Britain's first Volvo B58
Back in the early '70s when European built buses and coaches were generally only seen on incoming tours, Volvo dipped its toe in the waters of the British market. I guess to reinforce a potential wish to be involved in both bus and coach provision, it specified Alexander's tried and tested 'Y Type' bodywork for the demonstration vehicle. Here at an unknown location, photographed by Clem Smith, is BUS 653K on hire to Grey Green working the 'Essex Coast Express'.
You'd have to have lived in some form of splendid isolation for the past fifty years to not know just how successful Volvo were in gaining a foothold hereabouts.
BUS 653K was later re-bodied in more coach like form by Van Hool. I'm not sure if it still survives, but at one time it was hoped that it might have been taken back under the wing of the manufacturer or dealer to be restored based on its significance.
Britain's first Volvo B58
Back in the early '70s when European built buses and coaches were generally only seen on incoming tours, Volvo dipped its toe in the waters of the British market. I guess to reinforce a potential wish to be involved in both bus and coach provision, it specified Alexander's tried and tested 'Y Type' bodywork for the demonstration vehicle. Here at an unknown location, photographed by Clem Smith, is BUS 653K on hire to Grey Green working the 'Essex Coast Express'.
You'd have to have lived in some form of splendid isolation for the past fifty years to not know just how successful Volvo were in gaining a foothold hereabouts.
BUS 653K was later re-bodied in more coach like form by Van Hool. I'm not sure if it still survives, but at one time it was hoped that it might have been taken back under the wing of the manufacturer or dealer to be restored based on its significance.