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New Range of B.M.G.
Page 63
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Normal-control Chassis
ANEW range of Austin and Morris normal-control models which replace the WE series has been announced by the British Motor Corporation. There are five basic models in the range, which is designated the WE, these having payloads of between 1.5 and 6 tons. The main feature of the new models—which are basically similar mechanically to those they supersede--is a restyled cab.
Emphasis has been placed on improving driver comfort and convenience. Improved visibility is provided by a large curved single-piece windscreen in place of the twin screens fitted previously and a sliding rear cab window is available as an option. Wind-down windows are fitted in the doors and there are swivelling ventilating quarter lights as standard. The seating is more comfortable than in the last version— there is a single driver's seat and a double seat for two passengers. The seats are trimmed in plastics material which is also used for interior roof lining and door interior panes. Fittings include a door-operated interior light, a padded lower edge to the parcels tray and instrument panel and a centrally-mounted ashtray.
Externally the new cab is recognizable by the fitting of paired headlamps on each side in place of the single units used previously. Other features are a revised air intake with two horizontal bars and a series of vertical bars, a smoother bonnet line and shallower cab doors which no longer conceal the low-mounted rubber-covered entrance step.
The five models in the range are the 1.5-ton WF K30, the 2-ton WF K40, the 3-ton WF K60, the 5-ton WF K100 and the 6-ton WF K120. As stated, they are similar to the latest versions of the WE range but an extra wheelbase-15 ft.—has been added for the 5-tonner, raising the choice of wheelbases to three. The 3and 5-ton normal-control chassis have always been offered to both export and home markets but until the WF series, 1.5-, 2and 6-ton chassis have been marketed on an export-only basis. Now the three models are available on the home market.
With the choice of wheelbases and power units available, there are 20 distinct models in the WF range. The 1-5-ton WF K30 is offered only in a 10 ft. 9 in. wheelbase with single rear wheels for a gross vehicle weight of 3 ton 10 cwt. There is a choice of four power units-2.2-litre petrol or diesel, 4-litre petrol or 3-8-litre diesel The 2-tormer is available also in a 10 ft. 9 in. wheelbase only, but this has twin rear wheels and a g.v.w. rating of 4 ton 4 cwt. Two power units are offered, the 4-litre petrol or 3.8-litre diesel.
Gross weight rating of the 3-tonner; which has a wheelbase of 11 ft. 6 in., is 5 ton 5 cwt. and here the engines offered on the 2-tonner are available. The three wheelbases offered on the 5-ton chassis are 10 ft., 13 ft. 4 in. and 15 ft. and the gross weight rating is either 8.25 or 9 tons. Two six-cylinder B.M.C. power units are available—the 4-litre petrol Of 5.1-litre diesel and, in the case of the latter, a 4or 5-speed gearbox is another choice, the 4-speed being fitted with the 4-litre petrol engine. The largest model in the range—the 6-ton WF K120—is also available in three wheelbases-12 ft. 6 in„ 13 ft, 4 in. And 15 ft. and the gross vehicle weight rating is 10-25 tons. This permits payloads of up to about 7 tons and only diesel engines are offered in this chassis. These are the 51or 5-7-litre unit, the former having either a 4or 5-speed gearbox, but the latter with a 5-speed on4,