Carmichael & Sons (Worcester) Ltd1971 Carmichael Commando 1973 Carmichael Rescue 1979 Carmichael Commando 1979 Carmichael Highlander 1971 Carmichael Commando 1973 Carmichael Rescue 1979 Carmichael Commando 1979 Carmichael Highlander Carmichael 6 Wheel Range Rover Conversions Carmichael was the first company to convert a Range Rover to a 6 wheel conversion when they did it with #VIN 35500002 in 1971. Carmichael made the 6 wheel mainly for the commercial market fire tenders and rescue vehicles for extra carrying capacity and space for rescue equipments. During the whole production run from 1971 to mid 90's Carmichael did approx. 400 6 wheel conversions. From the Carmichael brochure:  The Carmichael Range Rover 6x4 Rapid Intervention Appliance Chassis Wheelbase: 9ft 9,75in (2990mm) Gearbox: Four speed forward and one reverse. High and low ratio transfer box, synchro- mesh is incorporated on all forward gears Drive: 6x4 with trailing rear axle Braking systems: Dual line hydraulic front. Single line hydraulic rear. The handbrake is of the transmission variety operating on a drum at the rear of the transfer box Suspension: The suspension is fully independent all round with front and rear double acting telescopic shock absorbers Differentials: Front and rear axle differential ratios, 3.54:1. A third differential is fitted between the two axles to prevent 'wind up'. This is lockable by a switch adjacent to the gear lever in the driver's cab, to give extra traction when traversing soft terrain Engine Type: V8 overhead valves, water cooled Number of cylinders: Eight Bore: 3.5in (88.9mm) YVB 152H was early converted by Carmichael to 6x4 RIV Stroke: 2.8in (71.1mm) Cylinder capacity: 215 cu in (3,528 cc)  Compression ratio: 8.5:1 Maximum bhp (DIN): 130 at 5,000 rpm Max torque (DIN): 185 lb/ft (25.6 mkg) at 2,500 rpm Engine speed limiter prevents excessive revving of the engine when suction water supply is exhausted Heat exchanger A heat exchanger is fitted in the forward part of the engine compartment together with a high capacity radiator and specially modified cooled sump to give adequate thermal dissipation during prolonged pumping operations Fuel system The fuel system has a capacity of 19 gallons (86 litres or 23 US gallons). The filling orifice will be brought to the outside of the bodywork in an accessible position and has a lockable cap Power take-off Fully approved usage points off crankshaft ar engine front and also at gearbox rear. We would ask you Carmichael Commando fire tender at an exhibition in 1972 to note that we have not allowed for the supply of a centre power take off within our quotation  Electrical system Negative earth 12 volt with a 60 amp hour battery. A 45 amp alternator is provided as a standard fitment Carmichael bodywork and equipment Main premix water/foam tank The 200 gallon glass fibre tank is shaped and mounted as low as possible in the chassis to obtain a low centre of gravity and a facility for removal is provided. It is a semi-rectangular shape with internal baffle plates to prevent surge whilst the vehicle is in motion. Filling is accomplished through a modified adaptor fitted to the suction eye of the main pump. Provision is made to pour the foam concentrate via a special filling adaptor located on the roof of the appliance. The tank to pump pipework is of adequate size. The unit is constructed from the best quality fibre glass materials, complying with British Standards. All resins used in the manufacture of this unit will not be affected by aqueous film forming foam. Level gauge for the tank is of the tube and float variety and is situated in the rear of the cab Main pump The main pump is of the single stage centrifugal type and is capable of pumping 500 gpm at 100 psi, 2,273 lpm at 7 atm and incorporates a manual water ring primer capable of lifting water from a depth Carmichael Commando shown with Hydrovane pump in 1975 of 26 feet. The pump is located at the front of the appliance and is driven from the engine via a short shaft and consists of two 2.5in (64mm) female instantaneous screw down delivery valves and one 4in  (104mm) male round thread suction inlet with an internal strainer and blank cap mounted on the control panel Control panel The control panel is mounted around the pump and comprises of the following: Pressure gauge and compound gauge Night lighting The primer lever is mounted on the pump with spring release The trottle control is fitted on the right-hand side of the pump Pump engagement lever is on the left of the pump, and is complete with tell tale light on the dash board Hydrant valve and tank gauge are to the rear of the appliance All controls necessary for the smooth operation of the water and foam systems will be duplicated Carmichael Commando 6x4 chassis ready for a new bodywork in the driver's cab, to enable the vehicle to be fully operational in the minimum possible time  Carmichael bodywork and equipment Monitor A monitor capable of discharging 1500/2000 gpm of finished foam will be mounted on the roof of the cab and manually controlled from the inside of the cab. The valve controlling the flow is situated on the stackpipe to the side of the driver's seat BCF media A 100 kg Vehicle mounted BCF extinguisher unit will be fitted in the rear of the appliance behind the premix foam tank. The media will be charged with nitrogen to a pressure of 175 lb/sq ft at 18C, which will be expelled via a 100 ft hose stored on a reel and terminating in a tommy gun type discharge nozzle at a maximum rate of 2 kg/sec. The total discharge time is approx. 