METRO-CAMMELL INTRODUCE A NEW TOPAZ COACH
Page 29
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
DETAILS of a new Topaz Mk. II luxury coach body were released by Metropolitan-Cammell Weymann Ltd. at the Commercial Motor Show last week. The coach is a restyled version of the Topaz, which first appeared at the 1962 Show, and, in common with its predecessor, is designed for the Bedford VAL or Thames 36 chassis. Seating is provided for 49 or 52 passengers in the steelframed body, whilst the rear and nearside luggage lockers provide a total capacity of 130 cu. ft. Unladen weight of the complete coach is 5 tons 15 cwt.
Away from the main stress bearers. light alloy sections are employed and all side panelling is in light alloy; glass reinforced plastics panels are employed at the front and rear. The standard body is fitted with two recirculattiry heaters, three two-way lift-up roof ventilators, and top sliding sections to the windows. An inward-opening coach door is provided at the entrance, and manual control from the driver's position can be
provided at extra cost. Interior lighting is by 10 cant rail fittings together with three roof fittings; a destination box is provided in the front peak, and the equipment includes twin head and fog lamps, reversing lights and width marker lamps.
The new coach is to be built at Addlestone, Surrey, by Weyrnann Ltd., and was originally intended for 1964 production. But because of the prolonged strike earlier this year the programme was delayed and the coach will now go into production towards the end of the year. The standard body price is £3,650 for the 52-seater or £3,610 for the 49-seat model. Most important of the optional extras are the roof quarter lights (as illustrated), which can be provided at an extra cost of £82 10s. The first two Topaz Mk. H coaches have been purchased by the Arlington Motor Co. Ltd., Potters Bar. They will be mounted on Bedford VAL chassis, and are as yet unsold.