Delightful touring coaches

28 luxurious armchair seats. 1961 & 1963

Built by Harrington of Hove and delivered new to Southdown of Sussex, fleet number 1722 (1961) and 1749 (1963) were used on exclusive luxury tours throughout Britain and the Continent.

Each is fitted with 28 sumptuous, well spaced reclining armchair seats, making them just right for smaller groups and wedding parties requiring a touch of old-fashioned luxury.


Coaches

Coach 1722 features a distinctive curved-glass roof, letting light flood in and carries the unusual Southdown coach livery of cream roof and window surrounds. Coach 1749 features large 'panoramic' picture windows, giving unparalleled views of the passing countryside. Both coaches have a large boot and side lockers - ideal for luggage or picnics.

Save for minor decorative features, the interior layout of each coach is identical. Seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration: on entering the coach, a column of comfortable double-armchair seats is arranged to the left-hand side and single-armchair seats to the right.

Pictures of the coaches

Coach seating plan

Alternatives

Open and closed top double deck buses

Classic open-top bus

69 seats (39 on top)
1964

Double-deck gems

69 seat vintage buses
1964 & 1967

Accessibility

A guide to using the vehicles

Our vehicles were built in the 1960s and as such were not designed and are not equipped to carry some mobility impaired people. We will do our very best to assist where we can and provide here a guide to indicate how accessible each of our vehicle types are.


Coaches

The entrance is 23½ inches wide and there is a low contrast polished steel handrail to the left and right. From flat ground without a kerb is a 15½ inch climb, which becomes reduced where there is a roadside kerb. (A portable step is also available).

Once on the lower step, there are 2 further steps of 11½ inches to the slightly inclined floor. Steps are silver with green treads providing some contrast.

Seats are not fitted with handrails but do have low head rests which are of some help to hold on to. Between the seats there is a minimum aisle width of 14 inches.

Coach interior

Coach entrance

Double-deck buses

The entrance is divided by a central, low contrast, polished steel handrail giving a width of 20½ inches either side. From flat ground without a kerb is a 13 inch climb, which becomes reduced where there is a roadside kerb.

Once on the lower step, there are 2 further steps of 8 inches to the level lower deck floor. Steps are green with black nosing providing some contrast.

Seats have polished steel handrails attached to the tops and vertical poles are fitted where necessary. Between the seats there is a minimum aisle width of 16 inches.

Double-deck interior

Double-deck entrance

Wheelchair users

One folded wheelchair can be accommodated on-board each of our vehicles. It is not possible for users to remain seated whilst the wheelchair is loaded onto the vehicle because of steps and width restrictions. Please also bear in mind that there are no lifts or ramps fitted to any vehicle, so the assistance of others may be required when boarding or alighting.

As with any substantial item, folded chairs must be placed in the boot of coaches or under the staircase in buses. They may not be left in gangways, block entrances/exits or placed in such a position likely to hinder evacuation of the vehicle in an emergency.

Access to the top deck of buses

Access to the top deck is via a fairly steep staircase which turns through 180 degrees. There are 7 steps, each up to 11 inches in depth. Silver handrails are fitted both sides.

The staircase on our open-top bus is partly exposed to the elements. Extra care should be taken when using this vehicle as steps and surfaces may become slippery in damp or wet weather.

Emergency exits & equipment

Additional exits are located at the rear of all vehicles for use in an emergency. Such exits are standard to buses and coaches in the UK and may involve a drop. Please make yourself familiar with the emergency exits when first joining the vehicle and be aware that others may need assistance when using them. It might not always be possible for the driver to assist.

All vehicles carry a first-aid kit. A fire extinguisher is located in the driver’s cab.

Exceptional Events

Packages to The Epsom Derby, Prom evenings & The Goodwood Revival

The Epsom Derby

June 2024

Prom evenings

The 2024 season

Goodwood Revival

September 2024

Welcome aboard!

Your bus is waiting

The vehicles are based in West Sussex and are usually available for hire in East and West Sussex, Surrey & Hampshire between April and late Autumn each season.

Peter manages our office and is first point of contact. The vehicles can be booked well in advance and we'll be more than happy to discuss arrangements over a year ahead.

Please feel free to get in touch now to check availability and receive a free, no obligation quote.

Contact us

Operating area