75 seconds. Adequate provision is made for the speedy removal of this unit Bodywork and stowage The Range Rover chassis with a standard driving position offers dual full sized forward hinged doors for easy access of crew and driver. the 2-man cab and body forms part of the clean unbroken styling Creative seating arrangement for 3 persons in a Commando RIV line with the water tank incorporated. The driver's and the officer's seats are standard Rover units each having ample lateral adjustment. The upholstery is of the best quality expanded foam covered  in a high grade PVC covering. The bodywork is constructed from aluminium alloy/glass reinforced plastic. There is one large locker on each side of the appliance immediately behind the crew compartment and a further locker is provided to the rear. All lockers will be enclosed by flat sectioned spring assisted roller shutters secured in the closed position by spring loaded shoot bolts. Adequate locker lighting will be provided and will be controlled by a master switch on the dash panel in the driver's cab Finish All exposed parts of the chassis and bodywork on the underside of the appliance are primed and finished. The remainder of the bodywork including the interior of the cab and lockers are finished in best quality synthetic enamels. Lettering of the Brigade name and emblem etc (in English) is provided to the customer's require- ments Carmichael Commando 4 door TACR at Gaydon in 2010 Standard accessories In addition to normal road lighting equipment the following accessories are fitted as standard:  Two blue rotating beacons One two tone horn unit Reversing lights Amber front, side, rear and 4-way emergency traffic indicators Two speed windscreen wipers Combined interior heating and windscreen defrosting Windscreen washers All special tools required for routine maintenance Extra items of fire fighting equipment Auxiliary items of fire fighting equipment can be supplied to the customer's requirements. A quotation can be supplied on receipt of the list of required equipment Inspection and tests All Carmichael standard appliance types have undergone a thorough road and cross county trials. Every vehicle undergoes full pumping performance tests prior to acceptance by the customers at our works in Worcester and can be inspected at any time during the course of construction. In addition each chassis undergoes a thorough pre-delivery service. Operating instructions and driver's manuals are provided. The design and engineering is fully approved by the Land Rover Limited and is a combined operation by Carmichael and Rover Carmichael Commando TACR at RRC Anniversary Run in 2010 The Carmichael Commando Personnel Carrier  As an extension to the Commando RIV and Fire Tender Appliances, Carmichael also offered a coversion with the equal type of bodywork, but suited for personnel carriage. Different solutions were available from carrying capacity of up to 13 people inside. No other known Range Rover Classic conversions have ever been able to carry this high number of people. The conversion below is from 1973 and was used to transport hunters out in the field for hunting on rabbits and pheasants. The seat row behind the driver's seat have been changed for an arrangement for carrying guns and have also cabinet for refreshments to the hunters. This rare conversion is for sale in Portugal Special Carmichael Commando conversion capable for 13 people   With the bodywork from the regular Carmichael Commando RIV and provision for carrying people makes this conversion special From the Carmichael brochure:  The Carmichael Commando Custom Car This is the latest and most sumptuous addition to the Carmichael range (1978). Called the Commando Custom, our special versions of the famous Range Rover have all the virtues of the standard car, but are custom-built to ensure a really special vehicle - tailored to your particular needs - in terms of luxury and special equipment. To the Range Rover 4x4 chassis we have added a third trailing axle, wide wheels with all terrain tyres, and a longer body for increased volume, and load carrying. The longer body is also available with just two axles. The single rear axle on this version is set further back so are the rear seats. This gives us room to build in two extra doors and gives you a four door vehicle with a luxurious amount of space for rear passengers. You probably know the Range Rover vitues already: the most versatile motor car in the world. This Carmichael Commando was built for Wolf Race Ltd Technically brilliant, the Range Rover combines smooth power, advanced suspension design and a comprehensive transmission system. So the Range Rover is fast, comfortable, quiet, safe - and is  just as happy on motorways or rough terrain - such as fields or