A Wiltshire operator is growing its heritage fleet as Nick Larkin explains
Wiltshire operator has added to its heritage fleet amid an increase in private hire bookings from a growing number of sources.
AD Rains Coaches based at Brinkworth, near Chippenham has acquired PFW419M, a 1974 Plaxton-bodied Bedford SB5 new to Appleby of Conisholme.
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Proprietor Adrian Griffiths started the firm with one coach in 1986, having previously worked on a vehicle owned by his former woodwork and metalwork teacher, Richard Telford, who ran Telford Travel and Cross Country.
There are now 18 vehicles in the AD Rains fleet including the classic vehicles, which are bringing in significant business.
“I’ve always liked old buses and coaches, and bought our first abo
ut 10 years ago,” said Adrian.
“Bookings have grown from weddings and pubs to work for a wide range of organisations ranging from a real ale society to film companies.
“We tend to charge more for a vintage vehicle because they need more maintenance and spares are more difficult to get hold of.”
The vintage fleet also undergoes six-weekly inspections. It includes 1959 East Lancs-bodied Leyland Tiger Club HHG25, new to Burnley, Colne and Nelson, former Southdown Leyland Leopard Plaxton UUF328J and Plaxton-bodied Bedford J2s MVE400H, new to Ely Hospital and UVE593K, which began its career with the Blood Transfusion Service as a staff bus.
Private hire details on 01666 510874 or by visiting www.adrainscoaches.com
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