Reliance: smooth power
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A CHANCE to try out an AEC Reliance llrn coach fitted with the optional Self Changing Gears five-speed semi-automatic gearbox came at the Arlington Motors coach show at Bristol last week. The AEC marque has been given a strong sales boost in recent months and the future supply of AEC coach chassis now seems assured.
Although the AEC had only 700 or so miles on the clock it put up an extremely lively performance on A4 between Bristol and Bath and proved manoeuvrable and docile on the tortuous diversionary route around Bath and in the congested centre of Bristol. The model tested was fitted with the standard rear axle with the ratio of 4.7:1 which limited the motorway top speed to 62mph.
This axle is perfectly suitable for main-road work, but for touring or motorway service work I would think the alternative axle ratio of 4.08:1 would be a better bet as it would raise the maximum speed to over 70. As tested the coach had a maximum speed of 40mph in 4th and 25mph in 3rd.
First impressions of the Reliance are solidity and power. The underfloor mounted