What was the golden age of coaching?

Answer 1

The Golden age of Coaching was during the 1950's and 1960's. The 1950's were a time of austerity and then growth. Many people were desperate to enjoy trips out of their immediate area and coaches provided easy and economic transport in a certain style. Coaches were improving all the time especially with the introduction of underfloor mid-engined vehicles that were quieter and gave a better ride quality. People wanted to move about and there was no shortage of operators and drivers to provide quality outings.

As the 1950's progressed larger and more powerful vehicles emerged and speeds increased accordingly. Coachbuilders realised that style was very important and designed more imaginative vehicles to fit with operators desire to provide better coaches. The late 1950's saw the introduction of large windowed coaches and then in 1961 longer still coaches to 36'.

Vehicles like the Bedford VAL twin steer are memorable and some of the finest looking coaches were built on that chassis. As the 1960's progressed the motorway network was enhanced. Coaches were now faster and the express routes more attractive than ever to travellers and tour operators alike. It would be some time before the car clogged up the roads. Many fine coach designs were produced during the 1960's and those designs influenced the industry up to the 1980's. Coaches up the 39'4'' were now allowed some holding up to 57 passengers. There really isn't an end to "The Golden Age" as it is more of a change then an end to a vibrant industry. The private car sealed the end of coach travel for many and those who drive themselves would be surprised by the changes to coach design and probably hold the wrong perception of it as they zip along in their SUV. It may be a surprise but Great Britain still builds fine coaches and it is possible to buy a coach that has been 100% designed and built in Britain. British manufacturers hold about 33% of the UK coach market.

Britain manufactures on foreign chassis and build bodies to compete with the very best available in Europe and beyond.