Classic Buses Profiles

Barton front-engined Bedfords (by Shane Conway)

Last updated 30 November 2021

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Bedford SB/Burlingham 912 (912 KVO) was one of three bought in summer 1961, seen at Huntingdon Street with Leyland Titan 828 and two busmen in blue jackets, who may be the crew of the South Notts decker in the background.

Another look at some delightful vehicles from the past. Here we pay a visit to that iconic Nottinghamshire operator Barton, and their varied fleet of front-engined post-war Bedford coaches and mini-buses, both new and second-hand examples.

Barton Transport traced its Nottingham area origins back to 1900 and gained a reputation for operating an eclectic and varied fleet, both before the war and afterwards when they used vehicles from AEC, Bedford, Commer, Daimler, Dennis, Ford, Guy, Morris, Leyland and their own creation, the Barton BTS/1, initially reconstructed from 1930s Leyland Lions, but later from the chassis of Leyland Tigers and Titans. This page looks at their collection of post-war purchases of front-engined Bedford coaches and mini-buses, over 140 of them in total. The list of vehicles is shown in fleet number order, new vehicles first, followed by acquired ones from a variety of sources.

This page was compiled by Shane Conway, with many thanks for the assistance provided by Matthew Smith and Phil Stevens via the Barton Transport Facebook Group and the Barton Archive, for the provision of more data and the kind supply and permission to use the photographs on this page. It would not have been possible without them!

FLEET LIST Part 1 - VEHICLES BOUGHT NEW BY BARTON

BEDFORD OB    -     520 - 531 (total 12)

Seen at Huntingdon Street, Nottingham between 1947 and 1950 is Bedford OB 523 (HVO 387), the fourth of a batch of twelve similar coaches.

Built in 1947-48.

Chassis: Bedford OB.

Body: Duple Vista C29F.

• 520 (HRR 421) c/n 45699, b/n 46993. Deliv.4/47. Withdrawn 11/50, to Price, Broughton Astley 11/50.
• 521 (HRR 553) c/n 49021, b/n 46994. Deliv.5/47. Withdrawn 1949, to Williams, Creswell 11/49.
• 522 (HRR 995) c/n 51534, b/n 46995. Deliv.5/47. Withdrawn 10/50, to Price, Broughton Astley 10/50.
• 523 (HVO 387) c/n 53365, b/n 46996. Deliv.6/47. Withdrawn 11/50, to Belle Vue Engineering, Barwell 11/50.
• 524 (HVO 596) c/n 54585, b/n 46997. Deliv.7/47. Withdrawn 10/56, to Turnbull, Lockerbie 12/56.
• 525 (JAL 30) c/n 57430, b/n 46998. Deliv.9/47. Withdrawn 9/54, to Atkins & Daly, Notttingham 9/54.
• 526 (JAL 592) c/n 61548, b/n 48313. Deliv.11/47. Withdrawn 1954, to Blankley, Colsterworth 10/54.
• 527 (JNN 174) c/n 66764, b/n 48314. Deliv.12/47. Withdrawn 9/56, to Thomas, North Muskham 4/57.
• 528 (JNN 573) c/n 69845, b/n 48315. Deliv.1/48. Withdrawn 9/54, to Atkins & Daly, Nottingham 9/54.
• 529 (JRR 114) c/n 74151, b/n 48552. Deliv.4/48. Withdrawn 10/55, to McKinnon, Elgol 10/55.
• 530 (JVO 148) c/n 82217, b/n 48553. Deliv.8/48. Withdrawn 3/57, to Lawson, Methven, date of sale unknown.
• 531 (JVO 749) c/n 86932, b/n 48554. Deliv.9/48. Withdrawn 9/57, to Fuller, Netherfield 6/58.

BEDFORD OB    -     532 - 534 and 590 - 595 (total 9)

Seen at Huntingdon Street, Nottingham in 1949 is Bedford OB 534 about to set off on a Scottish Road Cruise with Driver Evans and some of his passengers.

Built in 1949-50.

Chassis: Bedford OB.

Body: Duple Vista C24F.

• 532 (KAL 683) c/n 96050, b/n 49483. Deliv.3/49. Withdrawn 10/58, scrapped 10/1959.
• 533 (KRR 297) c/n 114016, b/n 49484. Deliv.7/49. Withdrawn 3/57, to South Notts 65 4/57.
• 534 (KVO 148) c/n 114876, b/n 49485. Deliv.9/49. Withdrawn 4/57, to Cumberland, Nottingham 10/57.
• 590 (KVO 494) c/n 118952, b/n 49486. Deliv.5/50. Withdrawn 9/57, to Woodhouse, Bolsover 5/58.
• 591 (LAL 235) c/n 127229, b/n 49487. Deliv.5/50. Withdrawn 9/57, to Pooley, Long Sutton 6/58.
• 592 (KVO 975) c/n 124713, b/n 49488. Deliv.5/50. Withdrawn 7/57, to Cowe, Tobermory by 9/59.
• 593 (LNN 331) c/n 137525, b/n 49489. Deliv.6/50. Withdrawn 5/58, to Thomas, North Muskham 5/58.
• 594 (LRR 655) c/n 146347, b/n 49490. Deliv.5/51. Withdrawn 9/57, to South Notts 68 3/58.
• 595 (LVO 85) c/n 147100, b/n 49491. Deliv.5/51. Withdrawn 9/57, to Talbott, Moreton-in-Marsh 4/58.

