Commer
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Commercial and military vehicles manufacturing |
| Founded | September 1905 |
| Founder | Board of directors including H C B Underdown |
| Defunct | 1979 |
| Fate | Brand discontinued after acquisition by Chrysler Europe; production transitioned to Renault models |
| Headquarters | Luton , United Kingdom |
| Products | Commercial vehicles, military vehicles, vans, trucks, buses, diesel engines |
Commer was a UK-based manufacturer specializing in commercial and military vehicles from 1905 until 1979. Its portfolio encompassed car-derived vans, light commercial vehicles, medium and heavy-duty trucks, as well as buses. The company also engineered proprietary diesel engines tailored for its heavy-duty commercial trucks.
History
Operating under the name Commercial Cars Limited, the company was established in September 1905 by a board of directors that included H C B Underdown, a barrister and director at Direct United States Cable Co. The firm focused on producing commercial automobiles, omnibuses, charabancs, fire engines, and various industrial vehicles. By 1920, it was recognized as the pioneering company devoted exclusively to internal combustion-powered industrial commercial vehicles. To support mass production, Commercial Cars secured a site in 1905 on Biscot Road in Luton, where extensive workshop facilities were completed by late 1906. The company joined the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in August 1906, becoming among the earliest British manufacturers of commercial vehicles, gaining recognition for its Commer Car.
At the 1907 Olympia Commercial Motor Show, Commer showcased a motor-bus chassis equipped with a Linley-designed constant mesh gearbox featuring dog clutches to enable smoother gear transitions. That same year, their E43 lorry model competed in the Great Commercial Motor Trials; it was powered by a four-cylinder engine delivering 33 horsepower and featured four forward gears.
The inaugural truck produced was the 3-ton RC type launched in 1907, which later developed into the SC and YC "Barnet" series. Commer completed its first full bus model in 1909. During the First World War, manufacturing shifted to military vehicles for the British Army, with production exceeding 3,000 units by 1919.
Although financial reorganization occurred in 1920 due to liabilities from wartime excess profits duty amounting to £75,000, Commer was acquired by Humber Limited in 1926. Humber itself became a majority-owned subsidiary (60%) of the Rootes Group in 1931.
The Commer marque was gradually discontinued throughout the 1970s following Rootes Group’s acquisition by Chrysler Europe. After Peugeot took over Chrysler Europe in 1978, the Commer facility collaborated with Renault Trucks. It continued manufacturing Dodge-branded commercial trucks under Renault badges for a period before fully transitioning to Renault models and concentrating on truck and bus engine production by the early 1990s.
A distinctive feature of Commer vehicles was their use of the Rootes Commer TS3 engine—a unique two-stroke diesel three-cylinder horizontally opposed piston powerplant nicknamed the "Commer Knocker" due to its characteristic noise. Subsequent models incorporated diesel engines from Perkins, Cummins, and occasionally Mercedes.
Commer N- and LN-series
Debuting in 1935, the N-series trucks served with British armed forces during World War II. Production ended in 1939 and was not resumed after the war. These trucks were available with both cab-over-engine and bonneted designs and powered by either petrol or Perkins Leopard diesel engines. The six-cylinder petrol units came in displacements of either 3181cc or 4086cc.
The range included heavier N-series models alongside lighter LN variants (spanning N1 to N6 according to payload capacity), as well as PN-series buses typically equipped with diesel powerplants. In 1938, the 4/5 ton PLNF5 model was introduced. While LN trucks shared similar payload capabilities with N-series vehicles, they had lower maximum gross weights to comply with British regulations aimed at curbing overloading practices prevalent at that time. The LN range was engineered for optimal performance within speed limits set during the 1930s. Following withdrawal of the 5½-ton N5 after launching the LN5 model, market demand prompted its reintroduction in 1938.
Commer Superpoise
Introduced in 1939, the Commer Superpoise (Q-series) offered both semi-forward and full-forward control cab configurations, showcasing a sleek design inspired by American International trucks. Its payload capacity varied between 1½ and six tons, powered by six-cylinder engines available in petrol or diesel variants. In 1955, the lineup expanded with the QX-series Superpoise, designed for loads ranging from two to five tons.
Although it achieved moderate success, the Superpoise found it challenging to rival established competitors such as Leyland and Bedford. Production of this model ceased in 1961.
