I originally entitled this Maudslay and stated that "I don't think Park Royal Vehicles had anything to do with this vehicle". Well, I could not have been more wrong! I have been kindly corrected by Martin Ingle! Though Stephen Allcroft pnotes that it is very easy to confuse with the 1953 ECW body (and that is not an accident). I am also indebted to John Kaye for some additional information and for the colour photo of the later (1967) Royalist shown below.
However, my sentiments that followed the earlier statement is certainly true!
"I think this must be one of the most magnificent coaches ever built. Just look at the lines, the beautifully upholstered and appointed interior, and to complete it all, the swept glass roof edges - very rare and very expensive in the 50's. The epitome of the coachbuilders art and craftsmanship."
This coach clearly heralds the halcyon days of unhurried travel. Imagine no motorways nor arterial routes. Imagine more the tranquil and gentle pace of this vehicle ferrying its excited passengers, raring to go on their long awaited vacation away from their homely suburbs, through endless peaceful villages to their seaside destination. Those days, when the journey was an intrinsic part of the traveler's enjoyment, have long gone!
Registration Number MAU 1955 is a Park Royal
"Royalist" coach body on a Maudslay chassis (Chassis Number MU3RV273,
Body Number 37252) that was in fact a
"badge engineered" standard AEC Reliance chassis (Maudslay placed the letter M at the front of
the chassis number).
In the A.E.C. designation system, the chassis number MMU3RV273 is identified as (M=Maudslay; M=Medium weight; U=Underfloor; 3=five speed synchromesh gearbox; R=Right hand drive; & V=Vacuum brakes).
This coach was exhibited at the 1954 Motor Show and the pseudo registration number is just advertising for MAUdslay (the "1955" registration being next season salesmanship). GULliver 4433 was the phone number of Birch Brothers of Kentish Town with whom, after the show, it entered service registered as PLA 830.
Read these excellent articles about Birch Brothers!
Birch Brothers History by Peter Gould
Birch Brothers History by Country Bus
Park Royal built very few coach bodies after the war. Mostly they just "tarted up" standard bus designs for anything a bit up-market. However, the Royalist was somewhat special and quite rare.
At Motor Show time, Badge Engineering seemed prevalent as it effectively increased stand space. By appearing as Maudslay or Crossley, AEC could get three stands rather than one!
In addition to the prototype, the following ten coaches were built with this style of bodywork:
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BodyNumbers |
Registration Numbers | Chassis | Operator |
|
37868-37871 |
PXO 971-974 |
AEC Reliance | Timpson, London S.E.6 |
|
37872-37873 |
NRK 350-351 |
AEC Reliance | Bourne & Balmer, Croydon (a Timpson subsidiary) |
|
38151-38152 |
ONP 720/719 |
AEC Reliance | Marsh, Harvington |
|
38153-38154 |
RUP 284-285 |
AEC Reliance | Sunderland District |
The 'Royalist' name was resurrected in 1967 for a rather different, and even rarer, coach body on the Albion rear engined Viking VK43AL chassis. A total of six were built, bodies 54768-54772 being on KHP 778E, KHP 894E, KHP 779E, KHP 895E and UWU 448F. The KHPs were supplied to Red House Garage, Coventry and the UWU to Hirst, Holmfirth.
This photograph is taken from the single page advertisement flysheet published
by the Park Royal - Roe Sales Division. It is said to be "ILLUSTRATED
ON ALBION 'VIKING' AVAILABLE ALSO ON FORD AND BEDFORD CHASSIS".
The following is the "brief specification" as stated on the rear of the flysheet.
|
ROYALIST - BRIEF SPECIFICATION |
|
|
The Royalist is a superb blend of traditional craftsmanship and sophisticated design combined to produce a new standard of excellence in the luxury coach field. |
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CONSTRUCTION |
The body framework is of English Ash, Teak and other selected hardwoods and front and rear ends and wheelarches are glass-fibre/resin mouldings. Side and roof exterior panels are of aluminium sheet. |
|
ENTRANCE |
The single front entrance door is centre pivoted to give a clear entry with minimum door projection and is particularly smooth in action. |
|
GLAZING |
All glass is ¼" toughened float except the entrance door glass which is 3/16” and the front and rear curved glasses which are of ¼" toughened plate. |
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INSULATION |
Insulation is provided in areas adjacent to the engine compartment to suppress engine noise. |
|
VENTILATION |
Two 'Weathershield' roof ventilators glazed in pale yellow 'Perspex' are incorporated in addition to a well designed permanent ventilation system with adjustable outlets at intervals above the windows each side. |
|
HEATING |
A Smiths Model 702 heating, ventilating and demisting unit is provided with the 3i K. W. heaters installed at the front end. The unit incorporates 6 demister outlets, two heater outlets and two fresh air blowers. |
|
SEATS |
Coachbuilt seats with individual sqabs and ash trays are provided. Cushions and squabs are filled with 'Vitafoam' sponge rubber and covered in 'Replin' with 'Lionella' on backs of squabs. The layout illustrated seats 41 passengers. Other seating capacities can be provided as required. |
|
INTERIOR FINISH |
The interior surfaces of roof, bodysides etc. are of high grade plastic laminates for good appearance and ease of cleaning. |
|
FLOOR |
The floor is of waterproof resin-bonded plywood surfaced with grained PVC 'Aerowalk' and a 'Debron' nylon runner is provided. |
|
RACKS & LOCKERS |
Polished alloy parcel racks of 'open' design with nylon mesh base are provided in the saloon and underfloor lockers with easy access are built in to give generous space for luggage. |
|
GENERAL |
'Trico' windscreen wipers are provided and the standard specification includes 'Pyrene' fire extinguisher, BMAC Interior Lamps, First Aid Box, Clock and Destination Indicator complete with gear. |
|
EXTRAS |
A comprehensive list of optional features can be offered. |
|
CHASSIS |
The Royalist is suitable for Albion 'Viking', Bedford VAl or VAM and Ford R192 and R226 chassis. |
Registration Number JCS 819F, was the prototype (probably the same vehicle as
pictured on the flysheet) with body number 54767. Pictured
here whilst with Cooper, Gilesgate Moor in Midland Road, Kings Cross, London on
26th September 1970. Stephen Allcroft points out that JCS 819F was the
original demonstrator and was first registered by Clyde Coast (Fraser) Saltcoats.
Although only six were built ten were planned.
Irrespective of the advances in technology, whilst the "Royalist" name was used for this later coach, the sweeping lines of the earlier '55 design is more satisfying in my opinion. It is a pity that I have no image of the interior of the 1967 coach to compare, but I'm confident the earlier coach would have been more luxurious. It is interesting to note the overall changes in design thinking in merely twelve years. (Ed.)