Our Collection
Buses for Hire
Leyland Titan TD5 1937
Details
Chassis: Leyland Titan TD5, built 1936. No 307829
Body: Double-deck, L27/26R, completed by Alexander on the Leyland frame.
Engine: Leyland 6-cyl Diesel, 8.4 litre E103
First Licensed 2/6/42
Background history
The Leyland Titan TD double deck range was first introduced in 1928 and quickly built up a reputation for robustness and reliability. During the 1930s the model, along with its single deck counterpart the Tiger TS, was progressively modified, updated and sold in large numbers both at home and overseas and was available with bodywork by a large range of manufacturers such a Charles Roe, Park royal etc and as well as Leylands own construction. By 1937 the TD7 variant had superseded the TD5 and most were fitted with the 8.6 litre 6-cyl diesel engine.
History of 'DSG169'
Some 18 months after the outbreak of WW2 the Ministry of supply froze production of the civilian passenger vehicles in order that the manufacturing industry could concentrate on the war effort. However in 1942, after pressure from Bus operators, the Ministry of supply sanctioned completion of partially built Buses and construction of additional ones from available stocks of parts, such Buses being dubbed ‘unfrozen’. Leyland were able to supply 197 double deck chassis, 196 of which were TD7s and one TD5, DSG169.
The solitary TD5 chassis is believed to have been built as a test-bed for the experimental shop in about 1937. Under the ‘unfrozen’ scheme a body frame to ‘lowbridge’ pattern was fitted and it was dispatched in early 1942 to Alexander’s who completed it to full pre war spec. It entered service with SMT, Edinburgh joining a fleet of similar TD5s. In 1959, when it was the last survivor, it was converted to open top and was used for special events such as Scottish cup finals and on the occasion of Jim Clark’s triumphant grand prix win in 1963. It was retired in 1973.
Restoration details
After a sojourn in Devon it returned to Scotland in 1980 where upon a major restoration was undertaken which included replacement of the roof. It was repainted into the pre 195O SMT blue livery complete with period advertisements. It has been rallied extensively up and down bthe country and in 2006 was COIFED and tested to Class VI and fitted with Tachograph which enables it to be used for hire and reward purposes. Stephen Morris of Quantock Heritage purchased the vehicle from Scotland and put the colours back to green to match the interior.
Today
DSG169 or ‘The SMT’ now belongs to Mr and Mrs Eastwood of Troopers Lodge Motor Services where she is enjoying her retirement years as a Wedding Bus in the North Cotswolds with 13 other stable mates of similar age. With over 85 years under the belt and countless passengers carried, DSG169 is well cared for and enjoys the odd rally.
AEC Regent V - 'BOW'
Background
‘BOW’ is an AEC Regent V, built in 1965 and has a seating capacity of 66. New to Southampton, she is an iconic Half Cab rear entrance double decker which has been restored over the past 5 years. This bus is fantastic for moving people to and from venues and makes an ideal back drop for photographs. This bus is class 6 MOTd and tachograph fitted ready to make your day a special one.
Leyland PD1 1947
Background
JNN384 is a Leyland PD1 New to Barton in 1947, this is one of only a few that were purchased new and ran throughout there working life solely with Barton of Northamptonshire. JNN384 is a 56 seat low bridge Double decker with Duple body. This Bus was used for long distance and carried people and post. The interior is somewhat unique with coach style seating and a finish to what I can only imagine Mary Poppins hand bag looked like. A real thing of beauty. Due to the age and nature of the vehicle she has a maximum capacity of 40 people. Compared to the other Buses of similar era in everyday service, Barton group were a cut above the rest for luxury and art deco styling inside and out. This Bus is available to hire throughout the year to make your journey a special one.
JFJ875
Background
JFJ875 new to Exeter Corporation in 1950 and worked alongside our Guy arab, TFJ808. With a seating capacity of 35, this little half cab is ideal for those hard to get to venues and small excursions. She is also a very nice personal Bus for the bridal party while the old Deckers move the bulk passengers to and from the Church. JFJ875 is now 73 years old and still enjoys a trip out with people ready to enjoy her.
