Back in the Lion’s den

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Bought new in 1971 and now back in the fleet, Country Lion’s Bedford J2. NICK LARKIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 1971 minicoach has returned to its original owner in Northamptonshire, reports Nick Larkin

Northamptonshire operator Country Lion has bought back the first coach the company bought new, in 1971. Bedford J2 PVV 888J, with Plaxton 20 seat bodywork, is now immaculately presented in original livery and available for private hire.

Country Lion was set up by John Bull, who had taken over car repair and sales garage Palmerstone Garage in 1962, diversifying into minibus hire and setting up Country Lion in 1966. The coach, purchased through dealer Alf Moseley, cost £3330.

The J2 was basically a lorry chassis, Plaxton bodying many with a specially-shortened version of its Embassy body. Country Lion certainly got its money’s worth from PVV 888J as it remained in the fleet until a nasty liaison with a white van in 1989, which caused a lot of damage to the offside.
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