As with everything, the coach industry has changed beyond all recognition over the last few decades. In the past, an operator would purchase a coach and run it for many years to get back their initial investment. More often than not, lightweight chassis were purchased because of the lower purchase price, and these could be changed every few years, keeping a modern look to the fleet. It was always more important in the coach industry to have the latest style.

Things began to change in the 1960s as motorways were built and higher speeds were required. Vehicles were being worked harder and heavier chassis became more popular. Although the initial purchase price was much more expensive, they required less maintenance as components were stronger. The coach market was deregulated from 1980, allowing express services to be run and some firms took advantage of this.

David Devoy looks at some well-known names from the last fifty years, many of which are now just a memory. Most firms had their own liveries and took great pride in the presentation of their coaches, often striving to keep up with the Joneses, allowing for a wonderful variety of photographs to be shown off here.

•  Previously unpublished images
• Reviews in specialist press
• Latest Amberley bus book