Two Popular Lightweigh PAppear in New Guise
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CHARACTERISTICS of the ideal delivery van include capaciousness, good appearance, "snappy" performance, economical and reliable running, and simplicity in respect of maintenance. In addition, it must be easy to handle, to get in and out of, and to load and unload.
All, these points have received the attention of the designers of two new models announced this week by Morris Motors, Ltd., Cowley, Oxford. Indeed, we are informed that no fewer than 1,000 operators of Morris vans were consulted in the process of arriving at the specification to which they were ultimately designed.
The two new models are of 10 cwt. and 5 cwt. capacity respectively, the former being available either as a van or a light lorry, and the latter being standardized as a van. The larger machine, in point of fact, is a much improved version -of its prototype, whilst the smaller is entirely new, and has as its outstanding feature a body capacity of 79 cubic ft., which represents an increase of 40 per cent, on that of the model it supersedes.
For the sniall delivery van, loading space is of paramount importance, and it is, therefore, of interest to see how such a big enlargement has been achieved. To have lengthened the wheelbase would have been to have impaired manceuvrability. The new 5-cwt. van is shorter' in respect of this dimension by 1 in. (7 ft. 5 ins.). We find the increase, however, partly in the overhang
at both ends. There is an extra 5 ins, in the distance from the extreme front to the front axle centre, representing an effective gain of 4 ins., and an increase of 44ins, at the back. But this is not all. The front of the body, as represented by the line of the dash or the
windscreen, is ins, forward of its old position.
Besides these, the track has been extended by 31 ins., permitting a wider body, and 11 in. has been gained in interior height. Here again, however, no loss in respect of a fundamental has resulted, for the floor at the same time has been lowered by 31 ins., thus bringing down the centre of gravity and the loading level.
• Here are the actual interior dimensions: platform length, 5 ft. (maximum 8 ft.); width, 4 ft. 4 ins.; height,
3 ft. S ins. Overall, the van is 11 ft. 41 ins. long,
4 ft. 81 ins, wide and 5 ft. 31 ins. high. The wheel arches are low, and encroach little on useful space, and, with the last-named no longer at a premium, owing to its plentifulness, a place within the body has been 134 allotted to the spare wheel. Here it is thief-proof, accessible, and secure without the need for specially strengthening some other part to take its weight.
Having steel side panelling, the body is roofed with fabric, well padded inside. This should be wholly free from drumming. The rear doors are wide, provided with large windows and secured'. by a double bolt operated by the handle, which can be locked.
Both side doors are hinged to the front pillars and have two-piece sliding windows, the moving panes being held shut by a neat and simple catch. They are of Triplex toughened glass, as in the Windscreen. This is opened by a winding handle working a non-back-bend chain. Both control levers are central, that for the brake being practically horizontal in the off position. Thb seat is notably comfortable, and the whole layout promotes facility of entry and egress. There are an interior body light, and built-in trafficators. Instruments include an ammeter and oil and petrol gauges. A roof rack above the driver's left shoulder is conveniently situated for the reception of papers, order book, etc.
Turning now to the chassis specification of the 5-cwt. model, we find the power unit to be of 8.05 h.p. It has four cylinders, measuring 57 mm. by 90 mm., giving a displacement of 0.918 litre. It is mounted on rubber and drives through a single-dry-plate clutch and a synchromesh gearbox, giving overall ratios of 16.8, 9.56 and 5.28 to 1. Transmitting the power to the axle is a Hardy Spicer balanced shaft, with needle-bearing universal joints.
Notable because it has been designed to withstand increased torque and more arduous service generally, the axle is of the spiral-bevel type, and incorporates an exceptionally sturdy pressed-steel casing.
Lockheed hydraulic brakes are employed and the hand Mechanical system can be adjusted from the driver's seat. The main steering unit is a Bishop product; longer springs are a feature of the suspension system, whilst its stability and smooth riding characteristics are enhanced by the incorporation of Armstrong piston-type hydraulic shock absorbers.
Great strength, combined with low weight, are features of the new frame, the wheels (formerly wirespoked) are of the pressed-steel " easy-clean" type and are shod with Dunlop 4-17 tyres.
Ignition and electric equipment are of Lucas manufacture, the 6-volt battery being accommodated under the bonnet in front of the dashboard, where also is the tool box. Mixture is supplied by an S.U. carburetter. All engine auxiliaries are accessible in spite of the high wings and fixed bonnet sides. Aecess is gained by a lifting bonnet top, secured by two forward catches operated by a square-shanked key. A detail worthy of mention, in this connection, is the link gear on each side, which takes the place of a bonnet hinge and controls the movement of the top to ensure that it drops easily and precisely into position when lowered.
Of 6 gallons capacity, the petrol tank is mounted at the side of the frame and has a filler protruding through the skirt of the side panelling approximately amidships of the vehicle in a convenient position.
In general respects, the 10-cwt. van resembles its smaller confitre, but there is a number of points of difference. Its capacity. is 119 cubic ft. and the internal measurements are 6 ft. 4f ins. long (maximum, 9 ft. 1 in.), 4 ft. 11 ins, wide and 3 ft. 10 ins. high. In the case of the lorry, the inside length and width, respectively, are 6 ft. 6i ins. and 5 ft. The van overall dimensiofis are 13 ft. 2 ins. long, 5 ft. 42. ins. wide and 5 ft. 11 ins. high. Inside the body are tying slots, which are not provided in the smaller machine.
It will be seen from some of the accompanying pictures that the wheels have plated centres and that those at the rear are paddleboxed. The nuts securing these covers, incidentally, are the same size as the wheel nuts. To detach the plated discs, the other end of the wheelbrace is used; this has a screwdriver blade to undo the central retaining screws. It will also be noted that this vehicle has a starting handle, which is permanently in place.
Other points of difference include winding door windows, a 12-volt battery housed under the seat, which tips forward to give access to it, and a considerably aff-set engine (not a new feature) to give semi-forward control. The bonnet, too, is dissimilar, having normal lifting sides.
Rated at 11.9 hp., the engine has bore and stroke, respectively, of 69.5 mm. and 102 mm., giving a swept volume of 1.550 litres. Also of the synchromesh type, the gearbox affords overall ratios of 19.2, 9.39 and 5.43 to 1 and the standard tyre size is 5-18. In other respects, as mentioned above, the foregoing 5-cwt. particulars apply to the 10-cwt. van as well.
If a better impression of appearance can be formed from an examination of vehicles themselves than from reproductions of photographs, then we can assure our readers that these two new Morris vehicles leave little to be desired. Well proportioned, modernistic in line and balance, they look precisely what they are— sturdy, serviceable vans, practical propositions, the outcome of long experience in the building of high-class vehicles, products of a leader in the automobile manufacturing industry.