised comfortably, at 110 kmp (70 mph). Hill climbing was im• ressive on the A404 Marlow by-pass. The new Ford gearchange has overcome problems associated with the chassis-mounted linkage and flexible engine mountings and gives a much more precise feel.
Increased size front brake linings give improved braking .performance and an exhaust brake is optional.
Priced at £9,063.19 for basic I Im (36ft) chassis this new Ford is good value for money and is a quieter, comfortable vehicle.