This
unique vehicle was built exclusively for the purpose
of towing the Aerocar trailer. Initially the trailer
was pulled by a 1936 Plymouth coupe, but it soon
proved to be somewhat underpowered. In order to
realize the full benefits of this travel trailer,
the owner commissioned the International Truck Plant
in Chatham, Ontario to custom design this unique
little workhorse.
A
1938 custom D-Line cab and chassis with a shortened
wheelbase was chosen as the basic unit. A four-speed
transmission gets the power to the dual rear wheels
through a two-speed rear end. Powering up the unit
is an International Green Diamond (GRD-233) six-cylinder,
L-head engine. Bore, 3-5/16"; Stroke, 4-1/2";
Piston displacement, 232.65 cu. in.; Compression
pressure, 110-120 lbs.; Horsepower, 93 @ 3400 R.P.M.;
Maximum torque, 181 ft. lbs. @ 1000 R.P.M.
The
body was custom fabricated in Brantford, Ontario
by Brantford Coach. Moulded steel panels were fastened
to hardwood framing members.
Since
this travel unit was chauffeur driven, it was self-contained,
even without the trailer. It would seat seven persons;
the windows had pull-down blinds, and the six-foot
long rear seat opened out to form a double bed.
Storage compartments were provided for the heavy-duty
batteries, the delco generator, and even a swing-out
sink for the chauffeur. An intercom system connected
the two units.
At
the rear deck, a roll-down covering exposes the
"Glenn Curtiss Aero Coupler".
The
coupled length of the combined unit is 35 feet and
it weighs in at approximately 5 tons.
Owned
and Restored by:
HINDLEY'S GARAGE
Ken and Lana Hindley
Union, Ontario, Canada