Despite Chrysler's acquisition of Commer occurring only in 1967, the British Dodge 200 series trucks, which succeeded the Dodge 100 "Kew" range and debuted in 1958, shared cab designs with the Commer Superpoise. Both cabs were crafted by Airflow Streamlines of Northampton, allowing for parts compatibility. The Dodge 200 was marketed globally under the Fargo and DeSoto names.
By 1963, the Dodge range had evolved into the "400 series," adopting the American Dodge D series cab and incorporating Perkins and Leyland engines. While mainly intended for export markets, it was also sold within the UK but struggled commercially and was discontinued by 1965. Its resemblance to American models made it difficult to establish a distinct identity.
This strategy of merging American cab designs with European chassis was later applied to the Dodge 50 series launched in 1979, which combined a Dodge B series van cab with a British medium-duty truck frame.
Buses
Commer manufactured buses as early as 1909, delivering four units to Widnes. Following World War II, the Commando model was introduced, succeeded by the Avenger in 1948 that incorporated the TS3 engine starting in 1954. Additionally, the Commando served as a Royal Air Force Crew Bus featuring a one-and-a-half length observation deck.
Commer 8 cwt
The Commer 8 cwt was a light commercial vehicle from the 1930s targeting the 410 kg van market segment. It was equipped with a four-cylinder 1185 cc engine producing 33 hp at 4100 rpm, supported by a fuel tank capacity of 33 liters and a wheelbase measuring 2340 mm.
Commer Light Pick-up
Manufactured during the 1950s, the Commer Light Pick-Up was derived from the Hillman Minx saloon, with versions bearing Hillman badging also available. Engine displacements increased over time from 1184 cc (Mark III) to 1265 cc (Mark VI) and finally to 1390 cc (Mark VIII). Production concluded around 1958. Australian variants produced circa 1950 included a coupé utility model featuring an additional side window.
Commer Express Delivery Van
Produced in the 1950s, the Commer Express Delivery Van competed within the light commercial vehicle category of eight to ten cwt vans. It shared its platform with the Hillman Minx saloon, evolving through models designated Mark III to Mark VIIIB. The 1957 version offered a cargo volume of approximately 100 cubic feet and a payload capacity near nine cwt, powered by a four-cylinder Hillman engine of 1390 cc paired with a four-speed column-shift gearbox. Suspension featured coil springs with independent front setup, while braking utilized drum brakes on all wheels, including twin-leading-shoe units at the front.
The Express Delivery Van was eventually superseded by the Commer FC range of vans.
Commer Cob
Debuting in early 1956, the Commer Cob was a 7 cwt delivery vehicle derived from the Hillman Husky, which itself originated from the Hillman Minx Mark VIII. It shared similarities with the Express model but featured a shorter length, reduced cargo capacity, and a more streamlined appearance. In 1958, the Cob underwent updates alongside new Husky variants, both built upon the "Audax" Hillman Minx platform.
Commer Imp Van
The Commer Imp Van was introduced in September 1965, taking its design cues from the Hillman Imp saloon. It was rebranded as the Hillman Imp Van in October 1968, with a total production of 18,194 units before ceasing manufacture in July 1970. The final iteration of the Hillman Husky estate car, launched in July 1967, was based on this Imp Van platform and shared body panels forward of the B-pillar.
Commer BF
Produced from 1957, the Commer BF was a light to medium-duty van resembling a contemporary step-van. Many units were custom-built as ice cream vans and ambulances. Several chassis cab versions were primarily exported to regions such as Hong Kong, where they were adapted into pickups and box trucks with locally fabricated bodies. The BF offered a moderate payload capacity and relatively robust engines for its era. Its production concluded in 1966 following the introduction of the newer Walk-Thru model in 1961, with the BF positioned as a more affordable alternative. Heavier-duty variants of the BF shared powertrains with the Superpoise truck range.
Owing to Commer's affiliation with Karrier, a rebadged BF version was marketed by Karrier featuring more fuel-efficient engines.
