| Ford (previously the Thames Trader range) was the competitor to the Bedford range. It was the maker of a range of lightweight chassis, some of which were modified to take 12 metre bodies, and others for ultra-short bodywork.
It could never compete with the AEC, Leyland and Bristiol ranges, nor with the invading foreign manufacturers who swept all before them. But it gave Bedford a run - and then both collapsed into the pit of past makers who had succombed to competition. |
1280x828 072.040_240.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
CDH 274T, an R1115/Plaxton Supreme with a Paramount front, sering with Watts, Stourbridge, parked at Kinver school 479x480 071.255Cvar_719.jpg 1990-03-30 00:00:00 |
EAX 869C on Associated Motorways duplication was a Ford 570E with Duple bodywork. It is seen leaving Gloucester bus station. 640x423 EAX_869C_97.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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EUE 322T, an R1114 with Van Hool C53F bodywork, photographed in Llangollen 640x421 071.139C_412.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
GHA 676D was another Ford R226, this time with a C52F Duple body. It, too, was pictured at Cotwall End. 640x421 071.151C_404.jpg 1984-06-27 00:00:00 |
GHK 812Y was a late Ford R1114 640x421 071.1011C_785.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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HHE 289W was photographed in Sheffield. It was a Ford R1114, bodied by Plaxton. 640x421 071.058_227.jpg 1980-12-01 00:00:00 |
MOC 21P on the front of a Blackpool landlady's residence. It was a Ford R1114 with Caetano Estorial II bodywork, new to Gliderways. 640x421 073.329C_349.jpg 1983-10-13 00:00:00 |
MRU 547W was new to Summerfield, Southampton, but was quickly rebodied with this 1982 Plaxton C33F body. It was a Ford R1014. It is seen at Luss on Loch Lomondside when operated by Castle Coaches, --- 640x423 071.253C_727.jpg 1990-03-19 00:00:00 |
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NDX 40P, an R1114/Duple Dominant 640x423 071.148C_404.jpg 1984-06-27 00:00:00 |
VCX 410X 634x960 071.109C_310.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
XKN 174J, an R192 with Plaxton body converted to a mobile exhibition 1280x845 071.127C_305.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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HPB 668N and ROO 279R, whose original identity has yet to be established, were both Ford R1114/Plaxtons 640x421 scan0008C_719.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
NNX 255L 640x421 071.079_239.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
UKY 808Y 640x421 072.126C_440.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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325 MOA ended up with a marching band as the band coach. I wonder whether it had a conductor... 640x423 071.116C_320.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Alpha Dentonian NKO 33P was a Ford R1114/Caetano new to Mote, Maidstone. It was the first Caetano body to be built with a toilet from new for the British market. 640x421 071.1034C_533.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Alpine, Llandudno WJC 526V 640x406 122.418Ca_499.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Andy, Birmingham LTG 274X was a Ford R1114 640x426 071.1035C_539.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Ayreville YRM 748T was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant standard C53F bodywork 640x416 071.1016C_797.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Barratt, Nantwich ADM 774W, a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork on the M6 640x421 071.1025_266.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Barrie, Balloch GSU 337N was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton coachwork 640x401 071.1046C_567.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Beaton, Blantyre's AGA 519S, a 1979 Ford R1114/Plaxton with Bristol box, seen in service in Stourport-on-Severn with Goodes, a Black Country operator 640x420 071.112C_323.jpg 1983-05-01 00:00:00 |
Bebb NDW 42X was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant III bodywork. 640x421 071.167C_459.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Beeline, Hartlepool UUX 379S after sale. It was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton Supreme C49F bodywork. 640x410 071.258C_754.jpg 1990-05-14 00:00:00 |
Bennett NFL 647R 640x381 073.1104C_564.jpg 2008-05-09 17:44:00 |
Bibby, Ingleton LWT 303P was a 1975 Ford R1014 / Plaxton Elite 640x410 122.162Ca_372.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Bourne SNF 605R was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton Supreme body. It was captured at ribbesford on the side of the River Severn. 640x423 071.124C_337.jpg 1983-08-01 00:00:00 |
Brittain, Northampton JBD 972Y was a Ford R1114/Plaxton 640x392 159.013C_461.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Brooklanders ARE 244J is a Willowbrook-bodied Ford R192 which began life with Greatrex, Stafford as its 139 640x402 070.513C_567.jpg 2008-05-11 17:22:00 |
