The Beta range of commercials was introduced in November 1933 as an updated version of the Atlas but both models were offered until the Atlas was withdrawn in 1936. Both two axle (six ton) and three axle (eight to twelve ton) types were made.  

At first the VR4 diesel was used but after the Atlas  went out of production the VR6 became an option.

Chassis numbers were in the 951xx range. 

The number made is not known and there are no known survivors.

	The Beta chassis. The chassis cost £1195 with the VR4 engine.
	A VR4 engined Beta in use by Wadsworth in 1934.  This particular example was part of an order for ten and was a third repeat order.
	A Beta with side tipping body supplied to E & O Griffiths of Monmouthshire.
	A 3 axle Beta

Engine/gearbox/transmission

Body/chassis

capacity 6080 cc (VR4) 9120 cc (VR6) cylinders 4 (monobloc) or 6 (two units of 3 cylinders) bore 4 7/16 inches (112.7 mm) stroke 6 inches (152.4 mm) compression ratio : RAC Horse Power 31.5 (VR4) 47.3 (VR6) valves overhead injection max power 66 bhp at 1700 rpm (VR4) 100 bhp at 1700 rpm (VR6) fuel consumption (typical)  35 gallon tank lubrication pressure to five bearing crankshaft, big ends, pistons and camshaft. max speed (approx) not known Gears 4 speed separately mounted from engine  3.68:1, 2.57:1, 1.43:1, 1:1 Optional two speed auxiliary gearbox Clutch single dry plate Drive Shaft Two part shaft with Hardy Spicer joints Rear axle Spiral bevel final drive Fully floating ratio - 8.25:1 (other ratios optional)

wheelbase 12 ft 6 in (3810 mm) length 19 feet 9.75 inches (6039 mm) width overall 7 feet 5.75 inches (2280 mm) track Front - 6 feet 2 7/8 inches (1900 mm) Rear- 5 feet 9 3/4 inches (1772 mm) weight cwt (chassis) steering Marles cam and lever 53 ft 6 in (16.3 m) turning circle suspension - front half elliptic springs suspension -rear half elliptic springs brakes Triple Dewandre servo braking system. 17 inch (43 mm) drums,  front -3 inch (75 mm) wide  rear - 6 inch (150 mm) wide Hand brake operates on rear wheels sharing foot brake drums. wheels/tyres 36 x 8 tyres Twin wheels at rear

© Malcolm Asquith 2010