THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - DSG 169

Photo: Jim Methven, at Haworth on the return journey from the 1997 NHoP Rally

DETAILS Chassis: Leyland Titan TD5, built 1942, No 307829 Body: Double-Deck, L27/26R built by Alexander on Leyland frame, 1942 Engine: Leyland 6-cyl diesel, 8.6 litres, model E102 First Licensed: 1/7/42

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 thirties the model, along with its single-deck counterpart the Tiger TS, was progressively modified and updated It sold in large numbers both at home and overseas and was available with bodywork by a large range of manufactures as well as Leyland’s own construction. By 1939 the TD7 variant had superseded the TD5 and most examples were fitted with the 6-cylinder 8.6 litre diesel engine.

HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE

Some eighteen months after the outbreak of World War II, the Ministry of Supply froze production of civilian passenger vehicles on order that the manufacturing industry could concentrate on the war effort. However, in 1942 after pressure from operators, the Ministry sanctioned completion of partially-built vehicles and construction of vehicles from available stocks of parts, the resultant products being termed ‘unfrozen’. Leyland Motors were able to complete 197 double-deck chassis as a result, 96 Titan TD7 models and one Titan TD5.

The solitary TD5 chassis was supplied to SMT in July 1942. It was fitted with an Alexander 53 seat lowbridge double-deck body which had been built on a Leyland frame to full pre-war specification, joining a fleet of similar pre-war vehicles in the SMT fleet. In 1959, by which time it was the sole survivor, it was converted to open top and for the next fourteen years was used for special occasions such as gala days, parades, conveying victorious football teams etc. It was disposed of in 1973.

RESTORATION DETAILS

In 1973 J66 went to Devon to join the West of England Transport Collection at Winkleigh where it remained until 1980 when it returned to Scotland. In the spring of 1981 a major body overhaul was undertaken and the vehicle was fitted with the roof from an ex-Ribble Leyland-bodied PD2, correct-style windows salvaged from other scrapped vehicles (one source being CIE n Dublin) and a full retrim of interior and seats. Finally the exterior was repainted into the original SMT blue (worn by SMT buses until 1950) complete with period advertisements. The bus has taken part in many rallies since, including the HCVS London - Brighton and Trans-Pennine runs.