1959 Bristol Lodekka

SPECIFICATION

This vehicle is an example of the legendary Bristol Lodekka, so called because of it's low overall height (13'5") compared to a standard double-decker of the same era (14'6").

During the 1950s and 1960s the Bristol Lodekka was the standard Tilling Group double deck vehicle with several thousand examples being built and was a common sight throughout the British Isles.

This particular bus is unusual in that it was built new as a convertible open topper, the roof being detachable for summer use. 
It was delivered new to Crosville Motor Services of Chester and spent its early working life in the seaside resorts of the North Wales Coast. 

Registration: 627 HFM
Seats:  60
Make: Bristol Commercial Vehicles
Type: Lodekka LD 6B 60 seat Double Deck Bus
Year: 1959
Body: Eastern Coach Works, Lowestoft.
Weight: 7310 Kg 
Fleet No: DLB 978
Engine: Originally Bristol BVW 8.9 Litre Diesel. Later fitted with Gardner 6LXB 10.45 litre
Gearbox: Constant mesh - 5 speed and reverse "Crash change"
Brakes: Vacuum triple servo assisted
Springs: Steel Multi-Leaf
Wheels: Steel rim, tyres 900 x 20 cross ply.
Electrics: 24 volt Alternator
Top Speed: 52 mph
Colours: Crosville cream and black livery worn by the company's open top fleet.

AND HISTORY

1959/1973 New to Crosville Motor Services. Based in North Wales and used on summer sea front services at Rhyll and Llandudno. During 1960 it spent a period of time on loan to United Automobile Services and was based at Sunderland depot.

1973/1982 Sold to the Bristol Omnibus Company and used at Weston-super-Mare on summer sea front services. Bristol fleet number 8581. Carried name 'Western Winner'.

1981/1990 Owned by the Porthcawl Omnibus Company of Porthcawl, South Wales.

1990/1992 Owned by Dunn Line Coaches of Nottingham.

1992/2001 Owned by the Northern Bus Company of Dinnington, Sheffield. Fleet number 0978 and used as an active member of the company's heritage fleet

Dec. 2001 Acquired by Lakeland Voyager of Appleby, Cumbria for continued use on heritage services and for private hire in association with Cumbria Classic Coaches.

Dec. 2003 Bought by Cumbria Classic Coaches from Lakeland Voyager.

This vehicle is believed to be the very last Bristol Lodekka in the British Isles to retain it's detachable roof as built from new.

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