Delahaye.
Page 14
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MEIREE models are . .hown on this stand, the chassis of which are of excellent design and are typically French in conception. The workman ship is of the highest quality. The 25 hp. four-cylinder four-speed model is exhibited without bodywork, this chassis being eminently suitable for fast bus or char-n-bancs service; it is fitted with four-wheel brakes and an electric lighting and starting system.
A 17.9 h.p. high-sided van is also shown, this having a fixed roof extending over the seats, a glass windscreen in front of the driver and open sides, which can, however, be closed in by meant of curtains. The carrying capacity of this vanis 25 cwt.
The third exhibit is a stripped 17.9 h.p. chassis of a somewhat heavier type, suitable for a load of 30-40 cwt. The four-cylinder engine is built on orthodox lines with side-by-side valves. A short induction pipe is mounted on the off side of the cylinder block, communicating with a horizontal Solex carburetter. In front of the cylinder block a belt-driven fan is mounted, fitting within a cowl, which improves its cooling efficiency. The water pump, dynamo and magneto are driven in line from the timing gear at the forward end. these units being mounted on the D8 near side of the crankcase. An electric starter-motor is also provided.
Power is transmitted through a particularly accessible clutch to a separately mounted gearbox providing four forward speeds. The gear lever is mounted on the right and works in a gate of a most unusual type; at first sight it might be taken for a quadrant gear-change. A catch locks the lever in each position. The gearbox, incidentally, is supported in the frame at three points.
An open propeller shaft conveys the drive to the rear axle, this shaft being fitted with a star-pattern enclosed joint at the forward end and a pot joint (which allows for changes in virtual length) at the rear end. Straighttooth bevels are employed in the rear axle. •
As regards the braking system, there is a large ribbed transmission drum just behind the gearbox, containing expanding shoes controlled from the pedal through the medium of a very neat system of rods and levers. Ribbed drums are also fitted to the rear wheels, operated upon by shoes which are coupled to the hand lever by a straightforward gear devoid of compensators.
Front-wheel brakes are not used on this model, the front axle being a forg ing of I section with robust steering heads: • The steering box is secured to the frame, and operates through a balljointed drag link and a fork-jointed track link. Grease-gun connections are fitted to 'all chassis parts requiring periodic lubrication. The suspension system consists of semi-elliptic springs fore and aft, and these are of interest in that no clips are employed ; a longitudinal groove is pressed in each leaf, forming a corresponding rib on the underside, and this combination of ribs and grooves is relied upon •to position the leaves and • prevent them from spreading sideways. . Another point is that the U bolts employed to anchor the rear springs to the axle are set transversely instead of longitudinally. Detachable steel disc wheels are employed, fitted with pneumatic tyres.
The wiring for the electrical equipment is very carefully carried out, and should not, therefore, be likely to cause trouble in service. The dash is a rigid job, built up from sheet-steel and wooden panels, and the appearance of the chassis as a whole is set off by a high and attractive Vee-fronted radiator.
Soc. des Autos Delahaye, 10, Rue du Banquier, Paris.