Thames Trader

Thames Trader

1964 Thames Trader Mark 2 recovery vehicle
Overview
Manufacturer Ford UK
Production 1957-1965
Assembly Dagenham, England
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door pickup
2-door van
Layout FR layout
Dimensions
Wheelbase 118.0 in (2,997 mm)
138.0 in (3,505 mm)
152.0 in (3,861 mm)
160.0 in (4,064 mm)
108.0 in (2,743 mm)

The Thames Trader was a range of trucks manufactured by Ford UK built between 1957 and 1965.

Forward Control models

Design

The distinctive cab design, which sets it apart from other British commercial vehicles, was a forward-control (or semi-forward control) design and the Thames Trader model covered a much wider weight range than the existing normal control ET Thames model or the earlier forward control 7V model. Both these earlier models had been based on Ford of America designs, the new Thames Trader was the first heavy commercial to be designed by Ford of Britain, (although if you look at the headlight surrounds of the American Ford C series truck of the mid 1950s there is a definite family resemblance).

Mechanicals and wheelbase types

The Thames Trader model range covered weights from 2 to 7 tons, powered by either petrol or diesel engines in four- or 6 cylinders guises. The lower weight vehicles were available with 118 and 138 inch wheelbases, the heavy weight vehicle with 138, 152 and 160 inch wheelbases, there was also a 108 inch tipper wheelbase. In addition there was also a low frame chassis model - typically used for furniture van bodywork.

Mk2

A Mk 2 version was introduced in mid-1962. Externally it is very easy to differentiate between Mk1 and Mk2 versions; the Mk1 has the words THAMES TRADER in red on a chrome strip along the bottom of the bonnet opening and the white painted grill between the headlights has a vertical divider with a red circular badge with 4 stars, whereas the Mk2 has just the word THAMES under the bonnet, and TRADER in white letters spaced out between the headlights replacing the divider and badge. The Mk2 Diesel engined variants had either a 4D or 6D chrome badge on each front wing, on the Mk1 it was a squarish chrome badge with either a red painted 4, 6, 4D or 6D to indicate the engine configuration. The lower edge of the badge had a horizontal chrome strip running the length of the lower part of the wing.

Normal Control models

Ford commenced production of the Thames Trader NC at it Dagenham factory in England in 1962.[1] The NC designation indicated "normal control",[2] as opposed to "forward control". After the discontinuation of the Thames brand in 1965 the NC was re-designated as the K Series.[2]

London Transport use

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thames Trader.

London Transport ordered five double decker buses based on the Thames Trader for special duties, taking cyclists through the Dartford Tunnel. These had a lower deck purpose built for carrying bicycles, with the upper deck for cyclists. Unusually, these buses had their stairwell several feet above the level of the road, accessible by a ladder. The service was later dropped in 1965, owing to lack of cycle traffic and possibly the design.

References

  1. ↑ www.griffintrust.org.uk Retrieved 15 November 2016
  2. 1 2 www.fomcc.de Retrieved 15 November 2016
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/15/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.