Those British Dodges – The 100 Series “Commando”

[kscarbel]

Chrysler’s investment in the UK’s Rootes Group in 1965 served as a catalyst for the stalled British company to get new designs off the drawing board and onto the assembly line. The first result was the Dodge 100 Series Commando, a design by Rootes Group subsidiary Commer Cars Ltd. to replace the 8-24 ton Commer VC and CE range. Launched in 1968, it went on to be sold worldwide (except for North America) for fifteen years under the Commer, Dodge, De Soto, Fargo and Renault nameplates (after Renault purchased Chrysler’s European truck unit) and was Chrysler’s best selling truck in Europe.

Chrysler did consider selling the 100 Series in the U.S. market, but the cost to homologate it to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards versus forecasted sales volume was unattractive.

In 1967, Chrysler took full control of Rootes Group. Initially the Commer, Dodge, and Karrier brands remained, but the Dodge name was standardized by 1970.

The Dodge 100 Series was designed to compliment the larger 500 Series. With three different cab widths and heights, the 100 Series was offered as a rigid (straight truck) from 7.5 to 16 (short) tons (15,000-32,000lb), and 24/28 ton (48,000-56,000lb) tractor. Later a 24 ton (48,000lb) 6x4 vocational chassis was launched.

The highly successful Ford D Series, a new game changer with low price and curb weight, and the Bedford TK, were used as design benchmarks for the Dodge 100.

Originally, the favored powertain options were Perkins, Rootes Group’s own TS3 and TS4 diesel engines and Cummins. But later Rootes’ engines couldn’t meet the latest UK noise regulations. And because Chrysler had global ambitions, the fact that Perkins wasn’t a well known brand was a concern. Finally Daimler was contacted to supply their well-known and proven 5.7-liter 6-cylinder 126-192 horsepower OM352 powerplant.

Perkins 4.256 naturally aspirated 4-cylinder

Perkins 6.354 naturally aspirated 6-cylinder

Perkins T6.354 turbocharged 6-cylinder

Mercedes-Benz OM352

Perkins V8.540

Over time, a variety of engines from Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Deutz (air-cooled), Mitsubishi and VM Motori were also trialed but not considered for production.

A redesigned and significantly better looking “Commando 2” was launched in 1974.

Rootes Group’s own proven synchronized four, five and six speed transmissions were chosen, paired with Rootes Groups’ own hypoid axle, and Eaton’s single and two-speed axles.

[kscarbel]

After Renault acquired the European Dodge truck unit in 1981, the 100 Series became the Renault Commando G16.

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