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[Seth]

I take it that was an attempt to bring streamlining into the world of the coach as had been tried by the railways?

Quite possibly Lizzie, though coachbuilders were keen to display opulence in their products in the post-war era.
The rear-mounted 'Dorsal Fin' was one such optional feature which confirms this. 

The 33-seat Harrington body was built on an AEC Regal MkIII chassis in 1950, and remained with the Bevans' until 1980. True testament indeed to the craftsmanship at Harringtons, who went on to even greater things in the world of luxury coach design.



The other option was the 'full front' (as opposed to 'pure' half-cab), which would make access to some of the engine componentry a bit difficult:


This example has the big 9.6-litre engine up-front, and would've been quite a performer!

Bought directly from the Bevans' it remains to this day with it's subsequent owner, and still puts in appearances at vintage rallies

[dad1uk]

Does anyone know the details of the coach now featuring in the new "Go Compare advert"?

It is obviously a modern coach.

On the case Lizzie ...

Awaiting your report  then  Seth  with anticipation! 

I have lost track of coaches interiors and don't even recognise the Go Compare coach.
All I can find is the registration was from Manchester from between !st Sep 07 to 28th Feb 08 and it is not on the Insurance Database as insured......
Over to Seth, the font of most things bus, but what about coaches?

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Thanks for all the info Seth, but two more questions please:

Where is Soudley Valley? I have traveled widely, but do not recognise that name.

Did all Harrington coach bodies have that Dorsal Fin at the rear of the roof?  I seem to remember seeing other coaches with that feature in the 1950s, so did other companies have coaches with that feature?

 

[dad1uk]

Didn't realise they had this in Wythall Museum Seth....




Reg No:   WDF 569 - new 1959
Operator: Soudley Valley Coaches
Chassis:  Leyland Tiger Cub PSUC1
Engine:   Leyland 0350 5.76 litre diesel
Gearbox:  Crash
Body:     Willowbrook 41 seats

In answer to your question Lizzie,
Soudley is near the River Severn, in the South East corner of the Forest of Dene. Pretty close to where is being badly affected by flooding by the River Severn at the moment.

[Seth]

Where is Soudley Valley? I have traveled widely, but do not recognise that name.

Sort of south west of Cinderford in the (Royal) Forest of Dean.

Many pronounce it "Sowdlee" ... the locals however, call it "Soodlee" ...

The Bevan Bros' operation was more commonly known as 'Soudley Valley Coaches' and in it's heyday was the second-largest operator in the Forest. There were quite a few long-serving staff, and at it's peak in the 1960s, there were 24 vehicles in it's fleet. Sadly the business closed in 1998.

[Seth]

Did all Harrington coach bodies have that Dorsal Fin at the rear of the roof?  I seem to remember seeing other coaches with that feature in the 1950s, so did other companies have coaches with that feature?

No Lizzie, Harringtons offered a 'fin-less' alternative:


 

And also a 'pure' half-cab variant:


Again, mounted on an AEC Regal MkIII chassis.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Didn't realise they had this in Wythall Museum Seth....




Reg No:   WDF 569 - new 1959
Operator: Soudley Valley Coaches
Chassis:  Leyland Tiger Cub PSUC1
Engine:   Leyland 0350 5.76 litre diesel
Gearbox:  Crash
Body:     Willowbrook 41 seats

In answer to your question Lizzie,
Soudley is near the River Severn, in the South East corner of the Forest of Dene. Pretty close to where is being badly affected by flooding by the River Severn at the moment.

Thanks Dad1at.  I know that lovely area as well, with the Dene Forest Railway, but couldn't  recall that name

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Where is Soudley Valley? I have traveled widely, but do not recognise that name.

Sort of south west of Cinderford in the (Royal) Forest of Dean.

Many pronounce it "Sowdlee" ... the locals however, call it "Soodlee" ...

The Bevan Bros' operation was more commonly known as 'Soudley Valley Coaches' and in it's heyday was the second-largest operator in the Forest. There were quite a few long-serving staff, and at it's peak in the 1960s, there were 24 vehicles in it's fleet. Sadly the business closed in 1998.

Thanks Seth

[Seth]

Tiger Cub badge:


Worth a few bob nowadays ... if you can find one!

Needless to say, I've got one here I can put my hands on one ...

[dad1uk]

Tiger Cub badge:


Worth a few bob nowadays ... if you can find one!

Needless to say, I've got one here I can put my hands on one ...

Has it got the bus attached still Seth?

[Seth]

Has it got the bus attached still Seth?

Err ... nope ... am an AEC man meself ...

[Seth]

... am an AEC man meself ...

... know the whereabouts of one of these beauties too ...

[Sir Tigger KC]

I wonder if Seth has anything to do with the possible repatriation and restoration of this old beauty?   

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-34775283

PS: The 0-60 thread has a little way to go yet!