A Small Bus with a Big Future
Page 36
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THE need for a special type of vehicle suitable for carrying the crew of an airliner from airports to hotels was acutely felt by the British Overseas Airways Corporation until Spurling Motor Bodies, Ltd., The Hyde, Hendon, London, N.W.9, produced a 7-11seater crew car known • as the Spurmobus.
Passing reference to this vehicle was made in an article, "Wheels Behind the Wings," in our issue dated November 1, 1946, and we now are able to give further details of it.
The Spurmobus is based on the Bedford 30-cwt. chassis, fitted with ambulance springs, and has a 28 h.p. engine.
Seating Plan In its standard form, the vehicle has seating in the front for two people, including the driver, and two bench-type seats disposed transversely behind the front seats to accommodate six persons. At the rear there are two folding seats hinged to the sides of the vehicle to take four people. These seats can be folded up so that luggage can be carried at the back.
Upholstery is in Connolly leather with Seatex sponge rubber.
A special model was built for the Bristol Aeroplane Co., Ltd. This concern required a vehicle with a high standard of finish to carry V.I.P.s to view a five-mile runway specifically constructed for the giant Brabazon aircraft now being made at the company's factory at Filton, Bristol.
The L.M.S. Railway Co. has also taken delivery of a number of Spurmobuses to carry train crews. As these crews are composed of three men— driver, fireman and guard—the seating of the L.M.S. models was arranged in groups of three for convenience in entry and exit.
Doors are arranged to give access to each row of seats, there being two on each side and a double door at the rear. Bodywork units are partially prefabricated and are of conventional construction, with wood framework and aluminium panelling lined with ply
wood. The floor is of plywood covered with rubber and there is an Ashanco ventilatrr4in the roof. Windows around the luggage compartment are of toughened glass.
A smart appearance is presented by the B.O.A.G. vehicles,. their colour scheme of cream and blue being executed in Dulux paint.
About 50 ehicles of this type have so far been made. The need for such a bus is probably felt in many quarters. and the Spurmo bus fills a gap betweer the big car and thc little coach. —