Nick Larkin highlights how a rare 1950s coach needs a new home and restoration
A former heritage operator is hoping to find a home for a rare 1955 Commer Avenger III coach.
Tom Simpson, from Sheffield, has now retired after running Cosy Coaches for 15 years and is looking for someone who will restore the Commer, owned by his former business partner Roy Smith.
The vehicle, registration NHO400, has Duple bodywork. It was new to Parlane of Aldershot in April 1955 and passed to Cyril Cadman of Thorne, near Doncaster, in the late 1950s for use on NCB (National Coal Board) contracts. It was stored in Cyril’s yard for many years before being acquired for preservation in the 1990s.
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“We have to admit that sadly not a lot has been done to the Commer since then and it’s hoped it can be sold to someone who will complete the restoration,” said Tom, a former driver with South Yorkshire PTE. “This is a very rare vehicle and we wouldn’t want to see it scrapped.”
Tom still has the Bedford OB used by Cosy Coaches. ATS408 was new to Meffan of Kirriemuir in 1948, and has been the subject of major restoration. “I’m keeping this coach, and hopefully it will see a return to heritage use sometime in the future,” he said.
Tom is currently tackling another Bedford OB restoration, that of 1951 Duple-bodied ERG164, new to Paterson of Aberdeen in 1961. “While it would be great to tackle the Commer, this OB is quite enough to keep me going,” he admitted.
The Commer still retains its original two-stroke TS3 engine, which on the Avenger was mounted low down and fitted beneath the cab floor. The model was produced in various specifications from 1949-1964.
Anyone interested in the Commer should contact Tom Simpson on 01142 489139
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