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Road Impressions of Ford Transit 11-cwt
Page 60
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By R. O. CATER THE Ford Transit range of vehicles announced today (see page 72) is going to be well received. This was the impression that 1 gained on a 45-minute run in a 17-cwt. s.w.b. Custom van loaned by the Highbury Motor Co. Ltd.. of Highbury, London.
Fitted with the new V4 petrol engine, the vehicle had sliding doors. The Custom finish gives it a feeling of luxury unusual in this class of vehicle and the performance matches the appearance. Acceleration is brisk, keeping up the Ford tradition, but I thought that the axle ratio of 4111 to 1 in the vehicle 1 tried was a hit high for city work.
With this ratio it is essential to use the gearbox extensively and moving off from standstill in second gear may lead to clutch trouble.
Once rolling, the vehicle is beautifully smooth and silent; but at speeds below 30 m.p.h. in top gear there was transmission flutter. I would think that 60 m.p.h. would not be far out for a good cruising speed with this axle.
Handling is first class. The light and accurate steering gear makes it possible to place the machine exactly where you want it without any undue effort. The ride given is comparable to that of many vehicles having independent front suspension: a beam front axle is, in fact, fitted.
Braking felt good in the unladen condition, but I think that perhaps the servo cr10
option should have been made a standard fitting, in place of some of the fancy trim.
From a maintenance point of view. I have seen few semi-forward control vehicles of any size that can compare with the accessibility afforded by the Transit layout. Everything that needs constant attention on a vehicle is easily reached. The provision of an alternator ensures that the battery gets a fair chance under the hectic stop-start conditions of the delivery van's normal working day.
The vehicle scores another point for this type of operation by the extremely easy access afforded to the driver and passenger. Mirror equipment is excellent and the screenwipers would grace a p.s.v. with ease. They clear a large section of screen and leave no blind spots. Washers are fitted as standard.
There is no doubt that the bus versions of the range will be both comfortable and quiet. and I am convinced that the pleasant styling of the bodies will prove attractive to those fleet operators concerned with advertising their company's products. This point will also please operators wishing to employ small buses.
I reserve my comments on the larger capacity models until I have had the chance to try them out, but I consider the Transit 17 cwt. which I tried to be first class.