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Brookside, Cornwall PUD 701P, a Ford R1014/Plaxton Elite on the daily service to Penzance 640x409 071.1020C_687.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Central, Walsall THA 404W, a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant C53F 640x421 071.183Ca_525.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Central, Walsall THA 404W, a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant C53F, pictured with two German coaches, one a Setra S140 and the other a Mercedes Benz 640x421 071.183C_525.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Churchbridge (Chase), Cannock 55 (PEA 201R), a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant C53F 640x421 071.149C_404.jpg 1984-06-27 00:00:00 |
Claribel YDA 596T and YDA 597T, a pair of Ford R1114s with Caetano Estoril II bodywork. 640x412 071.1023_241.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Claribels YDA 597T, a Ford R1114/Caetano Estoril II 640x421 071.1037C_540.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Collett, West Bromwich TWD 646R was a Ford R1114 with a 1977 Caetano Estorial II body 640x421 073.316C_319.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Crispin, Sheffield PKU 497X 640x421 071.180C_505.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Davies, Pencader XTH 333 parked up in the Staffordshire coalfield was a Ford 570E with Duple Yeoman bodywork. By now it had been acquired by a marching band to ferry them from performance to performance. 640x421 071.095_261.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Derek Morgan WTV 802S was pictured at Cotwall End 640x421 071.150C_404.jpg 1984-06-27 00:00:00 |
Dodsworth, Boroughbridge's 1978 Ford R1114/Plaxton Supreme MBT 676T in service with Black country operator, Goodes. It is seen at Stourport-on-Severn 640x421 071.113C_323.jpg 1983-06-01 00:00:00 |
Don Everall JDA 577K, a Ford R192/Duple C45F 640x425 071.038_26.jpg 1976-01-01 00:00:00 |
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Evergreen FAB 506S, a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork 640x417 071.1005C_323.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Excelsior, Telford JAW 84V was a Ford R1114/Plaxton next to Price, Wrockwardine Wood. It was pictured at Cotwall End. 640x421 071.153C_405.jpg 1984-06-27 00:00:00 |
EXD 514J 640x408 071.202C_554.jpg 2008-04-23 18:19:00 |
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Farnham Coaches GPK 444V in Wellington Barracks 640x421 073.395C_462.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Ford demonstrator A839 TOO. It was a Ford R150 with short Wright Contour bodywork. 640x425 071.170C_448.jpg 1984-01-01 00:00:00 |
Ford demonstrator LXD 837K after sale to the Road Transport Industry Training Board 640x425 071.066_206.jpg 0000-00-00 00:00:00 |
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Former Thames 570E demonstrator, now serving with Morgan and Evans of Cwmyllafell, and pictured outside Sir Thomas Rich's School in Gloucester 640x432 595RWC.jpg 1965-07-13 00:00:00 |
Gwalia VLG 886R in Skelhorne Street, Liverpool's coach station. It was a Ford R1114 with Plaxton bodywork. 640x411 071.238C_701.jpg 1989-01-01 00:00:00 |
Hadley MDF 398P was ex Hand, Horsley, Gloucestershire. It was a Ford R1114 with duple Dominant bodywork. 640x421 071.147C_404.jpg 1984-06-30 00:00:00 |
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Happy Days, Woodseaves 127 (LEH 815P) after acqusition by a neighbouring operator, Dudley Coaches. It was a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant here seen in Stourport-on-Severn. 640x421 071.146C_404.jpg 1984-06-30 00:00:00 |
Happy Times ORR 865M was new to Smith, Beeston 640x423 071.179C_499.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Hazeldine, Bilston CWP 303N was another Ford R1114/Duple Dominant pictured in Stourport-on-Severn that day. 640x406 071.145C_399.jpg 1984-06-30 00:00:00 |
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Highland T24 (KST 362G) at Lochinver. This should "Souter" - note the castle that was acquired by Ann Gloag, co-founder of Stagecoach with Brian, her brother. 640x441 070.004S_11-115.jpg 1969-01-01 00:00:00 |
Humphreys, Pontypool PTG 360Y was a 1983-vintage Plaxton Paramount 3200-bodied Ford R1114. 640x421 071.236C_677_PTG360Y.jpg 1984-06-30 00:00:00 |
Huxley, Malpass BDM 207S was a Ford R1114 with Caetano Estoril ll C53F bodywork. The picture was taken in Blackpool. 640x421 071.1027_287.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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KUY 296D 640x405 071.218C_567.jpg 2008-05-11 17:09:00 |
Leigh, Bolton DWH 772C, Ford 570E badged as a Thames, and fitted with a Duple Northern body 640x428 dwh_772C_-_Thames.jpg 0000-00-00 00:00:00 |
Leon, Satfford BSM 576K 640x421 071.178C_498.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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M&E (of ???) LBH 944P, an R1114/Duple 640x425 071.1019C_452.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Madison PPE 671R, a ford R1114 with Plaxton C53F bodywork 640x421 071.099var_266.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Maid Marian TGR 397R was a Ford R1114/Plaxton Supreme new to Bleanch, Hetton-le-Hole 640x421 071.1029C_319.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Majestic ACX 784Y was a Ford R1115 with a Plaxton Paramount 3200 body, pictured in Armley in the rain. 640x421 071.131C_371.jpg 1984-04-01 00:00:00 |
Margo, SE19 FDA 995J was a Duple-bodied Ford R226 640x421 071.064_202.jpg 0000-00-00 00:00:00 |
