1948 Daimler CVD6 with Burlingham 33-seat coach bodywork

The book refers to a trip up to the very North of Scotland to rescue some vehicles identical to BMS401 for use in Avanti’s fledgling heritage fleet. By 1971 there were very few half cab coaches left in service, but Scottish Bus Group still had some working in their Alexander Northern subsidiary. Many had Alexander dual purpose bodies but there were some bodied by H V Burlingham which were “proper” coaches. Burlingham were based in Blackpool and were taken over in 1960 by Duple, who ended up ceasing production on other sites and building all coaches in Blackpool from the early 1970’s. The Daimler CVD6 was fitted with the Daimler D550 8.6 litre 6-cylinder diesel engine, and has the reputation of being a smooth and powerful - if slightly thirsty - power unit. Burlingham coaches of the time were usually exceptionally well finished inside, with wood veneer interior window trims and lovely comfortable luxury coach seats.