Guy Arab Mk4 - 'Kenneth'
Background
TFJ808 or ‘Kenneth’ is a 1956 Guy Arab Mk4 with Massey body work. New to Exeter Corporation in 1956, this bus spent its entire life working in and around Devon. With its distinctive half cab and exposed radiator, this is one of the most used buses in our collection. Kenneth is one of the older half cabs we use, he has a very tuneful gear box and can carry 56 passengers. Booking is recommended to be as early as possible as Kenneth can be busy all year round. This bus is inspected for safety every 10 weeks for safety, full class 6 mot, tachograph fitted and calibrated.
Bristol VR Double Decker - 'Lacie'
Background
‘Lacie’, affectionately named after our daughter, is a 1980 Bristol VR Double decker bus, new to Eastern Counties East Anglia. With a seating capacity of 74 this is the biggest of our buses and doesn’t require a conductor. This bus is ideal for all avenues of hire from weddings to proms, like all our buses they can be used for any type of hire and this one with fully enclosed decks, heaters and doors is ideal for day trips, long journeys and much more. . This bus is class 6 MOTd and tachograph fitted ready to make your day a special one.
Leyland PD2 (open top) - 'Bob'
'Bob' is a Leyland PD2 open top Bus built in 1967 with East Lancs body, new to Eastbourne Corporation with a seating capacity of 60 and is one of two Eastbourne buses in our collection and work very well together moving guests. They make a fantastic photo for the bride and groom being his and hers bus with the added bonus to hire one and have a third off the second (see services). This bus is also available for open top tours, a day at the races or anything that you require (weather dependant) . This bus is class 6 MOTd and tachograph fitted ready to make your day a special one.
Buses for Hire
AEC Regent V - 'BOW'
'BOW' is an AEC Regent V, built in 1965 and has a seating capacity of 66. New to Southampton, she is an iconic Half Cab rear entrance double decker which has been restored over the past 5 years. This bus is fantastic for moving people to and from venues and makes an ideal back drop for photographs. This bus is class 6 MOTd and tachograph fitted ready to make your day a special one.
Guy Arab Mk4 - 'Kenneth'
TFJ808 or 'Kenneth' is a 1956 Guy Arab Mk4 with Massey body work. New to Exeter Corporation in 1956, this bus spent its entire life working in and around Devon. With its distinctive half cab and exposed radiator, this is one of the most used buses in our collection. Kenneth is one of the older half cabs we use, he has a very tuneful gear box and can carry 56 passengers. Booking is recommended to be as early as possible as Kenneth can be busy all year round. This bus is inspected for safety every 10 weeks for safety, full class 6 mot, tachograph fitted and calibrated.
Leyland PD2 (open top) - 'Bob'
'Bob' is a Leyland PD2 open top Bus built in 1967 with East Lancs body, new to Eastbourne Corporation with a seating capacity of 60 and is one of two Eastbourne buses in our collection and work very well together moving guests. They make a fantastic photo for the bride and groom being his and hers bus with the added bonus to hire one and have a third off the second (see services). This bus is also available for open top tours, a day at the races or anything that you require (weather dependant) . This bus is class 6 MOTd and tachograph fitted ready to make your day a special one.
Bristol VR Double Decker - 'Lacie'
'Lacie', affectionately named after our daughter, is a 1980 Bristol VR Double decker bus, new to Eastern Counties East Anglia. With a seating capacity of 74 this is the biggest of our buses and doesn’t require a conductor. This bus is ideal for all avenues of hire from weddings to proms, like all our buses they can be used for any type of hire and this one with fully enclosed decks, heaters and doors is ideal for day trips, long journeys and much more. . This bus is class 6 MOTd and tachograph fitted ready to make your day a special one.
The Rest Of The Collection
