Ample Headroom in Sitting-case Ambulance
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AHIGH-TOP ambulance conversion unit, based on a Bedford l0-12-cwt. chassis, is being produced in large numbers by Kenex Coachwork, Ltd., Castle Street, Dover. The pressed-steel roof of the Bedford van body is removed above the cant-rail and is replaced by either a sheet-steel composite fabrication with hardwood framing, or a one-piece moulding in resinbonded glass-fibre.
This incorporates extended body sides
and increases the internal height to 5 ft. 3 in. Apart from providing additional headroom over the passengercarrying area, the forward section over the driving compartment is employed as a first-aid locker. The locker is reached through an upward-opening hinged flap.
The rear panel of the extension is hinged and opens upwards to give unobstructed entry at the rear to the height of the cant-rail. Eight persons —four on each side—can be accommodated on two bench seats with full-depth backrests. Incorporated in the backrests are four folding armrests which, when let down, permit of six persons to be carriedThe seats and backrests are upholstered in foam rubber.
Provision has been made for carrying a stretcher, and this, when not required, can be held to the near-side bulkhead by retaining straps. Fulllength metal-framed windows are fitted in the lower half of the body and fixed windows in the Kenex body extension. The rear half-glass of each of the lower windows can be opened to any position up to half the length of the whole window.
The Bedford chassis is powered by a 1+-litre petrol engine developing 45.5 b.h.p. at 4,000 r.p.m. Other items in the specification include a three-speed synchromesh gearbox and hydraulic braking.