Leyland Comet coach.
The vast majority of Leyland Comet chassis were fitted out at the factory as commercial vehicles, eg dropside tippers or flatbed lorries. A number however went to outside coachbuilders and were built as coaches, the example below being one of them. The photograph shown below features Leyland Comet CPO1 registration KXU 670, which was first registered in 1949 and has been fitted with a Windover's coach body. The operator was Birch Brothers, and is seen here on a private hire excursion. Who the lady or the two dapper chaps are isn't known.
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It certainly much have been a handsome-looking coach, and is shown here in immaculate condition. An AA badge, of the type designed for commercial rather than privately-owned vehicles, is fitted above the registration plate.
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Birch Bros of London apparently ordered six Comet-based, diesel-engined, coaches, following the type's introduction at the 1948 Commercial Motor Show. A total of 153 chassis are believed to have been built as PSVs (Public Service Vehicles) in all, prior to production of the Comet CPO1 (diesel) and CPP1 (petrol) chassis variants ending in 1951. Production of the new-for-1953 Comet 90 lorry (rated at 7.5 ton) continued until 1960.
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Interestingly, a side view of the same Birch Brothers coach can be found on another transport images site, while a write-up on the history of Birch Bros can be found on Country Bus site.
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Return to Page 14 in the classic & vintage vehicle photo gallery.
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