Ex. Eastern
National 2102 is an early example of a Leyland Titan PD1 (passenger double deck)
- Leyland's first post-war standard double-deck model, with a 7.4 litre diesel
engine and four speed constant mesh gear box.
It was supplied new with a covered-top high bridge double-deck Leyland standard
metal frame body but was unusual as it was built in Scotland by Alexander.
First registered on 30 December 1946 by City Coach Company Ltd of Brentwood
Essex for operation on the Wood Green to Wickford section of their London to
Southend express trunk route. It did not run into Southend due to low bridges on
the Wickford to Southend section. It was numbered LD1, the first double-decker
in City's fleet.
In 1952 City sold out to the British Transport Commission and was transferred to
Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services, who were in turn absorbed by Eastern National
in 1954 and operated with the fleet number 1112.
In 1958 it was converted into an open top body by Eastern National's workshops
and the livery was reversed to cream with green relief. The purpose built front
upper windscreen was fitted and the upper deck seating increased from 30 to 33.
It was operated on Eastern National's seafront service at Southend and later
renumbered 2102.
In September 1965 it was taken out of service and bought from Eastern National
by its present owners who eventually became the Springhill Vehicle Preservation
Group. Thus 39 years later the group of eight people, many of them original
members, known as SVPG will be the longest owner by far and probably the oldest
preservation group devoted to the same vehicle! Please let me know if anyone
else can dispute this.
From 1966 to 1969 LEV 917 toured during the summers through many central, eastern
and southern European countries. The dust was cleaned off and in 1970 it was
awarded the British Leyland Trophy for best vehicle at the Bus of Yesteryear
Rally at Stratford upon Avon. We hope to join in the 35th anniversary
celebrations in 2005 but doubt if we can repeat the achievement.
After a number of trips in the UK during 1970 to 1976, it was taken off the road
for a long period of restoration initially by SVPG members and after a period of
hard saving, finished by Eastern National Engineering Ltd in 1986-87. The work
consisted of re-panelling, painting, re-upholstering and minor mechanical repair
to enable re-certification and a full PSV test certificate to be obtained in
1987.
Since 1987, a conservative program of rallying and private tours has been
followed and LEV 917 still holds a current full PSV test certificate.
The primary aim and ultimate objective of SVPG is to ensure the indefinite
preservation of this vehicle as a fine working example of a Leyland Bus for
Britain's heritage.
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