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Setra challenge for UK
Page 27
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coach marketpictureskbY4Y: Ross
• A coach which has appeared in increasing numbers on British roads is the Setra, manufactured by Karl Kiissbohrer Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, in Ulm, West Germany. To date these have been Continental-based left-hand-drive models bringing parties of Europeans to this country.
Now, however, thanks to the enterprise of the independent Essex operator, Kirby's Coaches, Princess Road, Rayleigh, near Southend, a British-based Setra S 130 11-metre coach has entered service, and there are strong indications that Kiissbohrer has set its sights on the British market.
Of particular interest is the fact that Kirby's Setra is a production-line model. fitted with right-hand drive, which qualified for a DoE Certificate of Fitness with only minor modifications; special dispensation Nits granted for the twin-leaf outwardvening entrance doors, widely used on 2ontinental coaches. Kiissbohrer has also woduced an illustrated brochure, in English, idly detailing the model range it produces.
Earlier this week I visited Mr E. Kirby, iroprietor of Kirby's Coaches, to inspect his vehicle, and sample its riding and performance standards on the road. Mr Kirby, who has operated licensed Continental tours since 1966, told me that he had been impressed with Setra city buses he had ridden on in Germany. There was an obvious advantage in employing a German-built coach on the European mainland, and an added attraction was the relatively short — five-month — delivery quoted.
Basically, the Setra S 130 is a 37ft overall 53-seat coach, of completely integral construction, employing steel box sections, angle profiles and 1mm steel panels, all electrically welded, with continuously welded stress panels. It is powered by a Henschel six-cylinder in-line engine mounted vertically and longitudinally at the rear of the vehicle. Engine output is 260 bhp, and it drives forward through a ZF S 6-80 six-speed synchromesh gearbox.
Air suspension is employed all-round, with independent suspension on the front wheels, and ZF power-steering is standard. Allowing for the fact that the coach was unladen (uw 9 tons 3 cwt) a brief road trial demonstrated excellent riding qualities, lively performance, and an exceptionally quiet engine. Mr Kirby, who has already operated the K-registered vehicle on Continental tours, claims a fuel consumption of 11+ to 12+ mpg.
Kilssbohrer's export sales manager will be at Kirby's Coaches premises all next week (from Monday, November 8). Operators interested in the Setra, which is competitively priced compared with other Continental coaches, should phone Rayleigh 5879 or 71158 to arrange for a demonstration.