BEDFORD SB1    -     821, 829, 869 - 874 (total 8)

Two of the six Plaxton bodied Bedford SBs new in 1960, 872 and 873, are seen together in Stamford. All six of the batch moved to Ireland in January 1972.

Built in 1959-60.

Chassis: Bedford SB1.

Body: Duple Vega 2 C41F (821); Burlingham Seagull 60 C41F (829); Plaxton Embassy C41F (869 - 874).

• 821 (821 CVO) c/n 72089, b/n 1105/515. Deliv.7/59. Withdrawn 10/70, to Tiplady, Whetstone 9/71
• 829 (829 ENN) c/n 77955, b/n 7135. Deliv.5/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Cheek, Wealdstone 11/71
• 869 (869 HAL) c/n 86177, b/n 602312. Deliv.11/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Sureline, Lurgan 1/72, to McCready, Belfast 2/73.
• 870 (870 HAL) c/n 86274, b/n 602313. Deliv.11/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Sureline, Lurgan 1/72, to Grayson Fabrics, Portadown 2/74, Walsh, Ballynahinch (NI), derelict by 12/80.
• 871 (871 HAL) c/n 86277, b/n 602315. Deliv.11/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Sureline, Lurgan 1/72, to Portadown Elim Church 2/74.
• 872 (872 HAL) c/n 86369, b/n 602314. Deliv.11/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Stewart, Glengormley 1/72, to Lafferty, Glengad 1/72.
• 873 (873 HAL) c/n 86612, b/n 602316. Deliv.11/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Flax Spinning Company, Doagh 1/72.
• 874 (874 HAL) c/n 86614, b/n 602317. Deliv.11/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Sureline, Lurgan 1/72, to Stewart, Belfast 5/72, to Kennedy, Coleraine by 9/72, to Darragh, Kilrea by 12/79, sold for scrap.

BEDFORD SB1    -     879 (total 1)

Built in 1960.

Chassis: Bedford SB1 chassis with extended front overhang.

Body: Yeates Pegasus DP44F.

• 879 (109 HVO) c/n 73071, b/n 851. Deliv.12/60. Withdrawn 1971, to Fletcher, Leicester 2/72

BEDFORD SB1    -     908 - 913 (total 6)

The first of the six 1961 Bedford SB1s, Duple bodied 908 (662 KNN) is seen at Long Eaton garage. The bodywork order was split 50/50 between Duple and Burlingham.

Built in 1960.

Chassis: Bedford SB1.

Body: Duple Vega 2 C41F (908 - 910); Burlingham Seagull 61 C41F (911 - 913).

• 908 (662 KNN) c/n 86185, b/n 1133/160. Deliv.5/61. Withdrawn 1971, to Parkin, Borrowash 2/72.
• 909 (663 KNN) c/n 86362, b/n 1133/185. Deliv.5/61. Withdrawn 1971, to Doherty, Nottingham 1/72.
• 910 (664 KNN) c/n 86380, b/n 1133/188. Deliv.5/61. Withdrawn 1971, to Gladwin, Middlesbrough 9/71.
• 911 (283 KVO) c/n 88198, b/n 8000. Deliv.7/61. Withdrawn 1971, to Reinke, Bulwell 3/72.
• 912 (912 KVO) c/n 85173, b/n 8082. Deliv.8/61. Withdrawn 1970, to Fermanagh Education Authority 3/72, to Western Education and Library Board, to Walsh, Belfast (dealer) 1/78.
• 913 (913 KVO) c/n 87386, b/n 8109. Deliv.8/61. Withdrawn 1971, to Fermanagh Education Authority 3/72, to Western Education and Library Board, to Walsh, Belfast (dealer) 1/78.

BEDFORD VAL14    -     963 - 969 (total 7)

Mount Street bus station in Nottingham is the setting for two rare Barton vehicles. In the background is the unique Dennis Loline, the lowest-ever double deck bus in Britain. Bedford VAL 969 is one of just seven dual- door VALs bodied by Yeates. Only four other VALs were bodied by Yeates. The only other dual-doors built by Yeates were also for Barton, being six AEC Reliances the year before these VALs.

Built in 1963.

Chassis: Bedford VAL14.

