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November is Military Month at www.standardmotorclub.org
Military Feature - Standard Light Utility Vehicles - Part I This article first appeared in Wheels and Tracks Issue No 46. Published by kind permission of "Classic Military Vehicles".
Amongst the British Cars, '4 x
2, Light Utility' of WWII those produced by the Standard
were
the odd ones out. The "Tillies" from Austin, Morris
and Hillman were direct derivatives from their makers' 10Hp
monocoque-bodied saloons; the front half essentially the same,
the back an integral pick-up type box.
The Standards were based on the somewhat larger 12/14Hp chassis with a separate frame and military pattern bodywork from the scuttle backwards. Like the others, they were used for carrying passengers and light cargo, running errands and other general-purpose work. In those roles they were more spacious and comfortable (and economical) than the jeep, but with a minimum of off road capability. Click on any of the thumbprints to see an enlargement:
Meanwhile, following the Dunkirk evacuation Britain needed armoured cars for Home Defence, including airfoeld and aircraft factory protection. SMC was one of the suppliers and delivered some 850 Beaverettes MkI and MkII) based on the 14Hp chassis. This chassis was used also for quantities of 15-cwt (series FB) box vans and ambulances for use by the RAF. From 1943 MV production was concentrated on one composite chassis type for all services - a kind of standard Standard. It comprised of the 14Hp frame with the 12Hp engine and military bodywork of only a few types. SMC's 12 and 14Hp engines differed primarily in cylinder bore size (69.5 and 73mm) and power output (44 and 48bhp). The chassis differed in length (8' 4" and 9' 0" WB resp.). The Flying 12 car had been available with either Independent Front Suspension or ( 'if desired by conservative customers') a rigid front axle with semi-elliptical springs, which the 14 had a s standard. This later chassis was sturdier and simpler and thus more suitable for military service.
The new military spec. 12Hp was in full scale production from 1943 until war's end in two main versions: the Series UV Light Utility and the Series EC Ambulance. Both were supplied as chassis for outside bodywork, however. The total ordered amounted to over 9000 and customers included the British Army, Air force, Navy and the Ministry of Supply. The chassis were numbered within the ranges UV1-9103 and EC1A-400A. Click on any of the thumbprints to see an enlargement:
The Light Utility body, again by Mulliner was of wooden construction, panelled in sheet metal, with a waterproof tilt and a canopy sheet to cover the cab, both on a tubular framework. (The cab top was often replaced with a proper roof, especially after the war.) The tilt had a roll-back flap at the back. In the rear body floor there was a hatch for access to back axle and fuel tank. The two adjustable front seats had hinged backs. The windscreen was hinged at the top and could be opened and locked in position. The rear wheels were usually shod with knobbly tyres.. During its production run there were only few changes. Certain batches has civvy-type wheels with with hub cover plate (held by 2 screws) but after UV680 most chassis had the familiar Dunlop 53367 wheels with integral hoisting flange. At UV4103 there was a slight change to the radiator grille and from UV6107 the circular gearbox front cover was revised and a modified oil thrower fitted Part II will continue with details of the two contracts under which over 9000 of these Utilities were supplied. |
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