Improved Karrier Bantams

8th November 1963, Page 107

8th November 1963

Page 107

Page 107, 8th November 1963 — Improved Karrier Bantams

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opening of the Scottish Motor Show today sees the announcement by the Rootes Group of a new range of Karrier Bantam 3-ton load carriers. Known as the FA series, one of the most important differences compared with the earlier Bantams is that the Perkins 4.203 3-33-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine is now available as a second alternative to the standard 2.266-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The 4.203 has a gross output or 63 b.h.p. at 2,600 r.p.m., whilst its torque rating is 142 lb. ft. at 1.350 r.p.m. 1 he petrol engine's gross output is 53.5 blip, at 3,000 r.p.m. and the torque rating is 104 lb. ft. at 1,600 r.p.m. As before, the 2-26-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is offered, this having a gross rating of 56 b.h.p. at 3,000 r.p.m. and a torque output of 100 lb. ft. at 1,750 r.p.m. Another mechanical change is that the lining area of the hydraulic braking system has been increased from 230 sq. in. to ,285 sq. in., with 12.25-in. by 3-2-in. units at both axles. Furthermore, braking effort is reduced by the fitting of a Clayton Dewandre HSD 1)775 vacuum servo. The 13-in.-diameter wheel option which used to apply to Bantams has now been dropped, 16-in, wheels being standard, with the choice of 20-in, equipment. With 6.00-16 tyres the gross weight rating is 5 ton 0-5 cwt., and with 6.50-16

tyres the rating is 5 ton 5 cwt. When 6.50-20 equipment is installed, the rating is increased to 5 ton 7 cwt. •

Petrol-engincd chassis have 9-in. clutches, whilst diesel models have 10-in. clutches, and in all cases a four-speed synchromesh gearbox is standard. New front and rear axles have been designed for the FA Bantams, the driving axle having spiral-bevel gearing, whilst riding qualities are claimed to have been improved by the use of longer front and rear springs-these are 42-3-in. and 47-in. long respectivelyand the fitting of front dampers as standard.

Driver comfort has been improved by the provision of more luxurious seating, a better range of seat adjustment and a redesigned facia panel. Additionally improved sealing against noise and heat is incorporated in the engine cowl, this having an outer skin of moulded sponge rubber, covered with Vulkide. Other cab modifications include improved windowwinding and door-pull handles and the incorporation of a steering-column support. Flashing directiOn indicators are now standard.

As before, the Bantam 3-tonner is offered with wheelbases of 8 ft. 2 in. and 10 ft. 2 in., whilst there is a mobile-shop chassis with longer wheelbase. Typical chassis-cab prices of the new Bantams (8-ft. 2-in.-wheelbase) are £764 with the petrol engine, £896 with the 2-26-litre diesel and £921 with the Perkins 4.203

engine. In all cases the 10-ft. 2-in.wheelbase versions cost .£20 more whilst tipping bodies are offered at £150.