Body: Yeates Europa C50D (963 - 966); Yeates Europa DP56D (967 - 969).

• 963 (963 RVO) c/n 1016, b/n 0010. Deliv.6/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Rannoch, Haughley 1/74.
• 964 (964 RVO) c/n 1104, b/n 0011. Deliv.6/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Carnell, Sutton Bridge 9/73.
• 965 (965 RVO) c/n 1111, b/n 0012. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Rannoch, Haughley by 4/74.
• 966 (966 RVO) c/n 1115, b/n 0013. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Connor and Graham, Easington f/n 50 10/73, now preserved **SURVIVOR**.
• 967 (967 RVO) c/n 1145, b/n 0015. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1972, to Liversedge, Wadworth 1/73.
• 968 (968 RVO) c/n 1145, b/n 0014. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Mellors, Goxhill 10/73.
• 969 (969 RVO) c/n 1167, b/n 0016. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1972, to Middlebrook Mushrooms, Selby 1973.

BEDFORD VAL14    -     970 - 973 (total 4)

Barton's first Plaxton-bodied VALs comprised four coaches, two of which are seen here in the Clacton area in Essex on the route 55 express run from Derby, being passed by what looks like an Eastern National Bristol Lodekka.

Built in 1963.

Chassis: Bedford VAL14.

Body: Plaxton Val C52F.

• 970 (414 SRR) c/n 1117, b/n 632618. Deliv.5/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 4/73.
• 971 (971 SRR) c/n 1028, b/n 632611. Deliv.6/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 4/73.
• 972 (650 SVO) c/n 1125, b/n 632619. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Phillips, Shiptonthorpe 9/73.
• 973 (433 TAL) c/n 1133, b/n 632665. Deliv.7/63. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 4/73.

BEDFORD VAL14    -     989 - 996 (total 8)

Built in 1964.

Chassis: Bedford VAL14.

Body: Harrington Legionnaire C52F.

• 989 (989 VRR) c/n 1391, b/n 2949. Deliv.4/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 11/73.
• 990 (990 VRR) c/n 1401, b/n 2950. Deliv.4/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Phillips, Shiptonthorpe 9/73.
• 991 (991 VRR) c/n 1429, b/n 2948. Deliv.4/64. Withdrawn 1970, to Colquhoun, Carlisle 9/70.
• 992 (992 VRR) c/n 1437, b/n 2951. Deliv.4/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 8/73.
• 993 (993 VRR) c/n 1392, b/n 2952. Deliv.5/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 8/73.
• 994 (994 VRR) c/n 1407, b/n 2953. Deliv.5/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Phillips, Shiptonthorpe 9/73.
• 995 (995 VRR) c/n 1435, b/n 2954. Deliv.5/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Smith, Linthwaite 10/73.
• 996 (996 VRR) c/n 1440, b/n 2955. Deliv.5/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Watts, Stourbridge 8/73.

BEDFORD SB5    -     997 - 999 (total 3)

Built in 1964.

Chassis: Bedford SB5.

Body: Duple Northern Firefly C41F.

• 997 (997 XNN) c/n 94344, b/n 155/32. Deliv.6/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Tapping, Tingewick 3/74.
• 998 (998 XNN) c/n 94774, b/n 155/31. Deliv.6/64. Withdrawn 1972, to Tyne Valley, Acomb 5/73.
• 999 (999 XNN) c/n 94933, b/n 155/35. Deliv.6/64. Withdrawn 1972, to Tyne Valley, Acomb 5/73.

BEDFORD VAL14    -     1000 (total 1)

Seen at Beaulieu in Hampshire in 1965 is ANN 700B (Barton's first bus with a 4-digit fleet number), alongside a replica of Barton's first ever bus. The latter is still owned by the Barton family.

Built in 1964.

Chassis: Bedford VAL14.

Built in 1964.

Body: Duple Vega Major C52F.

• 1000 (ANN 700B) c/n 1551, b/n 1185/8. Exhibited at Earls Court Motor Show 1964, deliv.10/64. Withdrawn 1973, to Tor Coaches, Street 2/74.

BEDFORD SB5    -     1011 - 1025 (total 15)

In 1965 Barton bought a batch of fifteen Harrington-bodied Bedford SB5s, 1011 - 1025. Midway in the series was number 1018 (BVO 18C) seen at Long Eaton Green in the late 1960s.

Built in 1965.

Chassis: Bedford SB5.

Body: Harrington Crusader C41F.

