An event intended to commemorate a hundred years of regular motorbus operation in Southampton on 20 July has been cancelled and a former Southampton Leyland Atlantean, originally intended to be used for the event, is for sale.
The commemoration was to have been organised by Eastleigh-based Xelabus.
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“We are very sorry that this event has had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances,” said Managing Director Gareth Blair. “We are hoping to commemorate the centenary in some way and still intend to have a bus painted in 1919 Southampton Corporation livery. We are also intending to celebrate our 10th anniversary in a big way next year.”
Xelabus operates the X11 route from Southampton city centre to Lordshill, which is the modern equivalent of the original 1919 service.
Southampton built up a fleet of 176 Leyland Atlanteans including 1981 East Lancs-bodied FTR271X, which was originally intended to be part of the preserved collection of Southampton vehicles owned by Gareth’s father Phil, formerly Marketing Manager of Southampton Citybus and who now runs PB Bus Marketing.
“We really wanted to restore the Atlantean, but owing to severe shortage of time and many weekend events we are involved in we have reluctantly decided that we have to let her go,” said Phil.
The bus has undergone major renovation and has a Class V MOT until December, but needs paintwork. Offers around £2,950 are invited.
Contact Xelabus on 02380 644715 or 07770 852258
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