The Convertible Commercar.
Page 3
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In a recent issue (page 327 ante) we gave a short description of the new combination car which is being marketed by Commercial Cars, Limited, of London and Luton. This vehicle, known as the " Convertible Commercar," can be used for four distinct purposes, and, as we are able to give several interesting illustrations of the body work, as it appears when set up for each of these four uses, we make no apology for returning to the subject. The first of the forms which the body work may take is that of an open lorry, with falling tail-board. This we illustrate in figure r, which gives, in addition to a perspective view, the hack elevation and a plan of the platform space. This platform space is 9 feet 6 inches long, by 4 feet 6 inches wide.
The second adaptation of the vehicle is that of a canvas tilt van. This is shown in figure 2, from which it will be seen that the canvas tilt has been added above the original lorry body. The whole body work is then 6 feet 3 inches high.
By removing the tilt cover and replacing it by a canopy with storm curtains, a neat, open wagonette is obtained, and this we show in figure 3. It will be noted that the seats are removable. This wagonette can carry eight passengers inside, and a further two on the front seat alongside the driver.
The fourth combination makes a private or station omnibus, which carries eight persons inside, and two in front with the driver, whilst the roof affords ample accommodation for luggage. This type of body is illustrated in figure 4.
The above figures and dimensions apply to the convertible body work which has been standardised to fit the company's L.C. 16-18h.p., two-cylinder chassis, but a similar
convertible body is also sold to fit the II.C. 24-26h.p., fourcylinder chassis made by the company. In the latter case, the open lorry and tilt van can carry loads up to so cwt., whilst the wagonette and station omnibus are each capable of taking 12 persons in the body of the vehicle, and two in front with the driver.
This convertible body is of extremely unique design, and with it, as the combinations are easily interchangeable, every type of work may be undertaken in summer or winter. For hotel use, the easy substitution of a canopy top for the closed-in bus body should render such a vehicle of particular service, as summer and winter conditions undoubtedly demand a change in the form of the body work where . excursions for tourists are to be undertaken. This vehicle, when in use as a private omnibus for country-house estate work, can be fitted very easily with hat racks, parcel racks and table. If desired for the purposes of a shooting brake, gun racks and loCkers for carrying cartridge cases can be added. The four bodies are well finished, and should prove thoroughly serviceable.
Commercial Cars, Limited, is about to open new showrooms atat Cambridge Circus, W.C., at which address all communications for the company should be sent.