P1
1908 X2. Straight, 35hp Reg. LN 7270 Chassis No. X2/64 Engine: Leyland X.35hp 4 cyl Petrol Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
Body: 1906 Tilling 34-seat Open top D/D bus (Ash frame/Mahogany panels) Now 100 years old, in 2008, this is the oldest surviving British-built motorbus! It originally operated for The London Central Motor Omnibus Co, being fitted with a second hand body ex-Thomas Tilling, the body having originally been fitted to a Milnes-Daimler which had been converted into a mail van. It is the only remaining "First Generation" bus in this Country and is the oldest restored Leyland (other than the lawn-mower). Found in a totally derelict state it was restored to its original condition by Mike Sutcliffe and his small team of helpers, over a period of four years and was completed in 1996 since when it has won many prizes. The bus is kept in tip-top working condition and is a pleasure to drive, except in bad weather! Mike's whole collection of eight elderly Leyland buses are here today (see entries P1 to P8), having all been brought to Crich by low-loader especially to celebrate this event of Ten Years of The Leyland Society!
Entered by Mr. M.A. Sutcliffe M.B.E. of Totternhoe, Beds.
© Leyland Society, 2008