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LDV Convoy
The LDV Convoy is a light commercial van that was manufactured from 1983 until 2006. The Convoy and its predecessors were wider and longer versions of the Freight Rover Sherpa, based on the Leyland Sherpa series of vans from 1974 and later known as the LDV Pilot. Originally sold as the Freight Rover Sherpa 285/310/350 (commonly referred to as the Sherpa 300 Series), it became the Leyland DAF 400 Series in 1989, the LDV 400 series in 1993, and then finally settled on the Convoy name in 1996.
In 1984, the Sherpa was facelifted, becoming the Freight Rover 200 Series. Alongside the original body style, there was a new wide-bodied variant — the 300 Series, available in a choice of three wheelbase lengths.
Of the 300 Series, the 285 and 310 models were single wheel, the 300 and 350 models being twin. While capacity for the 200 Series remained at 5.4 cubic metres (190 cubic feet), that of the 300 Series ranged from 7.6 m3 (270 cu ft) to 11.4 m3 (400 cu ft), depending on the combination of wheelbase and roof profile (a high roof was an option for the lwb 310 and 350 models).
For those who needed yet more space, a Luton van body was offered, built on either the 255 or 350 chassis cabs, providing capacities of 11.3 m3 (400 cu ft) (with 200 Series cab) or 15.6 m3 (550 cu ft) (300 Series), and a maximum payload of almost two tonnes. The chassis cab also formed the basis for a standard and wide-bodied drop side pickup, in 255, 280, 285, 310, and 350 versions, again available with either short or long wheelbases.
Of course, the chassis cab could also be ordered on its own, again in a choice of widths and lengths, so that bespoke bodywork could be fitted, with the added option of either single or double cabs. The 200 Series continued to be offered as minibus or crewbus, but the 300 Series was also offered as a minicoach seating up to 18 people.
While the K2 Sherpa's engine remained available on the Freight Rovers (including the ancient B-series diesel), Land Rover's 2.5-litre 14J diesel unit was now offered on the 300 Series. Following the completion of a special police contract, the Rover 3.5-litre V8 unit also became available from 1986, and immediately became popular with emergency services and express delivery operators.
However, with the merger of Freight Rover, along with the rest of the Leyland Trucks division of the Rover Group with DAF Trucks the following year, to form the new DAF NV and Leyland DAF companies, the Rover Group ceased to be a player in this sector of the light commercial market.
With Freight Rover becoming part of Leyland DAF the 300 Series was superseded by the 400 Series, which also offered air suspension and a 2.5-litre Peugeot-sourced diesel engine (praised by contemporary reviewers for reliability, but changed later on for the Ford Di engine from the Transit which was described as 'superb' by reviewers).
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LDV Convoy
The LDV Convoy is a light commercial van that was manufactured from 1983 until 2006. The Convoy and its predecessors were wider and longer versions of the Freight Rover Sherpa, based on the Leyland Sherpa series of vans from 1974 and later known as the LDV Pilot. Originally sold as the Freight Rover Sherpa 285/310/350 (commonly referred to as the Sherpa 300 Series), it became the Leyland DAF 400 Series in 1989, the LDV 400 series in 1993, and then finally settled on the Convoy name in 1996.
In 1984, the Sherpa was facelifted, becoming the Freight Rover 200 Series. Alongside the original body style, there was a new wide-bodied variant — the 300 Series, available in a choice of three wheelbase lengths.
Of the 300 Series, the 285 and 310 models were single wheel, the 300 and 350 models being twin. While capacity for the 200 Series remained at 5.4 cubic metres (190 cubic feet), that of the 300 Series ranged from 7.6 m3 (270 cu ft) to 11.4 m3 (400 cu ft), depending on the combination of wheelbase and roof profile (a high roof was an option for the lwb 310 and 350 models).
For those who needed yet more space, a Luton van body was offered, built on either the 255 or 350 chassis cabs, providing capacities of 11.3 m3 (400 cu ft) (with 200 Series cab) or 15.6 m3 (550 cu ft) (300 Series), and a maximum payload of almost two tonnes. The chassis cab also formed the basis for a standard and wide-bodied drop side pickup, in 255, 280, 285, 310, and 350 versions, again available with either short or long wheelbases.
Of course, the chassis cab could also be ordered on its own, again in a choice of widths and lengths, so that bespoke bodywork could be fitted, with the added option of either single or double cabs. The 200 Series continued to be offered as minibus or crewbus, but the 300 Series was also offered as a minicoach seating up to 18 people.
While the K2 Sherpa's engine remained available on the Freight Rovers (including the ancient B-series diesel), Land Rover's 2.5-litre 14J diesel unit was now offered on the 300 Series. Following the completion of a special police contract, the Rover 3.5-litre V8 unit also became available from 1986, and immediately became popular with emergency services and express delivery operators.
However, with the merger of Freight Rover, along with the rest of the Leyland Trucks division of the Rover Group with DAF Trucks the following year, to form the new DAF NV and Leyland DAF companies, the Rover Group ceased to be a player in this sector of the light commercial market.
With Freight Rover becoming part of Leyland DAF the 300 Series was superseded by the 400 Series, which also offered air suspension and a 2.5-litre Peugeot-sourced diesel engine (praised by contemporary reviewers for reliability, but changed later on for the Ford Di engine from the Transit which was described as 'superb' by reviewers).