• 1011 (BVO 11C) c/n 96672, b/n 3169. Deliv.7/65. Withdrawn 1972, to H&C Transport, Garston 11/72.
• 1012 (BVO 12C) c/n 96682, b/n 3170. Deliv.7/65. Withdrawn 1973, to Thornhill Egg Packers, Great Longstone f/n 12 10/73.
• 1013 (BVO 13C) c/n 96684, b/n 3171. Deliv.7/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Vagg, Knockin Heath 1/73.
• 1014 (BVO 14C) c/n 96685, b/n 3172. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Roe, Stainforth 1/73.
• 1015 (BVO 15C) c/n 96750, b/n 3173. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Baker, Gelli 12/72.
• 1016 (BVO 16C) c/n 96752, b/n 3174. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Morlias, Merthyr Tydfil 1/73.
• 1017 (BVO 17C) c/n 96757, b/n 3175. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to H and C Transport, Garston 10/72.
• 1018 (BVO 18C) c/n 96941, b/n 3176. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Roe, Stainforth 1/73.
• 1019 (BVO 19C) c/n 96942, b/n 3177. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Thornhill Egg Packers, Great Longstone f/n 13 10/73.
• 1020 (BVO 20C) c/n 96943, b/n 3178. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1973, to Thornhill Egg Packers, Great Longstone f/n 14 10/73.
• 1021 (BVO 21C) c/n 96945, b/n 3179. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Vagg, Knockin Heath 2/73.
• 1022 (BVO 22C) c/n 96751, b/n 3180. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Moseley, Loughborough (dealer) 11/72.
• 1023 (BVO 23C) c/n 96871, b/n 3181. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1972, to Warren, Neath by 10/74.
• 1024 (BVO 24C) c/n 96981, b/n 3182. Deliv.8/65. Withdrawn 1973, to Thornhill Egg Packers, Great Longstone f/n 15 10/73.
• 1025 (BVO 25C) c/n 96982, b/n 3183. Deliv.9/65. Withdrawn 1973, to Smith and Ball, Waterhouses 10/74.

BEDFORD CALZ30    -     1028 - 1029 (total 2)

1028 (DNN 647C) was the first of an eventual fleet of five Bedford CA minibuses owned. Mainly they were used on works contracts for smaller employers, such as Boots Chemists.

Built in 1965.

Chassis: Bedford CALZ30.

Body: Martin Walter 11-seat minibus.

• 1028 (DNN 647C) c/n 370476, b/n UB76990.5.573. Deliv.5/65. Withdrawn 1969, to Lamb, Polesworth 1/70.
• 1029 (DVO 626C) c/n 369863, b/n unknown. Deliv.6/65. Withdrawn 1969, to unknown, Birmingham by 7/70.

BEDFORD VAS1    -     1030 (total 1)

Built in 1965.

Chassis: Bedford VAS1.

Body: Duple Super Vista 25 C29F.

• 1030 (EAL 557C) c/n 2040, b/n 1184/48. Deliv.7/65. Withdrawn 1973, to Warner, Harpenden 3/74.

BEDFORD VAM5    -     1071 - 1080 (total 10)

The large batch purchase in 1966 was of ten Plaxton bodied Bedford VAM5s, 1071 - 1080. Unusually for Plaxton at that time they featured roof mounted destination displays, a feature also specified by Yelloway Motor Services in Rochdale.

Built in 1966.

Chassis: Bedford VAM5.

Body: Plaxton Vam 45-seat coach.

• 1071 (FVO 71D) c/n 6821678, b/n 669556. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Claireaux, Hadleigh 5/74.
• 1072 (FVO 72D) c/n 6821716, b/n 669557. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Jercells Expeditions, Paris 6/74, to O'Sullivan, Cullen 4/77, r/r 9319 ZT, to Kelleher, Boherbue by 9/78.
• 1073 (FVO 73D) c/n 6825685, b/n 669553. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Jercells Expeditions, Paris 6/74.
• 1074 (FVO 74D) c/n 6827270, b/n 669552. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 10/73 after a fire.
• 1075 (FVO 75D) c/n 6827550, b/n 669554. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Jercells Expeditions, Paris 6/74, to O'Sullivan, Cullen 4/77, r/r 8377 ZK.
• 1076 (FVO 76D) c/n 6828241, b/n 669559. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Young, Rampton 2/74.
• 1077 (FVO 77D) c/n 6828460, b/n 669551. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Young, Rampton 2/74.
• 1078 (FVO 78D) c/n 6821905, b/n 669558. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Doherty, Nottingham 3/74, to Mahood, Glengormley 5/75, to McGonagle, Belfast (dealer) by 1977.
• 1079 (FVO 79D) c/n 6827917, b/n 669550. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Claireaux, Hadleigh 5/74.
• 1080 (FVO 80D) c/n 6832785, b/n 669555. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Claireaux, Hadleigh 5/74.

BEDFORD VAS1    -     1081 (total 1)

Built in 1966.

Chassis: Bedford VAS1.

Body: Duple Super Vista C29F.

• 1081 (JAL 642D) c/n 6843488, b/n 1201/53. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Beestons, Hadleigh 11/73.

BEDFORD VAM5    -     1082 (total 1)

Built in 1966.

