A magnificent Kassbohrer Setra Imperial S228DT that appeared at the 1984 Brighton Coach Rally is about to take to the road after a major renovation in memory of the present owner’s father. Nick Larkin reports
When the then 16-year-old Chris Langson saw the magnificent Ebdon’s of Sidcup Kassbohrer Setra Imperial S228DT at the 1984 Brighton Coach Rally he thought it was ‘stunning,’ but felt a sense of disappointment. The previous year his dad, Richard, who ran Clevedon Motorways in Somerset, trading as Trans-Continental, had had to cancel an order for two of these fine vehicles. They were to have been used on shuttle work for Freedom Holidays but his father was concerned as that company appeared to be facing financial difficulties.
Forty years on, Chris now owns that show Setra, originally registered A475 HPE. It is nearing the end of a renovation which has seen the coach transformed into a close comparison to its original livery but with Trans-Continental fleetnames. Chris said his grandad, Fred, had started the firm as Langson Coaches in 1950 but changed the name to Clevedon Motorways a year or so later.
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An extensive tours programme home and abroad was built up and in 1983 the first Neoplan Clubliner in the UK, MVL 610Y joined the fleet, winning the Arlington cup for the best coach under 11 metres at that year’s Brighton Coach Rally. Trans-Continental ceased trading for health reasons with Richard in 1997.
Meanwhile the Setra would work for a succession of owners, including Mostonian and later Barker Bus in Harlow, from where it passed to Phil and Gareth Blair of Hampshire-based Xelabus in 2016.
They put the Setra into the guise of post deregulation Southampton Citybus coaching unit Red Ensign, of which Phil was once manager, The coach was advertised on eBay 18 months ago and Chris snapped it up.
“I decided to purchase it with a romantic and nostalgic moment of dedicating the coach to my late father’s memory and that of Clevedon Motorways/Trans-Continental,” said Chris. “This has been a great project but I have often thought dedicating a garden bench may have been easier! As with any renovation it can often bring you close to tears with all the unknowns.”
Work commissioned by Chris has included a repaint by Petit Forestier in Warrington, Cheshire along with a retrim by Blackpool Bus and Coach Trim, which even included transforming the luggage bay. Mechanical work has included replacing brake drums, actuators and chambers. A full service for the twin-turbo Mercedes-Benz engine including new hoses and belts and electrics was carried out – and the unit has been painted. A new exhaust was fitted.
The electrics have been overhauled and it is intended to submit the coach for MOT at the end of the month.
“We then hope to take her to a few shows and eventually find a transport museum to donate her to,” Chris concluded. He added that he would like to thank everyone who has worked on the coach and supported the project, and would also be interested in any available spares and even a donor vehicle.
Chris can be contacted at [email protected]. There is also a Facebook page: Setra Imperial Double Deck Coach.
by Chris’ grandad.
CHRIS LANGSON
