Duchy Bus Cars -

Pandora


Pandora is a 1930 Ford Model ‘A’ Phaeton and her history is a bit murky. It seems that the ‘CA’ part of her chassis number indicates Canadian origins and she has right hand drive from new. If anyone knows more, do please let me know. When she turned up in the Midlands of the UK around 1989, she was painted a darkish blue colour. She was purchased by Mr Ralph Wray of North London. Her low ratio back axle (which giver her a rather good climbing ability), was a transplant by Mr Wray whilst in the process of making various improvements, but before he finished the project, he sold her to Mr Ken Roy of Par, Cornwall, who continued the process with due diligence. Due to Mr Roy being poorly treated by a vehicle restoration firm (now ceased trading!), some remedial mechanical work was done by the present owner for Mr Roy to make Pandora rather more roadworthy than she was. Having been “underneath”, Mr Peter Monk said to Mr Roy “if ever you decide to sell her, let me know”. Due to the unexpected poor health of Mr Roy, Pandora was purchased by Mr Peter Monk of Lostwithiel in 2005. Under Mr Roy’s ownership, Pandora has been re-upholstered and had a new hood* fabricated by ALD Crafts of Par, Cornwall. Since acquisition by Mr Monk, she has had a new front axle fitted, whitewall tyres, her ‘electrics’ upper from six volt to twelve volt, this latter modification making starting more predictable and headlights more effective. Pandora’s engine is a 3,285cc capacity, a four cylinder side valve producing some 40 bhp at 2,200 rpm. Transmission is via a single plate dry clutch, a three speed ‘crash’ gearbox, one universal joint and a torque tube to the rear axle. She is fitted with 19” wheels and front and rear transverse leaf springs. The suspension is hydraulically damped. * English for roof canopy. If you are from across the pond, it means engine compartment cover (bonnet in English). Fenders to an American mean Wings or Mudguards if you’re English. A wrist pin is a Gudgeon Pin (to us) and a Cotter Pin is a split pin. To read and comprehend American maintenance manuals, a knowledge of the American language is useful – its not English!

Pandora is a 1930 Ford Model ‘A’ Phaeton and her history is a bit murky. It seems that the ‘CA’ part of her chassis number indicates Canadian origins and she has right hand drive from new. If anyone knows more, do please let me know.

When she turned up in the Midlands of the UK around 1989, she was painted a darkish blue colour. She was purchased by Mr Ralph Wray of North London. Her low ratio back axle (which giver her a rather good climbing ability), was a transplant by Mr Wray whilst in the process of making various improvements, but before he finished the project, he sold her to Mr Ken Roy of Par, Cornwall, who continued the process with due diligence. Due to Mr Roy being poorly treated by a vehicle restoration firm (now ceased trading!), some remedial mechanical work was done by the present owner for Mr Roy to make Pandora rather more roadworthy than she was. Having been “underneath”, Mr Peter Monk said to Mr Roy “if ever you decide to sell her, let me know”. Due to the unexpected poor health of Mr Roy, Pandora was purchased by Mr Peter Monk of Lostwithiel in 2005.

Under Mr Roy’s ownership, Pandora has been re-upholstered and had a new hood* fabricated by ALD Crafts of Par, Cornwall. Since acquisition by Mr Monk, she has had a new front axle fitted, whitewall tyres, her ‘electrics’ upper from six volt to twelve volt, this latter modification making starting more predictable and headlights more effective.

Pandora’s engine is a 3,285cc capacity, a four cylinder side valve producing some 40 bhp at 2,200 rpm. Transmission is via a single plate dry clutch, a three speed ‘crash’ gearbox, one universal joint and a torque tube to the rear axle. She is fitted with 19” wheels and front and rear transverse leaf springs. The suspension is hydraulically damped.

* English for roof canopy. If you are from across the pond, it means engine compartment cover (bonnet in English). Fenders to an American mean Wings or Mudguards if you’re English. A wrist pin is a Gudgeon Pin (to us) and a Cotter Pin is a split pin.

To read and comprehend American maintenance manuals, a knowledge of the American language is useful – its not English!

Macromedia Flash required. Get Macromedia Flash.