Austin to Make Van Version of Seven ?
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INVESTIGATIONS are being made by I the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., into the application of the basic design of the new Austin 7 (and Morris Mini-Minor) to othec uses. It is not unreasonable to suppose, writes John F. Moon, that commercial-vehicle versions of this private car will be produced in the course of the next year.
The transverse engine position at the front of the vehicle can give a degree of engine accessibility often missing from most present. designs of light van, whilst the small wheels and low bonnet line give manteuvrability and visibility comparable with that of a forward-control vehicle.
Independent rear suspension and small wheels could give many advantages to the small-van operator in respect of an ultralow floor-line, or a conventional floorline unobstructed by wheel arches. If a van version of the Austin 7 were to be produced, it would have probably the cubic capacity of a large 5-cwt. van but the overall dimensions of a much smaller vehicle.
A description of the suspension system and part of the braking system of.this interesting new vehicle appears on page 119.