ERF’s A Series was introduced in 1971, having been previewed at Earl’s Court the previous autumn. The new modular design featured a 34 tonne gross tractor unit equipped with either a six-cylinder Cummins or six or eight-cylinder Gardner engine. A 38tonne European version was also available with a Motor Panels tilt cab. Two new chassis had appeared at Earl’s Court. These were the 4x2 and 6x4 units, with a wider spring base and improved roll resistance. The frames were also capable of handling all ERF’s current crop of engines. By standardising ancillary units like the fuel tanks and air reservoirs, a wide variety of chassis types and lengths could be made with virtually identical layouts forward of the rear-spring front hangars.
Much was expected of the new A Series, and most were built as tractor units. The
