Commer
Commercial Cars Ltd were a producer of Lorries and Trucks from 1907 to 1976
- 1907 Founded and the name abbreviated to Commer. Built with the Lindley epicyclic preselector gearbox
- WW1 Produced some 3,000 model RC 4ton models
- 1926 Taken over by Humber cars and they renamed their Centaur Co as Commer
- 1928 Group taken over by Rootes Group
- WW2 Produced some 20,000 vehicles
- 1948 New range launched with 5ton and 7ton payloads
- 1953 A two stroke diesel marketed with two horizontally opposed piston in each of the three cylinders
- 1961 Introduced successful 1.5 / 5ton delivery van
- 1966 Entered heavier market with a 16ton gvw chassis and cab
- 1964 Chrysler bought in to Rootes Group
- 1973 Chrysler gain full control of the company
- 1976 The name was discontinued
Cars
- The first chassis was developed around a gearbox called the Lindley.
- In 1907 the company offered passenger carrying chassis.
Buses
- The first double-decker arrived in 1909.
- New models were introduced in the 1920's so there wasn't demand for the Lindley gearbox. After 1926 it was no longer fitted.
- From 1922 the company hit a postwar slump and was run by a receiver and manager.
- In 1926 the company was sold to Humber and later the name was changed to Commer Cars.
- In 1930 Commer only offered 20 or 26-seat models with normal control.
- In 1939 the new Superpoise series was designed. It had a semi-forward control layout. Diesel and petrol engines were offered, and a choice of wheelbases from 20 to 32 seats.
Sources of Information
- British Lorries 1900-1992 by S. W. Stevens-Stratten. Pub. Ian Allen Publishing
- Ian Allan - British Buses Since 1900 - Aldridge and Morris