The owner of a bus and coach restoration business is bemoaning the lack of skilled coachbuilders across the industry. “We are trying to recruit new people, but just can’t find anyone with the skills we need.’’ said Seb Marshall of Byfleet, Surrey-based Historic
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Vehicle Restoration.
The firm, which specialises in pre-war vehicles, operates from a new 5000 sq ft workshop, where the five-strong team plus a couple of part-timers is based.
“The work we do is specialist and this is not just a job for any of us,” Seb continued. “It’s something we dedicate our lives to. We’re paying tribute to the craftsmen who originally built these vehicles and trying to keep the traditions alive. There must be people out there with the skills we need – maybe retired from the bus industry.”
“We have tried the apprenticeship approach, but it hasn’t really worked. This is not something where you finish work at 1730hrs and forget it.”
Seb has spent his life in the vehicle restoration world. His father was pioneer preservationist, Prince Marshall, who rescued many important vehicles and set up the Obsolete Fleet operation which among other things ran London sightseeing tours.
Historic Vehicle Restoration has turned its skills to hundreds of older preserved buses and coaches among other vehicles. The firm also carries a large stock of AEC and Leyland engine spares from the 1950s to 1970s.
Historic Vehicle Restoration can be contacted on 07950 272125 or www.historicvehiclerestoration.com
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