THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - CD7045

DETAILS Chassis: Leyland G7, built 1922, No. 12347 Body: Original - Charabanc, Harrington Torpedo O22, B210. Current - Double-Deck, Short Brothers O27/30RO, B369 (1928) Engine: Leyland 4 cyl. petrol, 36HP First Licensed: 1922?.

SVBM, September 2003 Jim Crichton

HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE

Delivered new to Southdown Motor Services Ltd. on 3rd June 1922 with a 22-seat Torpedo Charabanc body built by Messrs Harrington of Brighton. Due to the fitment of a center gangway, five less seats were fitted when compared to other charabancs then operating with 'straight-through' seating. Company body no. B210 was allocated, the coach operating from Brighton.

In 1927 the vehicle was converted to pneumatic tyres, being originally delivered on solid tyres.

During October 1928 the body was removed and sold. The vehicle was one of three Harrington vehicles rebodied by Short Brothers of Rochester, Kent, at a cost of £520, with a 51-seat open-top double-deck body. A new body number, B639, was allocated and the vehicle recommenced operation from Worthing depot. The seating capacity included seats for two passengers who were allowed to travel beside the driver, at a slight increase in the fare for the privilege.

RESTORATION DETAILS

In the early part of 1935 this vehicle was sold to the Gosport and Fareham Omnibus Co. and repurchased by Southdown Motor Services for restoration on 9th January 1970

POWER

The chassis is powered by a four cylinder petrol engine developing 36hp with a four speed gate change gearbox. The rear axle is worm drive and the wheel bearings are of the roller bearing type, which replaced the original bronze bushes when this vehicle was converted to pneumatic tyres.

OWNER: Southdown Motor Services Limited