Chassis: Bedford VAM5.

Body: Duple Bella Vega C45F.

• 1082 (JNN 128D) c/n 6802811, b/n 1205/79. Deliv.7/66. Withdrawn 1973, to Claireaux, Hadleigh 5/74.

BEDFORD CALZ30    -     1114 (total 1)

Built in 1968.

Chassis: Bedford CALZ30.

Body: Martin Walter 11-seat minibus.

• 1114 (SNN 644F) c/n 809189, b/n unknown. Deliv.7/68. Withdrawn 1972, to Greenline, Lichfield.

FLEET LIST Part 2 - VEHICLES BOUGHT SECONDHAND BY BARTON

BEDFORD OB    -     607 (total 1)

Built in 1948.

Chassis: Bedford OB.

Body: Mulliner B31F.

The only Mulliner-bodied vehicle in the Barton fleet was this ex Lewis, Nottingham Bedford OB, seen in Nottingham's Market Square in the mid 1950s. Photo by Roy Marshall.

• 607 (KAL 255) c/n 90741, b/n T315. Ex Lewis, Nottingham 5/50 (new 10/48). Withdrawn 2/57, to Parfitt, Neath by 9/60.

BEDFORD OWB    -     608 (total 1)

The only wartime spec Bedford in the Barton fleet was 608, also ex Lewis of Nottingham in May 1950. It remained in service for eighteen months before being withdrawn and sold.

Built in 1944.

Chassis: Bedford OWB.

Body: Duple UB32F.

• 608 (GNN 291) c/n 22775, b/n 39079. Ex Lewis, Nottingham 5/50 (new 10/44). Withdrawn 10/51, to Hoveringham Sand & Gravel 10/52.

BEDFORD SB    -     680 (total 1)

680 was a Bedford SB bodied by Brush in Loughborough using a body frame supplied by Duple. Acquired in August 1953 at two years old, it lasted until October 1955 when it was sold.

Built in 1951.

Chassis: Bedford SB.

Body: Brush C33F (built on Duple Vega 1 frames).

• 680 (FCT 943) c/n 1163. Ex Randall, Asfordby 8/53 (new 8/51). Withdrawn 10/55, to Sims, Hucknall 10/55.

BEDFORD WTB    -     no fleet number allocated (total 1)

Included among the fleet taken over from Cream Bus of Stamford in 1961 was a 1939 Bedford WTB (TL 8588, right) which had received an OB type front end at some stage, seen here with 880 and 885, also ex Cream Bus.

Built in 1939.

Chassis: Bedford WTB.

Body: Willowbrook C26F.

• --- (TL 8588) c/n 17631, b/n 3152. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.11 2/61 (new 5/39). Withdrawn 1961, to Ideal Furniture as mobile showroom.

BEDFORD OWB    -     880 - 881 (total 2)

Built in 1943 - 1944.

Chassis: Bedford OWB.

Body: Duple Vista C29F (bodies built in 1952).

• 880 (ACT 797) c/n 13810, b/n 114/2. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.1 2/61 (new 5/43). Withdrawn 1961, to Reeder, Chilwell 3/61.
• 881 (ATL 238) c/n 19783, b/n 56848. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.4 2/61 (new 5/44). Withdrawn 1961, to unknown, Stoke-on-Trent 2/62.

BEDFORD OB    -     882, 885 (total 2)

882 was a Duple-bodied OB, ex Cream Bus in 1961. Like most of that fleet's OB types it didn't stay too long with Barton, and appears to have not been repainted.

Built in 1949 - 1950.

Chassis: Bedford OB.

Body: Duple Vista C27F (882), Duple Vista C29F (885).

• 882 (ECT 190) c/n 119892, b/n 54763. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.18 2/61 (new 11/49). Withdrawn 1961, to unknown, Stoke-on-Trent 2/62.
• 885 (NVK 849) c/n 133863, b/n 50107. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.21 2/61 (new 5/50 to Featonby, Shotton Colliery). Withdrawn 1961, to Bland, Cottesmere 5/61.

BEDFORD SB    -     888 - 890, 892 (total 4)

889 (KAB 283) is seen taking part in a shuttle service to Kingston Show on 6th August 1961, along with several other Barton vehicles. Photo copyright Peter Yeomans.

Built in 1951 - 1953.

Chassis: Bedford SB.

Body: Duple Vega 1 C33F (888 - 890), Yeates C35F (built on Duple Vega 1 frames) (892).

• 888 (FTL 439) c/n 6640, b/n 1009/43. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.10 2/61 (new 1/52). Withdrawn 1963, to Cheshire Home, West Bridgeford 2/64.
• 889 (KAB 283) c/n 1241, b/n 56977. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.12 2/61 (new 7/51 to Johnson, Stourbridge). Withdrawn 1964, to Smith, Nottingham 9/64.
• 890 (FTL 217) c/n 4770, b/n 56719. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.19 2/61 (new 10/51). Withdrawn 1963, to McGregor, Chesterfield by 12/68.
• 892 (GTL 419) c/n 10290, b/n 325. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.3 2/61 (new 5/53). Withdrawn 1964, to Lander, Rainworth 10/64.

