Commer FC
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1960 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Commercial vehicles (vans) |
| Parent | Rootes Group (later Chrysler Europe) |
The Commer FC was a forward control commercial vehicle manufactured by Commer between 1960 and 1976. It was later updated and renamed the Commer PB in 1967, followed by the Commer SpaceVan in 1974. After Chrysler acquired the Rootes Group, the SpaceVan was marketed under the Dodge, DeSoto, and Fargo marques. Starting in 1976, it was sold solely as the Dodge SpaceVan until production ceased in 1983.
History
Commer gained recognition for producing vans for the British Post Office, most notably with the introduction of the Commer FC in 1960, which was available in several body configurations, including a panel van. Following updates, it was rebranded as the PB in 1967 and later became known as the SpaceVan in 1974. After the merger of Rootes Group with Chrysler to form Chrysler Europe, the SpaceVan was sold under the Dodge and Fargo names until 1976, when these badges were discontinued. These forward-control vans featured a rounded front design and a narrow front track, a result of suspension components derived from Humber passenger cars. Initially, they were equipped with a four-cylinder engine based on the Hillman design (PA series), followed by larger displacements, including a unit introduced in 1968 for the PB model; only cast-iron cylinder heads were used. A Perkins 4108 diesel engine was also offered as an option.
During the 1970s, a "1725 cc engine" (actually ) could be paired with a Borg Warner Model 35 three-speed automatic transmission, although this configuration was seldom chosen by buyers due to its limited popularity. Manual transmission versions employed a four-speed gearbox derived from those found in contemporary Hillman Minx ("Audax" series) and later Rootes Arrow models such as the Hillman Hunter.
A distinctive characteristic of these vans was their handbrake mechanism, which operated on the front drum brakes rather than the rear.
The forward-control layout restricted engine accessibility, making maintenance tasks more demanding; removing the engine required hoisting it out through the passenger side door. A 1974 road test of a motor caravan variant equipped with the 1725 cc engine recorded a maximum speed of , with acceleration from 0 to 50 mph taking 25 seconds—slower compared to competitors but boasting a higher top speed. Nevertheless, sustained driving above was discouraged due to excessive noise and mechanical stress.
When Chrysler's UK division received government financial support in 1976, one condition mandated that improvements be made to the SpaceVan. While praised for its braking performance, handling characteristics, and affordability, it faced criticism regarding power output and ride comfort. The updated model released in 1977 retained its existing mechanical components but featured refreshed styling and enhanced interior appointments. Although considered outdated by its discontinuation in 1982, it remained prevalent on UK roads thanks to ongoing contracts with Post Office Telecommunications, which extended production even after Peugeot took over Commer. British Telecom inherited this fleet and associated orders following its establishment in October 1981. By this time, three engine options were available: two petrol variants at 1.7 L (one low compression and one high compression) and a 1.8 L Perkins diesel rated at , all mated to a four-speed manual transmission; automatic gearboxes were no longer offered. Production of the SpaceVan concluded in 1983.
Following PSA's acquisition, the Dodge SpaceVan was replaced by a rebadged version of the Peugeot J5 (itself based on the Fiat Ducato) named the "Talbot Express," which was marketed exclusively within the UK. Concurrently, Renault Trucks, having acquired Chrysler Europe's commercial vehicle division, introduced the larger and heavier Dodge 50 Series as a successor to the SpaceVan; this model was available as a van, chassis cab, or pickup truck, offering more diverse body styles than the Talbot Express.
Unlike competing models that disappeared from UK roads earlier, the Dodge SpaceVan continued to be commonly seen throughout Britain until the mid-1990s.
New Zealand manufacturing
Todd Motors produced this van at their Petone facility in New Zealand up until 1974, operating out of a separate bodyworks plant distinct from the primary assembly line. Their production range included standard panel vans, mini bus variants equipped with sliding side windows, and cab and chassis configurations. Seating for the mini bus versions was supplied by external coachbuilding firms. These models were powered by high compression steel head engines instead of the alloy head units found in the Hillman Hunter.
The manufacturing output generally averaged about 10 vehicles weekly, with one unit assembled each morning and afternoon session, rising to three units daily during peak demand intervals.
See also
- Ford Thames 400E – vans of comparable size from the same era
- Morris Commercial J4