Commer Walk-Thru
Launched in 1961 as a successor to the BF, the Walk-Thru was available in -ton, 2-ton, and 3-ton configurations as vans or cab-chassis models, powered by either diesel or petrol engines. Production also took place in Spain through Santana Motors starting in 1964. Todd Motors in New Zealand produced a limited batch in 1970; however, it did not achieve commercial success there. The Walk-Thru underwent modernization and was subsequently sold under the Dodge brand (part of Renault/Chrysler) until it was replaced by the Dodge 50 Series during the late 1970s.
Commer FC/PA/PB/Spacevan
Introduced in 1960, the Commer FC featured various body styles including a van version. Enhanced models were rebranded as PB in 1967 and later as SpaceVan in 1974. These forward-control vans were also marketed under Dodge and Fargo badges until 1976. Their narrow front track was derived from Humber car suspension components. Initially, PA series models were powered by Hillman-based four-cylinder engines; later PB variants utilized larger displacement units from 1968 onward—all featuring cast-iron cylinder heads. A Perkins 4108 diesel engine option was also available.
Following Chrysler UK's government bailout in 1976, an updated Spacevan appeared in 1977 with refreshed styling and improved interior features. Although it became outdated by its production end in 1982—after Peugeot's acquisition—the Spacevan remained widely used across the UK due to extensive deployment by Post Office Telecommunications, which continued ordering until British Telecom's establishment in 1981. Engine choices at that time included two petrol units of 1.7 litres (offering either 37 kW low compression or 42 kW high compression) and a 31 kW diesel engine, all mated to four-speed manual gearboxes. The final Spacevan rolled off production lines in 1983.
Military vehicles
During the Second World War, Commer manufactured a variety of military vehicles, some of which continued to be utilized well into the 1980s. British Army personnel often remarked on the vehicles' reliability issues, a sentiment famously captured by Frank Muir's comment describing a breakdown as "The Commer has come to a full stop."
Engines
Commer engineered its own range of diesel engines tailored for heavy-duty commercial trucks and buses, featuring compact, low-profile designs that fit beneath the floor of the vehicle cab.
TS3
The TS3 was an unconventional two-stroke diesel engine comprising three cylinders, each containing paired pistons that created the combustion chamber between the piston crowns and cylinder walls. Specifically designed for Commer trucks, it generated 105 horsepower through a distinctive rocker mechanism that transferred power to a single crankshaft.
TS4
An advancement of the TS3, the TS4 incorporated four cylinders and underwent rigorous testing with pre-production units covering 1.2 million miles. Despite demonstrating exceptional durability, its manufacture was discontinued due to Chrysler’s strategic priorities associated with its partnership with Cummins in the UK.
Motorsport
In the 1950s, the Scottish racing outfit Ecurie Ecosse employed a double-deck transporter based on a Commer chassis to support their team operations.
Karrier
Commer took over Karrier in 1934,[1] bringing it under the umbrella of the Rootes Group. Karrier was known for products such as the Cob tractor—its "mechanical horse" launched in 1930—and municipal vehicles including refuse trucks, street sweepers, and trolleybuses. The Cob was supplied extensively to major railway companies, with orders continuing at the time of acquisition.[1] By the early 1960s, manufacturing activities were centralized at Dunstable, merging operations of Commer, Dodge (UK), and Karrier. The Karrier brand is currently owned by Peugeot.
Scale models and die-cast
- Lesney Products produced "Matchbox" Series No. 47b (1963–1969), representing a Commer BF "Ice Cream Canteen" in Lyons Maid colors, approximately 00 scale.
- Lesney's "Matchbox" Series No. 62b (1963–1969) featured a Commer BF "TV Service Van" adorned with Rentaset livery, also about 00 scale.
- Meccano Dinky Toys offered No. 430 (1954–64), depicting a Commer Breakdown Vehicle (Superpoise), roughly O scale (1:44).
- Corgi produced various Commer replicas from 1956 to 1971, including delivery vans, dropside lorries, and a mobile camera van complete with accessories, all approximately O scale (1:44).
- Oxford Diecast provides multiple Commer models available in both OO scale and N scale.
See also
- Dodge 50 series
- Dodge 500 trucks
External links
- Articles with short description
- Rootes Group
- Commer vehicles
- Defunct truck manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Defunct bus manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1905
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1979
- Vans
- 1905 establishments in England
- 1979 disestablishments in England
- Renault trucks
- Pages with reference errors