1949 COMMER AVENGER I The company "Motorways Ltd." started in London in 1920 and operated tours all over Europe, and even to North Africa. Their company slogan was "See Europe from an Armchair". They stopped operating around 1929, and then a new company was started called "Motorways (1930) Ltd". Although the new company had new directors, the coaches and office was the same. This coach would be from the new company. The body is made by Thomas Harrington, of Hove, Sussex. They had a tail sticking out of the back called a "fin", which was used for air conditioning. (Dorsal fin option). This style was started in the 1930s and continued right into the 1950s, but the registration number of this coach - KGW 810 - dates this one to 1949. It is one of four that Motorways bought in that year. More info at: www.thcoachwork.dsl.pipex.com/ The Buick is a 1953 Estate Wagon, last year Buick used real wood. The licence plate is a french temporary plate, the "C" says 1953, and the "F" says an entry/exit port at Le Havre. The photo is taken of a Swedish couple on vacation in Norway 1953.
I'm with Fox! We, of all people, know that cars had waay more style then and that seems to apply to buses equally. That thing would make a beautiful RV.
OK....the link that was given in the article about this Commer bus is not working....I clicked on it and got this on a white page...... This site does not have an index page yet Does anyone know where I can get more info on these cool buses??
Not to hijack the thread but there are a few Commer pics around the 'Net. I haven't found much information yet. This 1958 was at http://www.bus-and-coach-photos.com/picture/number3380.asp
A brief history of Commer. http://www.fleetdata.co.uk/commer.html It seems that there is a wealth of photos of pre-40's and post-40's vehicles but not much in between. I suppose that's understandable, but surely some of the ones produced after 1945 must have survived.
Yeah, wiz....I found a lot of pix but, as you say, not many of the late 40's, early 50's finned bus. I found 2 interior shots and the interiors of the finned buses are even MORE art deco than the exterior!
Whoa! I like it! Although it makes me wonder if the lady at the Chinese place didn't drop a little acid in my rice today at lunch. Anyone else seeing those swirls? If I may, I'd like to toss a thumbs up to Stephan for whatever work he's done on the site's SEO (Search Engine Optimization). A search on Google for 1949 Commer Avenger a few minutes ago revealed this thread. :2_thumbs_up_-_anima
Yup....anytime you search from one of our threads for subject matter....our thread comes up right toward the front of all the hits.
So from the rear this bus has an obvious 50's GM styling influence. Rear bumper with lower tail lights look similar to a 57 Chevy. Upper tail lights and rear side trim, maybe a hint of 58 Buick. And on this one, up towards the front, the side trim looks reminisant of the front fenders of a 58 Olds.
