PRINCESS PRODUCTION LINE
As production of the Austin-Morris1100-1300 range was phased out
and its replacement, the Allegro, would be built at Longbridge, it was
decided to make use of the production facilities at Cowley in Oxford to build
the new 18-22 Series. The 18-22 Series/Princess/Ambassador was built along
the same line as the Maxi.
The
huge British Federal press, which punched out the 18-22 floors from a single
sheet of steel. This was the biggest single pressing machine of its kind at
the time.
The bodies are spot welded
together in massive jigs, the front wings form part of the structure of the
car and are spot welded onto the inner wings, note the men spot welding, a
job that computers and robots do today. Once the structure of the body is
complete, it becomes the ‘body in white’. It then passes through the paint
booths and emerges in the final assembly area.
The track splits into two so that
Wolseley and later HLS models can have the vinyl roof fitted. The vinyl is
stretched on to a frame and the underside is spray coated with adhesive, it
is then taken to the car where it is laid over and trimmed. The vinyl-roofed
car then rejoins the main track…
…where all the mechanical,
electrical and trim fittings are added. The picture shows the body about to
be lowered onto the engine/transmission and rear suspension assemblies.
Further
along the track, the drive shafts, front hub assemblies, brakes and steering
components are added.
Princess 2 and Maxi 2 sharing
the production line in 1980.
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