Improved Lines for Blue Cars Coaches
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ONE of the first operators to experiment with luxury bodywork on the Leyland Rival Tiger chassis was Blue Cars (Continental), Ltd., Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC.2. The first vehicle delivered to the concern was taken to the United States, where tourists were shown the type of vehicle in which they might expect to travel in this country and on the Continent.
Experience with this vehicle has led to some modifications of the original design, and now delivery has commenced of 12 new coaches with bodywork, like the original one, by Beccols, Ltd.. Chequerbent. near Bolton. The massive appearance which characterized the first vehicle has been retained, but a more rounded outline has improved the general line, although visibility has not suffered as a result.
Only 30 fully adjustable seats are fitted and as the dimensions are 30 ft. by 8 ft., both leg-room and elbow space are more than adequate. The side windows are high and at the front and rear corners, wide curved glass panels are used. Rear vision is exceptional. partly because the rear pillars are narrow and partly because no full-width row of seats is located at the rear.
The space thus left free is available for coats. odds and ends of luggage, etc. It also enables the rear luggage locker to be remarkably deep and high, although ground clearance at the rear is also exceptional.
This has been required because it is possible. with a vehicle of normal ground clearance, to scrape the tail when rounding the hairpin bends of some of the Alpine passes over which these vehicles will operate. Behind the off-side front wheel is the emergency exit, which may be used as the normal door where the right-hand rule of the road is applicable. Beneath it are folding steps which disappear into the body sides.
An impression of coolness is gained in the interior even on the hottest day. This has been achieved by the use of opaque glass in the eaves, which, being tinted light blue, permits light to pass into the interior while eliminating glare. Tubular luggage racks ensure that little obstruction prevents transmission of the light.
At front and rear, however, the roof panels are glazed in amber glass, through which mountain scenery can be viewed, once again without glare. No sliding roof is fitted, but there is a comprehensive heating and ventilating installation, and sliding panels are fitted above the main side windows. Fresh air for cooling purposes is taken in from vents above the two windscreens.
The first of these vehicles has already begun operation on the Continent.