BEDFORD SBG    -     893 - 898 (total 6)

The only Plaxton/Bedford acquired from Cream Bus was 894 (CEC 963) new in March 1955 with a Plaxton Venturer body.

Built in 1954 - 1956.

Chassis: Bedford SBG.

Body: Duple Vega C36F (893), Plaxton Venturer C36F (894), Duple Vega 2 C41F (895 - 897), Yeates Riviera C41F (898).

• 893 (HTL 78) c/n 28087, b/n 1051/143. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.7 2/61 (new 4/54). Withdrawn 1964, to Lander, Rainworth 10/64.
• 894 (CEC 963) c/n 36899, b/n 2678. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.17 2/61 (new 3/55 to Mallinson, Windermere). Withdrawn 1964, to Padley, Anwick 1965.
• 895 (RAB 838) c/n 46870, b/n 1060/223. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.8 2/61 (new 5/56 to Johnson, Stourbridge). Withdrawn 1967, to Smith, Nottingham 9/67.
• 896 (RAB 839) c/n 47253, b/n 1060/224. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.14 2/61 (new 5/56 to Johnson, Stourbridge). Withdrawn 1967, to Gimson and Slater, Long Eaton 4/68.
• 897 (RAB 840) c/n 47256, b/n 1060/225. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.15 2/61 (new 5/56 to Johnson, Stourbridge). Withdrawn 1967, to Perks,Long Eaton 2/69.
• 898 (UPT 368) c/n 45757, b/n 572. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.13 2/61 (new 6/56 to Harwood, Bishop Auckland). Withdrawn 1967, to Burrows, Ilkeston 2/69.

BEDFORD SB3    -     899 (total 1)

Built in 1958.

Chassis: Bedford SB3.

Body: Duple Vega C41F.

• 899 (MTL 366) c/n 60888, b/n 1090/157. Ex Cream Bus, Stamford No.5 2/61 (new 3/58). Withdrawn 1965, to Padley, Anwick 3/65.

BEDFORD C5Z1    -     935 (total 1)

Before the Bedford VAS was introduced in 1962, requirements for vehicles of the 29-seat size were met by the Bedford C5 chassis. One such was Barton 935 (149 FVO) acquired from Robin Hood of Nottingham, whose logo was to later appear on many Barton coaches. The other vehicles from Robin Hood were all AEC Reliances.

Built in 1960.

Chassis: Bedford C5Z1.

Body: Duple Vista 2 C29F.

• 935 (149 FVO) c/n 4760, b/n 1127/23. Ex Robin Hood, Nottingham 10/61 (new 5/60). Withdrawn 1970, to unknown, Northumberland 11/71.

BEDFORD SB    -     975 - 976 (total 2)

Built in 1952 - 1953.

Chassis: Bedford SB.

Body: Plaxton C33F (975), Duple Vega 1 C37F (976).

• 975 (FVH 627) c/n 7969, b/n 1740. Ex Smith, Syston 3/64 (new 1/52 to Bottomley, Huddersfield). Withdrawn 1964, to Steans, Nottingham 6/64.
• 976 (1412 E) c/n 16896, b/n 1031/72. Ex Smith, Syston 3/64 (new 5/53 to Byrne, Leek). Withdrawn 1964, to Smith, Nottingham 10/64.

BEDFORD SBG    -     977 - 978 (total 2)

Built in 1955.

Chassis: Bedford SBG.

Body: Duple Vega C36F (977), Duple Vega C38F (978).

• 977 (LNR 521) c/n 35296, b/n 1055/238. Ex Smith, Syston 3/64 (new 3/55). Withdrawn 1964, to Padley, Anwick no. 17 1965.
• 978 (JFR 851) c/n 37180, b/n 1055/302. Ex Smith, Syston 3/64 (new 5/55 to Whiteside, Blackpool). Withdrawn 1964, to Netherfield Luxury Coaches 9/64.

BEDFORD SB5    -     1026 - 1027 (total 2)

Built in 1962.

Chassis: Bedford SB5 with extended front overhang.

Body: Yeates Pegasus C43F.

• 1026 (508 GUY) c/n 90367, b/n 957. Ex Price, Romsley 1/65 (new 6/62). Withdrawn 1971, to Spondon Legionnaires Band 2/72.
• 1027 (509 GUY) c/n 90388, b/n 958. Ex Price, Romsley 1/65 (new 6/62). Withdrawn 1972, to Fermanagh Education Authority 1972, to Western Education & Library Board, to McGonagle, Belfast (dealer) 1/78, sold for scrap 2/78.

