A New Taxicab
Page 71
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with Private-car Lines
Details of a Cab for Provincial Service, the Basis of Which is a Well-known Pleasure-car Chassis.
A NEW taxicab which is not expen.tisive but is efficient and comfortable, as well as being of pleasing appearance, has recently been introduced by Mann and Overton's, Ltd., of 17't, Battersea Bridge Road,-London, S.W.11, and one day last week we had an opportunity for inspecting the first of a batch of machines which has been completed. The well-known Austin 12 h.p., fourcylinder chassis of the latest type is used, slight modifications being made in respect of the front axle and the rake of the steering column so as to provide the necessary steering lock and a driving position suitable for taxicab purposes. Apart from these features, the Austin chassis is well suited for the work. It has a four-speed gearbox, a simple side-valve engine and a back-axle ratio which ensures adequate power on hills, as well as excellent speed.
Mann and Overton's, Ltd., has had several sample bodies built by wellknown concerns, some being of the landaulet type with drop-head and halflength doors for the driver's compartment, and others being of the saloon kind with glass partitions between the drivers' and passengers' compartments. The one which we examined was a saloon taxicab with body built by the Elkington Carriage Co., Ltd., of Chiswick, London, W.4. It is not intended for service in London, but was built to meet the requirements of the Manchester licensing authorities and it will be suitable for licensing in other centres.
When comparing the vehicle with the familiar London taxicab, a feature is that it has the comfort and appearance of an ordinary saloon car. It is low and wide, and the seats are of ample dimensions. The driver's compartment is particularly comfortable ; only a single seat is used, the space to the left of it being available for luggage. A V-shaped windscreen is fitted, the upper half of the right-hand panel being ad justable. A sliding window is incorporated in the driver's door, the other three doors having drop windows,. The passenger's seat is 4 ft. wide and 1 ft: 30 ins, from front to rear, and there is a space no less than 2 ft. 10 ins. wide from the glass partition to the front edge of the seat cushion. Thus, ample space is afforded for the two occasional folding seats, which measure 1 ft. 3 ins.' square. The headroom is 4 ft. 2 ins.
The saloon which we examined was handsomely finished in dark blue, the interior being upholstered in blue
leather. To comply with official requirements, a thick rubber floor covering is employed. There is an oval light in the rear panel.
Mr. W. Overton tells us that he can supply the saloon-type cab at £395, the landaulet being £20 cheaper.