DUPLE (NORTHERN) Stand 38

20th September 1968, Page 188

20th September 1968

Page 188

Page 189

Page 188, 20th September 1968 — DUPLE (NORTHERN) Stand 38

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Duple Motor Bodies (Northern) Ltd., Vicarage Lane, Blackpool, Lancs.

THREE eye-catching coaches are exhibited by the main builders of luxury coaches in the Duple Group. Two are Viceroy 37 53-seat models, one each on Bedford VAL 70 and Ford R226 chassis. Though structurally the same as the earlier Viceroy body, the 1969 models have been subjected to considerable restyling, enhancing their appearance. Most notable changes are a new stainless steel frontal grille with headlamps beneath enclosed by a curved panel of toughened glass, a broad horizontal stainless steel fluted section in line with the headlamps and running the full-length of the body, and a curve to the prominent forward sloping pillar which is a feature of this design.

Internally, solid base parcel racks_ have replaced the earlier open-mesh type and fluorescent lighting is fitted to the roof centre—diffused for night travel. Duple GA 223 luxury seats are fitted in each coach and forced ventilation with individual passenger control is a feature of the Fordbased coach. Both coaches are over 37ft in length.

The third coach is the latest version of the Commander for underfloorand rear

underfloor-engined chassis and is styled the Mark IV. Although the 36ft coach is normally fitted with 51 seats, the example shown, on an AEC Reliance chassis, is fitted with 44 reclining seats. The lines of the bodywork have been retained from the Mk III Commander, but styling changes similar to those on the Viceroy have been made to both the exterior mouldings and the interior finish. Large, fixed windows and individual, forced-air ventilation are standard features of the Commander body.