THE LATEST IN TRAVELLERS' BROUGHAMS.
Page 67
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The Morris-Oxford Chassis as the Basis of a New Model.
epHERE are certain makes 1.f touring car which, by virtue of their all-round capabilities and moderate first cost, are ideally suited to the requirements of the commercial traveller. As a matter of fact, the average traveller's ear performs a Service which is . closely analogous with that of the ordinary car run by a business man in the course of his daily duties, the only difference. being that inone ease provision has generally to-be made for the aceommodatien of sameles. It is somewhat surprising, therefore, that a greater number of car makers —particularly those manufacturing what are usually termed "popular models "— has not given attention to the question of marketing a vehicle suitable for travellers' use.
• Morris Motors (1924), Ltd., Cowley, Oxford, certainly appears to be fully alive to the potentialities of this market, for it has just introduced a commercial traveller's brougham on the standard 14-28 hie Morris-Oxford clutssie. As is generally well known, the company has, been marketing a traveller's car for some time past, but the basis of this vehicle has been the Morris-Cowley chassis. It is largely as the result of the success of this model, and of the demand for a somewhat larger vehicle possessing accommodation for carrying an extensive range of samples, that the company has been prompted to introduce the new brougham, which, by reason of its capacity, should 'ultimately -prove as popular with travellers as the smaller member of the Morris family.
Of the chassis of the new product little need be said, for it has given adequate proof of its roadworthiness, but
the brougham body with which it is equipped has been specifically designed to meet the needs of travellerz. dealing with various classes of goods.
The lines of the brougham are certainly most pleasing and well propertioned, and, as the accompanying illustration clearly shows, there is every suggestion that the vehicle has been !milt specially for its particular work. The coach-built body is sturdily constructed, and it is equipped with two substantial shelves on each side. These shelves are quite wide, but sufficient space is left between them to form •a gangway, which is reached by way of a wide doer at the rear. A collapsable step facilitates entry into the interior, which is certainly of roomy proportions.
The space available for the storage of samples is actually 78 cubic ft., ehe interior dimensions of the body being as follow : Length, 4 ft. 9 ins.; width, 4 ft. 1 in.; height, 4 ft. There is a large light in each of the side panels above the waist rail, • and the windows are screened with suitable curtains. There is also a large window in the rear door, which is protected in a similar manner.
In the design of the body, attention has been given to the comfort of the • • driver and access to the well-Upholstered seat in the driving compartment is by way of a door on eaeh side. The driver's accommodation can be said to equal in comfort and appointment that which is provided on the average coepe.• A reminder of the main chassis details will not be out of place. The foureylindered engine has a bore of 75 mm. and a• stroke of 102 ram, and its power is conveyed through a multiple-plate cluteli to a three-speed-and-reverse gearbox, which forms a unit with the engine. your-wheel brakes are provided.
The Morris-Oxford travellers' brougham sells at £255, this figure including the full range Of equipment normally supplied with the saloon car of this make. The company has' arrangedthat the vehicle can be bought on hire-purchase termer.