I've set up this page dedicated to images of PRV buses found "Around the World" that I hope visitors to this website will supply. So do you have some photos of PRV buses in non-UK locations? There are no prizes, no catch and no gimmicks! Just the immense pleasure and kudos of having your snaps displayed here! I will be pleased to credit you. And who knows, someone might wish to buy a print from you!
Please remember this website is for nostalgia and is not-for-profit!
(See also the page dedicated to Routemasters Around the World)
So to begin this page, two images by courtesy of Basil Hancock of RM 1708 with RT 3708 (and M450) at Tempe Bus Museum in Sydney, Australia on 25 July 2004 during their celebration of RM50.
The following analysis was kindly given by Malcolm Tennant (a member of the Management Committee of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond, near Dunfermline).
Malcolm's perception of this vehicle was that it had a striking resemblance to a 1954/5 AEC-PRV Monocoach of SMT (by then officially renamed Scottish Omnibuses Ltd.).
He commented: The SMT livery layout (of light green lower panels with darker green wings and cream roof, waistband and wheels ) seems to be echoed here. Only the absence of the "SMT Diamond" fleet emblem on the side and the "not-quite-as-I-remember-them" rear end causes doubt in my mind. I recall that SOL Monocoaches had twin side-opening doors to the boot, rather than a lift-up flap, and the number plate aperture doesn't seem quite right. However, as Scottish Omnibuses purchased the first six production Monocoaches (MC3RV001-6) and then 50 more in 1954/5, this may have been one of the first batch pictured prior to delivery (and presumable modification).
Now a further analysis by Neil Fraser (please see his AEC site) has confirmed that it is indeed a Reliance.
Neil has suggested that the "mystery bus" is an AEC Reliance MU3RV008, a very early production chassis, with Park Royal body number 39147. In Nov 1955 this vehicle was an exhibit at the Scottish Motor Show and was in Scottish Omnibus livery. It was later registered HSD 473 and sold to Hogarth, Ardrossan, t/a Clyde Coast Services.
So is the mystery now solved! It is certainly an AEC Reliance and a UK Coach after all. And if anyone has any further information then I'd be pleased to hear from you.