THE SHOWBUS WEST OF ENGLAND BUS IMAGE GALLERY
Bristol Omnibus | Bristol LS
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 In 1950 the lightweight underfloor engined "LS" saloon was launched by Bristol Commercial Vehicles and the dual door prototype was 2800 (NHU2). Its six cylinder Bristol engine was soon changed to a five cylinder Gardner and it was converted from the unusual dual door configuration to conventional front entrance only, seating 44. It remained in service with Bristol until 1967. It passed to Classic Coaches in High Wycombe, but was off the road for around 30 years, venturing back on the scene in 2005 magnificently restored with its second set of doors reinstated. Whilst Bristol had LSX001 on test, Eastern Counties had chassis LSX002 as LL744 (MAH744). Unlike its sister, LL744 only had a four cylinder Gardner engine. The bus survived in regular service until 1972, escaping in 1954 for a trial with Wilts & Dorset. Eastern Counties realised the significance of the vehicle and looked after it post-withdrawal and it is now part of the Eastern Transport Collection in the Ipswich Transport Museum. It attended SHOWBUS frequently. |
 At SHOWBUS international 2005, the opportunity to unite the two prototype LSX models under the nose of Concorde was one not to miss. It may be the first time the two buses had been seen together. |
 As can be seen from this nearside view, the Eastern Counties model is in single door - and always has been. |
Looking down Concorde's fuselage the two LS rear ends can be compared.
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 Look closely at the front dashes and you will see that Eastern Counties wing motif is set higher than on Bristol 2800 thereby dimpling the line under the windscreen. |
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