Ford D-series light truck
Ford D1000 (UK nomenclature), powered by Cummins Diesel 7.7 unit
The Ford D-Series was a range of middle weight trucks introduced by Ford of Britain in 1965[1]. It appears to have been envisaged as a more modern competitor to the Bedford TK produced by General Motors' UK truck subsidiary.
In 1965 the range covered rigid trucks with gross weights from 5.2 to 12.75 British tons, and tippers from 10.8 to 12.75 tons[1]. Higher gross weights became available with the subsequent introduction of versions featuring twin rear axles and articulated tractor unit models were also quickly added to the range[1].
Three new diesel engines were developed for the trucks, respectively of 3.97 litres, 5.42 litres and 5.95 litres cylinder capacity[1]. The smallest unit was of four cylinders while the larger engines employed six cylinders[1]. Claimed power ranged from 82.5 bhp to 128 bhp[1]. Possibly with an eye to export markets outside Europe, petrol engined versions with power outputs of 129 bhp and 149 bhp were also offered[1].
As on the class defining Bedford TK and on various US built heavy trucks of the time, the cabin was a flat fronted forward control unit positioned above the engine[1]. Engine access was achieved by tilting the entire cab forwards: the hinge at the front employed a torsion-bar counter balancing system which according to commentators made tilting the cab to access the engine "almost a one-hand job"[1]. The engines were installed at an angle of 45 degrees from the vertical which was intended to enable the cab interior to feature a virtually flat floor without the cab itself becoming excessively tall[1].
April 1967 saw the range expanded upwards with the arrival of the Phase II D1000 series, designed for operation up to a weight of 28 tons gross, and at that time the largest trucks ever produced by Ford of Britain[1]. The D1000s were powered by Cummins produced V8 diesel engines of 7.7 litres displacement[1].
The D1000s were superseded as the top model by the Ford Transcontinental introduced for long distance work and the continental and Middle East runs in the 1970s.
Models/ variants[]
- D1000 - 4x2 and 6x4 - Ford V8 diesel
Preservation[]
A number of these classics are starting to appear at shows as exhibits rather than just as transport for other exhibits.
- ONF 711H+ - Furniture van
- YHA 346S+ - D1000 4x2 tractor unit
- GVO 67J+ - Ford D2417 - breakdown truck conversion
- RPL 136R+ - Ford D 6x4 recovery truck
Gallery[]
Add your photos here
_at_TW-Ireland_2013_-_IMG_0699.JPG "Ford D series (77-C-!063) at TW-Ireland 2013 - IMG 0699.JPG (1.36 MB)")
_Vaux_Breweries_at_Exelby_services_IMG_1966.JPG "Ford D series (MCU299k) Vaux Breweries at Exelby services IMG 1966.JPG (1.34 MB)")
_at_Exelby_services_2013_-_IMG_1976.JPG "Ford D series (XBU594S) at Exelby services 2013 - IMG 1976.JPG (1.25 MB)")
See also[]
References[]
External links[]
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