1960 Bristol MW6G Eastern Coach Works 39-seat coach

Eastern Coach Works bodied Bristol coaches feature prominently in the early months of Forward with Avanti. This photograph shows one of the Bristol MW6G’s from 1960 in the Eastern National fleet, several of which were withdrawn and sold in 1970. They would have been a very useful addition to an independent operator’s fleet. The 6G in the chassis designation signifies that the coach is fitted with a Gardner 6HLW engine, mounted on its side in the centre of the chassis. The Gardner engine was renowned for long life, excellent fuel economy and good low end torque. To give younger readers an idea, the engine would have produced 112 brake horse power, less than a modern 3-cylinder 1 litre Ford Fiesta Ecoboost! However, maintained properly it would last for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles – not always the case with modern engines. Though a conservative design, when built as a touring coach and fitted with wheel trims as seen here this was a very acceptable coach in 1970 and would have been good enough for Blackpool trips and private hire work, with better fuel economy that a heavyweight AEC Reliance or Leyland Leopard.