Cambridge cLASSIC COACH HIRE
"Lady Sarah" is a 1971 AEC Reliance 760 with Plaxton Panorama Elite II bodywork.
Although a full-size coach, she only has 28 seats. 20 of them are around tables of four, which are complete with table lamps.
She also has a kitchen/galley area. A steward can be provided. You can also arrange your own catering.
There is 240v mains power on board.
To find out about hiring Lady Sarah, please complete the contact form.
Although a full-size coach, she only has 28 seats. 20 of them are around tables of four, which are complete with table lamps.
She also has a kitchen/galley area. A steward can be provided. You can also arrange your own catering.
There is 240v mains power on board.
To find out about hiring Lady Sarah, please complete the contact form.
Lady Sarah is a very special and totally unique coach. The original owners, Glenton Tours of London SE, were high-end coach tour operators and in this case, as built, fitted only 38 seats where there was room for 49. Two of their trade-mark features survive: the centre passenger door and, next to it, a full-length wardrobe!
She was among the first of a design that introduced passenger windows that curved right up to the roof line. People carried less luggage in those days so the need for lockers under the seats had not arisen. This means the seats are lower and there is a lot more window above eye-level than more modern coaches. The parcel racks are set back from the windows so there really is a panoramic view for all passengers.
There is, however, a generous boot at the back.
The absence of lockers also means the passenger seats are at the same level as the driver; all of this creates a real sense of social space and 'connection' that is frankly absent in modern coaches.
In the mid-1990's this was further enhanced when Clive Screaton's Regency Road Touring Company refitted the interior to introduce five tables of four in the central area (complete with table lamps and flowers), a further eight reclining seats at the front and an impressive galley area at the rear.
The galley is equipped with a microwave, toaster, fridge, water boiler, sink/drainer with running water, a crew seat and very generous work surfaces. She is stocked with mugs, quality non-glass wine goblets, cutlery, utensils and everything else needed to serve 28 passengers.
In this form Clive's daughter, Sarah, drove this coach (hence the name) right up to 2013 on tours and holidays throughout the UK and abroad including two extended tours to Russia. Unlike almost all coaches she was never down-graded and up-seated for schools and works duties; she has, since new, always been operated and cared for as a luxury Pullman-style touring 'carriage' - many passengers say she has the feel of a first-class train.
Sarah Screaton sold up in 2013 to Go Goodwins of Manchester, who intended to develop a vintage fleet for hire. However they also got the contract for the England Cricket Team Coach and could not focus on both aspects. The classic fleet was auctioned off and fortunately the auction ground was near Ely so she came south. There were two owners after the auction but neither put Lady Sarah to any real use. We acquired her in 2015 so only a two-year break from regular service.
She was in excellent condition and has required little work to bring her back to a very high standard. Indeed, it can be said that unlike most vehicles available for classic hire, she has only been preserved, not restored.
Despite all these words it is hard to convey the feel and atmosphere of this 'social space on wheels'. It has elements of pub, restaurant, sitting room, diner, cafe and hotel lounge. She is so much more than just a means of transport; she is part of the event, the day out, the wedding, the tour; whatever you want.
If you are considering a hire now or in the future, you are welcome to come over and have a look for yourselves.
She was among the first of a design that introduced passenger windows that curved right up to the roof line. People carried less luggage in those days so the need for lockers under the seats had not arisen. This means the seats are lower and there is a lot more window above eye-level than more modern coaches. The parcel racks are set back from the windows so there really is a panoramic view for all passengers.
There is, however, a generous boot at the back.
The absence of lockers also means the passenger seats are at the same level as the driver; all of this creates a real sense of social space and 'connection' that is frankly absent in modern coaches.
In the mid-1990's this was further enhanced when Clive Screaton's Regency Road Touring Company refitted the interior to introduce five tables of four in the central area (complete with table lamps and flowers), a further eight reclining seats at the front and an impressive galley area at the rear.
The galley is equipped with a microwave, toaster, fridge, water boiler, sink/drainer with running water, a crew seat and very generous work surfaces. She is stocked with mugs, quality non-glass wine goblets, cutlery, utensils and everything else needed to serve 28 passengers.
In this form Clive's daughter, Sarah, drove this coach (hence the name) right up to 2013 on tours and holidays throughout the UK and abroad including two extended tours to Russia. Unlike almost all coaches she was never down-graded and up-seated for schools and works duties; she has, since new, always been operated and cared for as a luxury Pullman-style touring 'carriage' - many passengers say she has the feel of a first-class train.
Sarah Screaton sold up in 2013 to Go Goodwins of Manchester, who intended to develop a vintage fleet for hire. However they also got the contract for the England Cricket Team Coach and could not focus on both aspects. The classic fleet was auctioned off and fortunately the auction ground was near Ely so she came south. There were two owners after the auction but neither put Lady Sarah to any real use. We acquired her in 2015 so only a two-year break from regular service.
She was in excellent condition and has required little work to bring her back to a very high standard. Indeed, it can be said that unlike most vehicles available for classic hire, she has only been preserved, not restored.
Despite all these words it is hard to convey the feel and atmosphere of this 'social space on wheels'. It has elements of pub, restaurant, sitting room, diner, cafe and hotel lounge. She is so much more than just a means of transport; she is part of the event, the day out, the wedding, the tour; whatever you want.
If you are considering a hire now or in the future, you are welcome to come over and have a look for yourselves.