BEDFORD SBG    -     1045 (total 1)

Built in 1955.

Chassis: Bedford SBG.

Body: Burlingham C36F.

• 1045 (EEB 446) c/n 34956, b/n 4805. Ex Westward Ho! 2/66 (new 1/55 to Cater, Wisbech). Withdrawn 1966, to unknown, Darlington.

BEDFORD VAS1    -     1059 (total 1)

When Provincial of Leicester was acquired by Barton in May 1966, the fleet taken over included this four-year-old Duple Vista bodied Bedford VAS1, it remained with Barton until sale in May 1974.

Built in 1962.

Chassis: Bedford VAS1.

Body: Duple Super Vista C29F.

• 1059 (907 DJF) c/n 1139, b/n 1154/65. Ex Provincial, Leicester No.B7 5/66 (new 5/62). Withdrawn 1974, to Boosey & Hawkes, Edgware 5/74.

BEDFORD VAL14    -     1060 (total 1)

ARY 693B was a further acquisition from Provincial in May 1966, it being a two-year-old Bedford VAL 52 seater. It was photographed at De Montfort Hall in Leicester in 1971.

Built in 1964.

Chassis: Bedford VAL14.

Body: Plaxton Val C52F.

• 1060 (ARY 693B) c/n 1467, b/n 642337. Ex Provincial, Leicester No.B8 5/66 (new 6/64). Withdrawn 1973, to Bown, Sheffield 1/74.

BEDFORD SBG    -     1101 - 1102 (total 2)

1102 represents the seven coaches acquired from Mason of Leicester in April 1967, seen here with Leyland PD2 955 (ex Ribble) and AEC Reliance 930 (ex Robin Hood, Nottingham).

Built in 1955 - 1957.

Chassis: Bedford SBG.

Body: Plaxton Venturer C36F (1101), Plaxton Consort C41F (1102).

• 1101 (MRY 988) c/n 36231, b/n 2644. Ex Mason, Leicester No.7 4/67 (new 4/55). Withdrawn 1967, to Smith, Nottingham 9/67.
• 1102 (RRY 464) c/n 51468, b/n 2040. Ex Mason, Leicester No.9 4/67 (new 5/57). Withdrawn 1968, to 3rd West Bridgeford Scouts 1/69.

BEDFORD SB3    -     1103 - 1104 (total 2)

Built in 1958 - 1960.

Chassis: Bedford SB3.

Body: Plaxton Consort C41F (1103), Duple Super Vega C41F (1104).

• 1103 (TBC 767) c/n 62383, b/n 2283. Ex Mason, Leicester No.10 4/67 (new 5/58). Withdrawn 1968, not traced.
• 1104 (XRY 466) c/n 76084, b/n 1120/338. Ex Mason, Leicester No.11 4/67 (new 3/60). Withdrawn 1970, to Kuehnlenz, Upper Langwith 5/71.

BEDFORD SB5    -     1105 - 1106 (total 2)

Built in 1958 - 1960.

Chassis: Bedford SB5.

Body: Duple Vega 2 C41F (1105), Duple Bella Vega C41F (1106).

• 1105 (531 DBC) c/n 89436, b/n 1145/267. Ex Mason, Leicester No.12 4/67 (new 3/62). Withdrawn 1972, to Godson, Leeds 9/72.
• 1106 (DBC 870C) c/n 97093, b/n 1183/131. Ex Mason, Leicester No.6 4/67 (new 3/65). Withdrawn 1973, to Norfolk County Council by 4/75.

In July 1967 Barton Transport took over the fleet and route licences of Hall Brothers of South Shields. The 35 coaches (comprising 13 Bedfords, 3 Fords, 14 Leyland Leopards and 5 AEC Reliances) were initially numbered H1 to H35 as a subsidiary fleet. They were subsequently absorbed into the main fleet in 1969 or 1971, and then renumbered into Barton's own series.

BEDFORD SB8    -     H2 - 3 (total 2)

H2, later Barton 1156, was one of 35 coaches acquired from Halls of South Shields in July 1967. Taylor Brothers of North Shields had been a Halls subsidiary, hence H2 carries their name and that of Barton.

Built in 1963.

Chassis: Bedford SB8.

Body: Duple Bella Vega C41F.

• H2 (GFT 963) c/n 91872, b/n 1159/149. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 4/63 to Taylor, North Shields), absorbed into main fleet 1/71 and r/n 1156. Withdrawn 1972, to Dudley, Sutton-in-Ashfield 8/72.
• H3 (GFT 964) c/n 91880, b/n 1159/148. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 4/63 to Taylor, North Shields), absorbed into main fleet 1/71 and r/n 1157. Withdrawn 1973, to Erewash, Toton 10/73.

BEDFORD SB5    -     H8 - 9 (total 2)

Built in 1964.