desert conditions. In one package the Range Rover gives you four different vehicles: - Robust transport for business, pleasure and social motoring - seven days a week - On/off highway transport to get to your special leisure pursuits - wherever they may be - High performance long-distance motoring, in complete comfort - A cross-country, load carrying workhorse Just to reinforce the range Rover's ability to take you and your passengers as quickly as you like to your destination, remember these impressive details: - 130 bhp on tap from the lusty V8 engine - A top speed of nearly 100 mph - and more with overdrive - You can accelerate to 60 mph is around 16 seconds The enormous dimentions clearly seen here; ultra long & 6 wheels The Commando has an 18 gallon fuel tank, air conditioning and power steering, the paint and  carpet choice is up to you, and what we've already done is built in every conceivable extra, like: - Electrically operated Sundym windows - Air Conditioning - Alloy wheels with extra wide tyres - Stereo radio cassette/radio system with speakers mounted in headrests - Chrome bumpers - Full interior soundproofing and a host of other extras that you would expect to find on a vehicle of this quality. And of course every vehicle has to complete our thorough pre-delivery test programme. Cross country tests, service and inspection. Commando could also be delivered with 4 wheels and 4 doors Standard Vehicles Includes: - Chrome bumpers - Air Conditioning - External vinyl roof covering - Two front seat headrests - Wheel spats - Deep pile carpeting - Interior light to rear of car - Power steering - Sundym windows - Mudflaps - Brushed nylon front seats - Front seat belts - Electric windows - Stereo cassette radio with four door mounted speakers - Alloy wheels and extra wide tyres - Chassis underseal - Spare wheel fixed and covered Optional Extras: - Additional speakers in headrest - Electric aerial - Side exhaust - Sliding sunroof - Overdrive - Chest refrigerator - Webasto roof wind deflector - Air horns - Rear seat belts - Automatic burglar alarms - Front mounted winch - Towing ball and bracket complete with electrics - 7 seat arrangement (4 door only) - All and any other extra requirements considered including paint colours and finishes From the Carmichael brochure:  The Carmichael Highlander Custom Car The Carmichael HIGHLANDER is the top of the range model and incorporates every possible luxury fitment, each vehicle being individually prepared by craftsmen working to the highest standards. The chassis preparation, with the addition of the third axle, has full Rover warranty and approval and is designed such that spare parts are fully available from normal Rover stockist. The chassis extension is well proven, as Carmichael staff have now built several hundred three axle Range Rovers over the last five years for both commercial and private use. The vehicles also incorporate fully tested modifications to brakes, chassis and suspension resulting in safety and dependability Bodywork The body lines will follow those of the basic Range Rover 4x4 car but are longer and a raised roof section allows the fitment of an extra row of seats with comfortable access with the unique high line roof. All seats are luxury trimmed and incorporate built-in head rests, access being by the normal Range Carmichael Highlander with 6 wheels and seating for 6 persons Rover doors or through four doors on the optional four door model. The second and third row seats incorporate arm rests and are fully shaped for maximum comfort. An area remains behind the rear  seat available for the stowage of luggage/goods which together with the rest of the vehicle is fully trimmed and carpeted. Not only is the total volume of the vehicle usefully increased but the extra weight carrying capacity over the standard Range Rover is enormous even with the extra personnel carrying ability Air Conditioning A high output air conditioning system is fitted to the vehicle. The air is circulated by a three speed fan through adjustable louvres on the dash facia panel Finish All exposed parts of the chassis are undersealed and bodywork on the underside of the vehicle is fully finish painted. The remainder of the bodywork is individually finished to customer requirements, the interior trim and choice of carpet is also left entirely to customer's discretion Standard accessories - Wolfrace 7" x 15" diameter alloy wheels with B.F. Goodrich all terrain tyres Carmichael Highlander launced at auto exhibition in mid-70's - Electrically operated front windows - Chromium plated bumper bars  - Vinyl covered roof - Stereo cassette/radio system with four speakers - Extra speakers in head rests - Electric aerial - Special heavy duty radiator - Rear window wiper - Sundym glass - Power assisted steering - Towing ball and bracket with chrome plated cover Optional extras - Overdrive - Front mounted winch - Rear seat belts - Air horns - Spot and fog lights - Chest refrigerator - Auto burglar alarm Carmichael Clansman is a less equipped version of the Highlander - Four doors These options represent a small selection only and any other extras will be considered (1979) |
|
|
