OILERS PREDOMINAT
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AT AMSTERDAM SHOW THE Amsterdam International Commercial Vehicle Show which closes to-morrow, confirms the trend towards the increasing use of oil . engines in all types of chassis. This trend is probably due to the rising cost of petrol in Holland and other Continental countries, the result being that fleet owners are now prepared to pay more for chassis powered by an engine that limits their fuel costs. It is not surprising, therefore, that practically every concern. makes a dominant feature of its oil-enginecl models.
As regards petrolengined chassis, the British vehicles in the 3-5-ton class make a particular appeal to Dutch . operators. This is not only because. of their quality, but for the fact that they are lowest in first cost. British oilers, however, cost much more than do most of the German makes. Whilst British quality is higher and British oilers are more economical to run, it is the first cost ' which is an important factor. Swedish oil-engined chassis, such as the
Volvo and Scania Vabis, are rather high-priced, btit• these models are particularly suitable for operation on the Continent.
• A. particularly noticeable feature of the Show is the large number and variety " of the light delivery vans exhibited, in Which field all countries
• are competing. Besides the . large British. contingent represented bY Austin, Commer, Morris, Bedford. Standard and • Bradford. there are many models by Peugeot, Chenard and Walcker, Citrben. Renault, Skoda, Fiat. in addition to those of German and Dutch make. Britain has the largest number of vehicles on view, these totalling 19, Germany and America each having 14, France eight and Holland five. Sweden and.ltaly each have two vehicles on show, whilst Austria, Czechoslovakia and Switzerland a6
each have one. The German makes include the Guthrod, Mercedes-Benz, M.A. N., Opel. D.K.W,, Volkswagen, Bussing, Henschel, Borgwarci, Goliath, Tempo, Hanomag, Wendax and Magirus. These models cover the entire range from light vans to heavy oil-engined chassis, and it is clear that the German motor • industry is rapidly becoming a serious competitor in the commercial vehicle market.
The Borgward B 1250 25-cwt. van which is shown for the first time since the war, shows little changes in chassis design. It is powered by an engine of 1,498 c.c. capacity which develops 48 b.h.p. at 4,009 r.p.m. The chassis is conventional in that it has a single dryplate 'clutch, semi-elliptic springs front and rear. and hydraulically operated brakes.
The Goliath G.D. 750 is a three
wheeled van powered by a small twocylindered two-stroke engine. An interesting feature of this chassis is that it has a four-speed gearbox.
Shown for the first time is the Wendax W.L. 1200, a 25-cwt. vehicle built in Hamburg. This machine is powered by an air-cooled Volkswagen engine which drives the front wheels. It also has a four-speed gearbox.
Another new German light van is the Gutbrod Atlas 800, in which the engine is mounted behind the rear axle. This van is also powered by an air-cooled two-stroke unit which develops 16 b.h.p. This vehicle is described in greater detail elsewhere in this issue.
One of the outstanding features of the Show is the introduction by the Hanomag concern of oil engines in a lorry of 30 cwt. payload capacity. This Hanomag truck is fitted with a 2.8-litre unit developing 48 b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m., similar type of engine to that used in the Hanornag tractor. Although the price of this model has not been definitely fixed, it will probably sell for about £850.
Messrs. W. and H. J. van Doorne, of Eindhoven, are responsible for 3-jr-ton, 5-ton and 6-ton trucks as well as passenger vehicle chassis, the choice of either Hercules or Perkins oil engines being given in all cases. These machines are known as the D.A.F., of which a new model, in the form of a
1-ton van, is being exhibited for the first time. The chassis is powered by a Pithy 2.18litre four-cylindered petrol engine, developing 46 b.h.p. at 4,200 r.p.m. A feature of this chassis is that the frame, which is electrically welded, is built to the full width of the body, the door of which is arranged forward of the front axle. The chassis price of this model is approximately £525.
A new type of van known as the Hanclyvan; is shown by N.V. Adr. Beers, of kijswijk. Of the "low-floored type, it has a loading capacity up to
5 tons. Built from British and American components, the Handyvan has front-wheel drive and independently sprung rear wheels. The engine, steering wheel, and front axle, are removable from the chassis as a unit. The chassis is powered by either a fouror six-cylindered Hercules petrol engine.
This exhibitor also shows a Scania Vabis bus chassis designed for a body having the entrance door forward of the front axle.
There is a large number of Dutch buses and luxury coaches on "view. These have been developed in anticipation of the American tourist trade which is expected during 1950, and most of the Dutch travel bureaux are planning coach tours to Italy. In consequence of this, many super de luxe coaches have been built with frontal styling of a most ornate character. It is quite likely, however, that the exterior appearance of many of them will belie the comfort provided for the passengers, as it is noticeable that in most cases the maximum number of seats has been provided at the expense
of leg-room. It is also observed that the seats are• not t o o . comfortably
upholstered. A splendid example of coachwork is shown by Verheul in a vehicle built for the Netherlands Trans-European Buslines, which concern is shortly starting a regular service between Amsterdam and Rome. This Verheul body is based on art A.E.C. Mark III chassis. Accommodation is provided for 30 passengers in addition to a crew of two drivers and a stewardess. The interior appointments include a radio, an airconditioning system, toilet facilities, refrigerator, pantry. and Small bar.
This exhibitor is also showing a Holland coach which has a Krornhoot chassis as its base. The: engine, is a Leyland 5-litre oiler which 'develops 75 b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m. The vehicle has seating accommodation for 37 passengers.
There is a large number of coaches and buses on : view having Leyland Comet or Leyland Tiger and Volvo chassis, and in many instances the interiors of the bodies are equipped with radio, refrigerator, bar, and even plugs for the use of electric razors. Seania Vabis is also well represented with passenger chassis.
An outstanding vehicle is a luxury coach by Den Oudsten, of Woerden, based on an Austin 5-ton chassis, which has been modified to provide forward control. A 40-seater coach having a Ford . chassis, with bodywork by Jongerius, of Utrecht, was noticed to have 'a system of hydraulic: suspension in place of the chassis maker's transverse Leaf springs.