Plaxton, established in Scarborough in 1907, initially as a joinery concern, rapidly expanded and started building bodywork, primarily for cars, in the years prior to World War 1. A decline in the luxury car market from the late 1920s led the company into the construction of bodies for charabancs and coaches. Such was the success of this, it moved to a new factory in 1936, though this was badly damaged by a bomb in 1943 when the factory was involved in the construction of aircraft for the Royal Air Force.
After the war, Plaxton reverted to coach manufacturing; its classic Panorama design of 1958 set the standard for British coaches until the mid 1970s. Its involvement in the ill-fated Transbus venture in recent years almost proved fatal for Plaxton, but once again focused on the British bus and coach industry, it has been revived. Produced in conjunction with the company, which has allowed unrestricted access to its archives, the book provides a comprehensive account of the company and its myriad projects and will be required reading for all those interested in the history of Britain’s bus and coach manufacturing industry.
Author: Stewart J. Brown
Format: HB 192 pages
Publisher: Ian Allan Ltd
Pub date: May 2007
ISBN 10: 0711032092
ISBN 13: 9780711032095
List Price: £19.99
