A dealer is selling one of the legendary fleet of Plaxton Embassy-bodied Bedford J2s new to Rickards and hopes the restoration project will go to an operator.
Rickards had 15 of the coaches, registered MUR200-209H and KNK369-373H, which were originally used to operate airport transfers from London hotels to Heathrow. They later tackled other work before being sold off via the Arlington Motor Company.
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Originally the J2s only had 15 seats, with an extended luggage space, though most were later up-seated to 20. Due to their distinctive livery and diminutive size they became well-known and are now something of a legend among Bedford enthusiasts.
MUR201H was latterly used by Hart Coaches in Cleveland where it was re-registered LIB2542. It was later converted into a caravan and is now offered for sale by dealer Ross Howard based near Stamford in Lincolnshire.
“I normally specialise mainly in American cars, but when I heard about this Bedford being for sale in the Great Yarmouth area, I felt I had to save it, rather than see it being used for spares,” he said. “I did intend to restore the coach, but I would really like it to go to someone who would put it back into passenger service.”
The Bedford is a runner, but needs seats and some framework.
Five Rickards Bedford J2s are known to survive with KNK373H, owned by Kenzie’s of Shepreth, retaining its original livery and seat configuration. MUR200H and MUR202H are also still to coach specification while MUR204H a caravan.
Anyone interested in making a sensible offer for MUR201H should call Ross on 07790 007087.
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