Southport Buys Dennis Ambulances
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THE first of two similar ambulances based on the Dennis AV.1 forwardcontrol chassis has been supplied recently to Southport Corporation. -A Perkins P4 oil engine is employed and the fuel-consumption rate is expected to be approximately 30 m.p.g., as opposed to 10-11 m.p.g. for a .petrol-engined ambulance with comparable fittings. •
Body space has not been sacrificed, although the new vehicle is .2 ft. 6 in. shorter than bonneted ambulances operated by the corporation, resulting in improved manoeuvrability, with a turning circle of 35 ft. .
Built by the Bankfield Engineering . Co., Ltd., Crossens, Southport, to the • requirements of the chief fire officer, the body is` of composite construction. It is panelled throughout in aluminium and carried on Metalastik•Metacone mount, -•ings. Being the -Most vulnerable, the lower, rear corner panels are of reinforced plastics. .
A Wilson and StOckall one-manoperated wheeled. stretcher is fitted on the near side, whilSt on the -off side is a full-length bench seat with a collapsible metal stretcher beneath it. Both the floor and upholstery are colonred reCI. Crestaline p.v.c. covering • being used for the -floor and
• Dulon for all the'upheistery. -There are a Clayton Dewandre combined heater and demister in the cab and a fresh-air heater of the same make in the body. •