Chassis: Bedford SB5.

Body: Plaxton Embassy C41F.

• H8 (JFT 257) c/n 92458, b/n 632826. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 3/64 to Taylor, North Shields), absorbed into main fleet 1/71 and r/n 1162. Withdrawn 1972, to Penrhyn, Rhos-on-Sea 11/72.
• H9 (JFT 258) c/n 93816, b/n 642074. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 3/64 to Taylor, North Shields), absorbed into main fleet 1/71 and r/n 1163. Withdrawn 1972, to Morse, Bridgewater 3/73.

BEDFORD VAL14    -     H10, 17 - 22, 27, 28 (total 9)

H19, later 1123, was one of four ex Hall Duple-bodied VALs new in 1966, so little more than a year old when it passed to Barton. It was sold to a Welsh operator in 1973.

Built in 1964 - 1966.

Chassis: Bedford VAL14.

Body: Plaxton Val C52F (H10), Duple Vega Major C52F (H17 - 22, 27, 28).

• H10 (JFT 259) c/n 1161, b/n 632682. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 2/64 to Taylor, North Shields), absorbed into main fleet 6/69 and r/n 1120. Withdrawn 1973, to Williamson, Abingdon 11/73.
• H17 (BCU 281C) c/n 1853, b/n 1185/126. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 7/65), absorbed into main fleet 2/69 and r/n 1121. Withdrawn 1973, to Williams, Porthcawl 10/73.
• H18 (BCU 282C) c/n 1854, b/n 1185/127. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 7/65), absorbed into main fleet 3/69 and r/n 1122. Withdrawn 1973, to Budd, Taffs Well 11/73.
• H19 (CCU 276D) c/n 6813940, b/n 1202/46. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 4/66), absorbed into main fleet 2/69 and r/n 1123. Withdrawn 1973, to Budd, Taffs Well 10/73.
• H20 (CCU 277D) c/n 6813988, b/n 1202/47. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 4/66), absorbed into main fleet 5/69 and r/n 1124. Withdrawn 1973, to Atkinson, Mattersey 4/74.
• H21 (CCU 768D) c/n 6810795, b/n 1202/43. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 4/66), absorbed into main fleet 4/69 and r/n 1125. Withdrawn 1973, to Atkinson, Mattersey 4/74.
• H22 (CCU 769D) c/n 6811310, b/n 1202/44. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 7/66), absorbed into main fleet 3/69 and r/n 1126. Withdrawn 1973, to Young.
• H27 (DCU 584D) c/n 6830205, b/n 1202/132. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 8/66), absorbed into main fleet 2/69 and r/n 1127. Withdrawn 1973, to Berriman, Langtoft 4/75.
• H28 (DCU 585D) c/n 6830084, b/n 1202/134. Ex Hall, South Shields 7/67 (new 8/66), absorbed into main fleet 3/69 and r/n 1128. Withdrawn 1973, to Clayforth, Guiseley 5/74.

BEDFORD CALZ30    -     1112 - 1113 (total 2)

Built in 1965 - 1966.

Chassis: Bedford CALZ30.

Body: Martin Walter 11-seat minibus.

• 1112 (CJT 800C) c/n 366667, b/n UB6747.5.573. Ex Rendell, Parkstone 1/68 (new 6/65). Withdrawn 1972, to Parry,Llithfae 3/72.
• 1113 (LUP 896D) c/n 6708377, b/n UB21500.5.573. Ex Grufferty, Horden 6/68 (new 2/66). Withdrawn 1969, to Lamb, Polesworth 1/70.

BEDFORD SB5 and BEDFORD SB3    -     1117 - 1119 (total 3)

1118 (563 DRY) was the second of three Duple bodied SBs acquired from Majestic of Leicester in January 1969, and is seen here in April 1969. All three coaches were disposed of in the early 1970s. (Photo by Peter Blanchard).

Built in 1958 - 1960.

Chassis: Bedford SB5 (1117/19), Bedford SB3 (1118).

Body: Duple Super Vega C41F (1117/18), Duple Bella Vega C41F (1119).

• 1117 (VNL 588) c/n 89510, b/n 1145/252. Ex Majestic, Leicester No.16 1/69 (new 2/62 to Hollings, Wallsend). Withdrawn 1972, to Bowers, Aberkenfig 9/72.
• 1118 (563 DRY) c/n 88951, b/n 1145/130. Ex Majestic, Leicester No.15 1/69 (new 6/62). Withdrawn 1971, to Darwin Secondary School, Derby 10/71.
• 1119 (336 EWJ) c/n 91854, b/n 1159/257. Ex Majestic, Leicester No.17 1/69 (new 4/63 to Bradway, Sheffield). Withdrawn 1973, to Hankins, Hibaldstow 9/73.

TOTAL 142 VEHICLES (with 1 survivor - 966)

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