1972 Spencer Abbott 1972 Spencer Abbott Link to the brochure: 1972 Spencer Abbott 1972 Spencer Abbott The company Spencer Abbott Ltd had cooperated over many years in conjuction with Land-Rover and their Special Projects Department, and had a long experience in conversion building. A solution of a 110 inches, stretched wheelbase with the characteristic window and roof arrangements, so typical to the Spencer Abbott version. An ambulance prototype YXC999K where developed and taken to a medical exhibition in Switzerland in 1971. The Range Rover Spencer Abbott ambulance stayed in the Land-Rover's conversion catalogue for several years, but where never popular. Not many Range Rover Spencer Abbott ambulances where built. Even though the ambulances where never popular, the production of the extension conversions of the 10 extra inches or more, and the reinforcing of the Range Rover frame ready for other conversion companies, was given to Spencer Abbott, so they performed well. 1972 Range Rover Spencer Abbott YXC 999K ready for exhibition The Belgian Gendarmerie used a Spencer Abbott converted Range Rover as a control room vehicle by the Special Intervention Squadron in the 70's. The Belgian Gendarmerie used numerous Range Rover mainly as Highway Patrol cars and as ambulances (Wadham-Stringer and Lomas conversions). The fate of this Spencer Abbott converted Range Rover is unknown. Thanks to the Belgian Police Historical Service - Brussels for allowing to used this historic picture of the Spencer Abbott Range Rover conversion used by the Belgian Gendarmerie. From Spencer Abbott brochure of December 1972: Courtesy of the Belgian Police Historical Service - Brussels Spencer Abbott Ambulance Four wheel drive for added traction and stability on wet or slippery surfaces A 3.5 litre V8 engine provides ample reserves of power to cope with all situations Exceptionally strong chassis frame and running gear for reliability and long life .... .... combine to provide one of the most suitable vehicles yet devised for the ambulance services Engine An OHV all-aluminium high performance V8. Bore 3.5 in (88.9 mm). Stroke 2.8 in (71.12 mm) Cubic capacity 215 cubic inches (3,528 cc) 8.5:1 compression ratio BHP (DIN) 130 at 5,000 rpm. Torque 25.6 MKg (186 lb.ft) at 2,500 rpm Cooling system Pressurised type - 15 psi (1.05 kg.cm2) with pump, fan, thermostat and pressurised expansion tank. Capacity 20 pints (11 litres) Fuel system A 19 gallon (22.5 US gallons), (86 litres) tank is located at the rear between the chassis frame members. The A.C. pump is mechanically operated and supplies fuel to two Zenith-Stromberg CD2 carburetters Drawing from the initial plans of a Spencer Abbott ambulance Clutch is of the diaphragm spring, single dry plate type - 10.5 in (26.7 cm) diameter. The main gearbox has four forward and one reverse speeds, manually operated with synchromesh on all forward gears. The transfer gearbox is of the two speed reduction type in the main gearbox output. Front and rear drive are permanently engaged via a third differential which can be locked by a vacuum control switch, mounted on the gearbox Overall ratios (Final drive) High Transfer Low Transfer Top 4.16 11.76 Third 6.25 17.69 Second 10.17 28.78 First 16.91 47.83 Reverse 15.23 43.07 Steering Burman circulating ball, worm and nut type incorporating an A.C. safety coloumn with security locking device. Turning circle 41 ft (12.5 m) 3.5 turns to lock Front suspension Coil springs. Axles located by radius arms and Panhard rod. Control is by long-stroke hydraulic Official press photo of the Spencer Abbott ambulance issued '72 telescopic dampers Coil springs. Axle located by radius arms, support rods and central wishbone assembly, incorporating a 'Boge Hydromat' self-energising ride-level unit. Control is by long-stroke hydraulic telescopic dampers Brakes Lockheed disc brakes are fitted front and rear and are servo-assisted for easy pedal operation. A dual line piping system ensures emergency to individually piped calipers on front discs. The hand-brake is of the internal expanding drum type, operating on the transfer box rear output shaft Wheels and tyres Pressed-steel 'Rostyle' enamelled wheels, five stud fixing - size 6.00 JK x 16. Tyres: Michelin radials XM+S x 16 (tubed) or Firestone Town & Country radials 205x16 (Tubed) Weights
Weights shown include a stretcher trolley and rear seating Individual front seats have integral lap and diagonal safety harnesses and are fitted with a mechanism which allows the backrest to tip and automatically slide the seat assembly forward for ease of access to the rear. Driver's seat is provided with conventional fore and aft adjustment. Passenger seat is fixed in forward position. Doors have combined armrest/door pull with twin interior operating handles, for front and rear passengers. Each door has a sliding catch security lock. Interior appointments include: Interior roof light, operated either by opening of front doors or by an independent switch; ashtray on transmission tunnel; twin collapsible sun visors; safety spring-out interior rear view mirrors; electric clock with front hand-set; integral parcel tray/passenger grab handle; spacious glove box; provision for radio Overall dimensions and data Wheelbase 110 ins (2.79 m); Track 58.5 ins (1.48 m); Ground clearance (under axles) 7.5 ins (0.19 m) - under vehicle 12.5 ins (0.32 m); Turning circle 41 ft (12.5 m) Overall length 186 ins (4.72 m); Overall width 70 ins (1.78 m); Overall height (Beacon) 86 ins (2.18 m) - Roof 78 ins (1.98 m) Standard equipment Dual tone air horns This vehicle could carry 8 persons, bonnet mounted spare wheel Illuminated 'Ambulance' sign Davos White paintwork Red reflective side strips 2" deep Red reflective 'Ambulance' letters Reversing lamps (2) Hazard warning lamps Electric extractor fans (2) Heating & ventilation system Floodlights in rear door (2) Fluorescent lights in rear compartment (2) Electric power points (2) Roof light in front compartment Rocker switch panel on fascia Interior trim in Palomino PVC Floor covering in grey vinyl Chassis optional extras at extra cost 45 amp alternator single charge 45 amp alternator with split charge and extra battery 60 amp alternator with split charge and extra battery Power assisted steering Capstan winch Drum winch Optional extras at extra cost Siren and alarm bell Fog/long range driving lamps Bonnet mounted spare wheel carrier Additional flashing beacon Fire extinguisher Piped oxygen with two outlets Hot water hand wash basin - 2 gallons Petrol burning heater with optional pre-set timer and thermostat Special rear door to work as a step or foldable to facilitate stretcher Air conditioning Roller blind to rear of driver's seat Floodlamp Extension cable & reel for floodlamp Universal spotlight on screen pillar Sundym tinted glass to front compartment Laminated windscreen Medical specification to customers requirements Seating for 3 occupants and 1 stretcher. One piece rear door seen |