Ford D series
The Ford D series is a range of middle-weight trucks that were introduced by Ford UK in 1965.[1] It replaced the Thames Trader and appears to have been envisaged as a more modern competitor to the Bedford TK produced by General Motors' UK truck subsidiary.
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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 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 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 counterbalancing 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]
In 1981 the range was replaced by the Ford Cargo in European markets and by the Ford N series (badge-engineered Hino Ranger) in Australasia.
Sources and further reading
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- "[Ford] Heavy vehicles". Autocar. 128 (nbr 3766): 105. April 18, 1968.