An Unusual Six-wheeled Caravan
Page 59
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ASHIP of the desert" is a phrase that can well be applied to the unusual type of vehicle that we illustrate on this page, which, in reality, is a special caravan recently purchased by E. 11. Abbas Mimi II. Although its size and luxurious furnishing place it beyond the reach of the average individual, the vehicle has points of interest, even for the least ambitious caravauner, if only for the reason that considerable ingenuity has been exercised in the interior accommodation.
As the vehicle has to operate in a part of the world where roads are few and, in certain parts, non-existent, a Leyland Terrier 100 b.h.p. six-wheeled chassis was selected for the work, a typo that is particularly suitable for the purpose, as it has been designed primarily for cross-country opera tion. In this chassis both rear axles are driven and fully articulated to enable the roughest ground to be negotiated, and, as an auxiliary gearbox, providing eight forward speeds, and low-pressure tyres are fitted, it can pass over soft, sandy ground without the risk of sinking.
The coachwork was executed by the Eastern Counties Omnibus Co., Ltd., Lowestoft, and, in external appearance, its lines are not altogether unlike the open-top double-decker. It is finished in a shade of khaki, and The lower deck is divided into three compartments.
The vehicle is of the forward-control type, and, in addition to the driver, -the cab has space for a servant, both occupants being fully protected from the weather. Immediately behind the cab is a saloon compartment, where His Highness will spend most of the time during day travel. This is 10 ft. ti ins, long, and accommodateslong settees on each side and three reversible armchairs which, as can be seen from one of our pictures, are mounted on runners so that they can be drawn up to the collapsable table.
The vehicle will, Of necessity, often be required for lengthy expeditions and, for this reason, the settees have been areanged so that they can, at night, be formed into bads for . the aides-de-camp, a further compartment being arranged at the rear for the personal use of His Highness.
The interior is arranged to combine bedroom, dressing MOM and bathroom, and is 7 ft. long. The bed is of the folding type, with a Float-on-Air mattress, and it Can, if necessary, be used during the day as a settee. Here, as in the main saloon, the bedding is carried below the settee. The furniture in this compartment includes a hanging wardrobe of ample size, a chest of drawers with a hinged top holding a mirror, a wash-hand basin and a lavatory, for which a large water-supply tank is carried on the chassis. The interior is tastefully finished in mahogany, with a good number of roof lights and a reading lamp.
In view of the severe weather conditions that are often encountered, all windows have outside weather louvres ; the windows are operated by balanced lifting gear and silk curtains ensure privacy. Strong exterior slotted steel shutters provide protection from hurricanes, whilst the windows are covered with sliding fittings for protection against attacks by mosquitoes.
Servants and luggage are accommodated on the upper deck, the equipment comprising four folding-cot beds and a tent roof carried on tubular steel supports, this being securely lashed down to the body superstructure.
This vehicle is claimed to be the only one of its kind in the East, and it has been designed throughout in accordance with HAI Abbas Hilmi's wishes to enable him to complete iu comfort his tours in Palestine, instructions being transmitted to the manufacturer by Mr. W. W. Parsons, M.I.A..E., of the Avenue des Champs Elysees, Paris.