Autocar » Type U 1st generation
In 1933, Autocar presented a completely new range a "engine-under-the-seat" trucks -Type U. It was equipped with the famous six-cylinder Autocar Blue Streak engine with a power of 84-101 hp. Autocar reminded potential customers that the "Engine-Under-the-Seat models are from 5 to 7 feet shorter than conventional trucks of the same capacity; yet they sacrifice nothing in sturdiness, power, or speed that present day standards require." Type U models offered with 89- to 175-inch wheelbase. The cab, identified as a "special Ironclad cab", was equipped with side curtains rather than crank operated windows. The rear-hinged doors provided easier cab egress for the driver. Additional 3000 pounds could be added to its payload comparing with conventional model. The bumper-to-back-of-the-cab dimension of all cabs was 70.5 inches. Cab width from fender-edge to fender-edge was 88.25 inches.
According to Autocar sales material, improved engine accessibility was another of the seven reasons to purchase the Type U: "In designing Engine-Under-the-Seat Autocars, expert attention was given to the accessibility of the engine. There must be no difficulty, Autocar engineers learned, in getting at any part of the motor at any time. The design resulting from this knowledge is as ingenious as it is successful; and it is no exaggeration to say that the engines in these new Autocars are literally more accessible than those in conventional motor trucks." So, all operations on the engines in the Type U Autocars can be easily performed by mechanics from two convenient locations, one in the cab and the other standing on the floor between the frame and the side of the cab. Type U had a vacuum boosted operated, Lockheed hydraulically operated brakes on the front wheels and Autocar's mechanically operated brakes on the rear wheels.
The whole Engine-Under-the-Seat Type U range consisted of: 3 ton Model UD (84 hp engine, 97-145 in. wheelbase), 3.5 ton Model UDF (84 hp engine, 127-145 in. wheelbase), 4 ton Model UN (94 hp engine, 96-163 in. wheelbase), 5 ton Model UNF (94 hp engine, 128-163 in. wheelbase), 5 ton Model US (94 hp engine, 109 in. wheelbase), 6 ton Model UT (101 hp engine, 128-163 in. wheelbase) and 8.5 ton Model UTE (101 hp engine, 145-163 in. wheelbase).
