STEAM SERVICE-CAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21293, 21 September 1932, Page 14

STEAM SERVICE-CAR

CHASSIS BUILT AT THAMES BODY TO 'BE FITTED The chassis of what will be the first steam service-car to bo placed in operation in New Zealand arrived in Auckland yestorday afternoon from Thames. The vehicle will be equipped with a locally-built body. The vehicle has been purchased by Messrs. W. White and Sons, of Thames, from Messrs. A. and G. Price, Limited, who constructed it at Thames. The firm holds the rights of manufacturing steam vehicles on the Dobie patents under licence and has constructed several heavy bus or lorry chassis, but the chassis now delivered is the first of a lighter type suitable for service-car work. When completed the vehicle will weigh between and 3- tons, and will have accommodation for about 20 passengers, tho design being similar to that of service buses now being run by Messrs. White and Sons. The engine develops over 100 horse-power under full pressure, and it is anticipated that the completed vehicle will be capable of 60 miles an hour on level country when fully loaded. Tho chassis has already been tested at Thames and when the bodywork is completed, tho car will be placed on a run on tho Hauraki Plains. It ig possible that tho vehiclo may later bo used i.l tho Auckland-Thames service, as the body will bo of tho dual type suitable for short trips or long runs with luggage.