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Seventy years ago, Guernsey was a different place in many respects. The island was still recovering from the hostile invasion of World War II, and working hard to get the economy back on track. Public transport was relied upon far more heavily than in the modern day, and there were several operators providing the bus network around Guernsey. The Watson brothers were one such operator, with a small yet distinctive fleet of grey and black liveried buses, mainly dedicated to providing the route 11 service. What also stood “The Greys” apart from the other buses of the day was the attention to detail, with 'that little bit extra' as far as chrome trim, polished wood veneer and the like – they really gleamed!
In 1954, the newest addition to the fleet was a Reading bodied Albion Victor 35 seater bus – allocated the registration 1787. She proved to be a popular workhorse, taking children to school, people to work and town to go shopping, and then at the weekends providing transport for Sunday School outings and such like. |
1787 whilst still in bus service in the 1970s
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1787, along with her sister vehicles, remained with the Watsons until 1978, when they were the last of the independents to sell to the Guernsey Motors operation, bringing the entire network under a single operator. Some of the fleet were repainted – one was re-engined, however 1787 stayed just the way she was. Following a buyout, the fleet of the day was sold off individually at auction – with many of the buses leaving Guernsey for good.
After a brief spell in the UK, 1787 returned to Guernsey, and after restoration work, began running “Discover Old Guernsey” tours in the late 1980s. Once again, she bid goodbye to Guernsey and headed for Cumbria, where she spent time at the Lakeland Motor Museum.
We tracked her down in 2012, in Devon, where enthusiast Ron Greet was looking after her. After a bit of friendly persuasion, he kindly agreed to let us bring her back to Guernsey, and so, after months of negotiation, preparation work, and gaining the relevant permits, 1787 returned !
After a brief spell in the UK, 1787 returned to Guernsey, and after restoration work, began running “Discover Old Guernsey” tours in the late 1980s. Once again, she bid goodbye to Guernsey and headed for Cumbria, where she spent time at the Lakeland Motor Museum.
We tracked her down in 2012, in Devon, where enthusiast Ron Greet was looking after her. After a bit of friendly persuasion, he kindly agreed to let us bring her back to Guernsey, and so, after months of negotiation, preparation work, and gaining the relevant permits, 1787 returned !
While a 1954 bus is never going to offer the level of extras that are expected as a matter of course on modern vehicles, a journey on our Albion is sure to bring back memories for those that remember, and a whole new experience for those that don't! Currently licensed to carry 35 passengers (one less than the original 36 due to current legislation) and now fitted with a public address system, we are able to offer this original Watsons Grey for private hire (weddings, nostalgic outings) and guided tours. Please email [email protected] to find out more.
Please note: due to the age of the Albion Victor, there may be occasions where we are unable to provide the vintage vehicle. In the unlikely event of such circumstances we will endeavour to provide a replacement service using a coach from our modern fleet.
Please note: due to the age of the Albion Victor, there may be occasions where we are unable to provide the vintage vehicle. In the unlikely event of such circumstances we will endeavour to provide a replacement service using a coach from our modern fleet.
1958 Albion Victor (formerly No. 78 Guernsey Motors fleet)
Having negotiated the return of the former Guernsey Motors No. 78 in November 2013, the team at Intransit are now making progress (albeit slowly) towards completing the restoration of this metal framed Albion Victor, which we plan to have back on island roads in the near future. For a 65 year old commercial vehicle, "Sparkie" (as we have christened her) is fundamentally in good order. The chassis, framework, engine, and many of the parts are in good order, and are being stripped down, treated, painted, polished, and rebuilt - as well as new body panels, floor, retrimmed seats and interior, and of course fresh paintwork for that all important red and cream livery. Progress has been slowed by the ever diminishing availability of parts however - although we're working on a solution to that problem! Watch this space for more updates.......
Having negotiated the return of the former Guernsey Motors No. 78 in November 2013, the team at Intransit are now making progress (albeit slowly) towards completing the restoration of this metal framed Albion Victor, which we plan to have back on island roads in the near future. For a 65 year old commercial vehicle, "Sparkie" (as we have christened her) is fundamentally in good order. The chassis, framework, engine, and many of the parts are in good order, and are being stripped down, treated, painted, polished, and rebuilt - as well as new body panels, floor, retrimmed seats and interior, and of course fresh paintwork for that all important red and cream livery. Progress has been slowed by the ever diminishing availability of parts however - although we're working on a solution to that problem! Watch this space for more updates.......
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