Berliet CBA, French army truck

We found it historic car a few days ago in Lyon exhibited in factories Renault Trucksand we photographed it for you. V CBA it was designed Leon Monier, produced and sold by a French company Berlie between 1913 and 1932.

It is a symbol of heavy equipmentFrench army during World War Iwhere he played a leading role, relentlessly carrying people, food, weapons and ammunition without giving up.

Record production

Since 1914, the CBA was only sold to the French army under contract. 100 trucks per monthSo much so that Marius Berlie decided to only produce this truck (in addition to the cartridges).

In 1918, almost 1.000 trucks left the factories every month, which was a world production record, so much so that in four years of the First World War a total was delivered. almost xnumx thousand.

At the end of the war, the Central Bank resumed its commercial service. Eventually, about 40.000 units were produced, it was replaced in 1959 by the GLA and GLR.

Simple, reliable and economical

Berliet CBA easily withstood constant overload, with a trailer, the payload could reach 10 tons.

It was mainly used for troop transport and equipment, as well as for the transport of the wounded.

Thanks to the Spartan structure, it could be equipped with special equipment and used for special purposes from darkroom all operating room.

Engine "Z": indestructible!

Specially designed for heavy commercial vehicles, Engine Z CB had reinforced parts. The “rotating” parts (crankshaft, bearing caps, connecting rods, pistons, camshaft ...) were largely sized compared to car engines.

Chain transmission

La chain drive, simple and durable, it could be repaired without much difficulty. At the time, the driveline was still fragile, especially for trucks that were subject to frequent starts and stops.

Brake system

At the time, cars did not yet have front-wheel braking systems. The CBA had two brakes installed internally rear wheels and a transverse axle brake on the output side of the differential. The latter, steerable on foot, was useful for slowing down or hard braking.

For "emergency" braking, the driver applied the wheel brakes with durable hand lever... The gear lever and parking brake were located “on the right” on the outside of the frame.