Delivery Vans

In 1907 ROVER offers an Delivery Van, based on the 6hp car. The price of £140 seems reasonable, other dates are unfortunately not known.

The payload of 2 cwt - just under 102 kg - is not intoxicating and may have been rather deterrent.

Image source: Licensed to Carry (Book, no further data available)

An interesting approach is the use of interchangeable bodies. In this way, bodies for private use can be easily and quickly exchanged with those for business purposes.

The illustration shows the ROVER 6hp with interchangeable body as presented by the company A. and A. 1906.

The trade journal Commercial Motor wrote about this on 15 November 1906 (excerpt):

"The system of construction which has been designed to meet the views of those who desire to possess a motor vehicle which will fill a dual capacity, by forming a valuable trade asset, and, transformed by a simple operation, a pleasure motorcar, was dealt with, at some length, in the issue of “The Commercial Motor” for September 27th, 1906. Three makes of convertible car were then illustrated and described. A fourth example has now been brought to the notice of the writer that marketed by Autocars and Accessories, Limited, of 158b, Norwood Road, West Norwood, S.E. The “A. and A.” light delivery carts (as they are called) have neat and well designed interchangeable bodies, the style of which can be varied according to the taste of the customer, or the business in connection with which it is proposed to use the machine.
In this make of convertible car the entire upper body, including the driver’s seat, is made detachable: it can be removed by the undoing of four bolts. The inclusion of the driver’s seat in the removable portion permits of the joints being in one continuous horizontal line, and whilst obviating any appearance of a “makeshift” contrivance and the structural disadvantage of vertical and horizontal joints, each part of the body (the upper and the lower) serves to strengthen the whole and to produce a thoroughly rigid construction. No part of the upholstered upper body is common to the business and pleasure cars: risk is not run, therefore, od a shabbiness in appearance resulting from use of that part for trade purposes, It has been found by the makers that it is as cheap to incorporate a front seat in the business body as to provide a satisfactory means of attachment to the rear of a permanent seat. It will be apparent, also, that great freedom in the design of the bodies is allowed, as each is a complete unit without other restriction as to its form than the dimensions of its base. It is, therefore, possible to use the car for more than one establishment by fitting different bodies suitably designed and lettered for each shop.
These bodies are fitted to chassis of different makes by the company, the smallest type of car being that with a 6 h.p. engine and Rover hcassis. This type is being used with much success by, amomgst others, the London and Suburban Meat Stores; an illustration of this firm’s cart is given herewith, and it will be noted that ample space for the carriage of goods is provided, whilst a smart appearance is retained in the completed car."