Meadway, Birmingham EDA 183V was a Ford R1114 with Caetano bodywork. 640x421 071.1031C_483.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Mellor, Littlethorpe MJU 432P was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork. It is seen with Trix Continental when operating to Butlins, Bognor Regis 640x423 071.122C_317.jpg 1983-07-01 00:00:00 |
Michaels, Waterford 60 (OWI 999) was previously with michaels, Carshalton where it was registered PRP 53M. It was a 1974 R1014 with Plaxton C45F. It is seen in Bearwood. 640x425 071.108C_309.jpg 1983-04-01 00:00:00 |
Minsterley Motors KUX 321P sports a Willowbrook B54F body on its Ford R1114 chassis. 640x411 071.138Cb_410.jpg 1984-06-01 00:00:00 |
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Moffat and Williamson, Gauldry UGG 918W was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork. 1280x842 071.1028_299.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Nesbit, Somerby JBC 861V was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant bodywork, pictured in Stamford bus station 640x416 071.1042C_561.jpg 2008-05-04 19:17:00 |
Norfolk Motor Services' 295 (TFU 369T) was an R1114 with Plaxton Supreme C53F bodywork. 640x412 071.137C_413.jpg 1984-06-01 00:00:00 |
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Nutley Brothers FAX 326V was a ford R1114 with Plaxton C53F bodywork. 640x421 071.155C_419.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Nutley Brothers VTX 638S was another Ford R1114, this time with Duple Dominant C53F bodywork. 640x426 071.156C_419.jpg 1984-07-23 00:00:00 |
Parkes, West Bromwich NTU 182L 640x421 071.1003C_323.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Parkes, West Bromwich NTU 182L and GHD 777K 640x421 071.1004C_323.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Pathfinder MMJ 528V was a Ford R1114/Duple Dominant 640x421 071.1036C_540.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Percival, Oxford GUK 347J was a Ford R192 with Duple Commander bodywork new to Happy Times, Wednesfield 640x425 071.1026_271.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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R150 demonstrator fitted with Van Hool bodywork 640x421 071.1038C_543.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Reflections at Kinver - CDH 274T (a Ford R1114/Plaxton Supreme C53F) 640x294 071.255Cab_719.jpg 1990-03-30 00:00:00 |
Road Transport Industry Training Board Ford R1014/Duple Dominant I C45F, 647 (YBM 935S), at the RTITB training headquarters at High Ercall in Shropshire. 640x423 071.090_250.jpg 1981-09-01 00:00:00 |
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SD 1 (BLJ 720Y) was new to New to Excelsior, Bournemouth. A Ford R1115 with Plaxton Paramount 3200 bodywork, Fords were once as plentiful as ... well, as Volvos. Now they are increasingly a rarity. 640x480 071.1053J.JPG 2008-12-08 13:53:00 |
Simonds, Botesdale KCG 999L, a Ford R226/Plaxton C53F, cornered in Bury St Edmunds. 640x411 071.080_239.jpg 1981-04-09 00:00:00 |
Smith, Birmingham VJW 600S was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant C53F bodywork. It is seen on a National Express duplicate, working out of Digbeth coach station 640x421 071.1032C_499.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Smith, Tysoe AYB 595H was a Ford R192 with Duple Commander C45F bodywork that was new to Bryant, Williton. 640x406 071.072_232.jpg 0000-11-30 00:00:00 |
SNF 615R, a Ford R1114, passes a Volvo F10 truck, B746 UWX, on a post-thunderstorm M6 640x395 071.1041C_560.jpg 2008-05-04 17:53:00 |
Spring, Evesham RWP 139V 640x421 071.1008C_772.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Spring, Evesham RWP 139V near Bewdley 640x422 071.1009C_772.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Thomas, Tonteg VKG 33S, a Ford R1114 with Caetano C53F bodywork, after it was sold to Acacia. 640x421 071.181C_445.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Trev's Travel EOT 10K was a Ford R226 with Plaxton bodywork. 640x421 071.063_200.jpg 1972-01-01 00:00:00 |
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Tricentrol demonstrator Ford T152/Duple C35F, CBM 300T 640x425 071.044_187.jpg 1976-10-30 00:00:00 |
Trix Continental MJU 432P 640x421 071.122C_317.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
Vanguard JKV 626V was a Ford R1114 with Van Hool bodywork 640x398 071.069_194.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
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Viking, Woodville TFP 25S 640x419 071.1049C_570.jpg 1986-04-01 00:00:00 |
WEMS PYD 488F 640x421 071.062_200.jpg 0000-00-00 00:00:00 |
WEMS PYD 488F was a Ford R226 with Duple Northern bodywork. 640x421 071.061_200.jpg 1972-01-01 00:00:00 |
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Whittaker, Sandwell TUP 294K 640x388 071.1043C_564.jpg 2008-05-09 17:09:00 |
Whittaker, Sandwell TUP 294K in the West Midlands Safari Park 640x385 071.1048Cv_569.jpg 2008-05-13 16:01:00 |
Whittaker, Sandwell TUP 294K in the West Midlands Safari Park 640x409 071.1047C_569.jpg 2008-05-13 15:07:00 |
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Williamson RUK 525L was a Ford R226 with Plaxton Elite body. 640x388 071.138Ca_410.jpg 1984-06-01 00:00:00 |
XAA 479V with Trev's Travel. It was a Ford R1114 with Duple Dominant C53F bodywork. 640x410 157.079Ca_526.jpg 1999-11-30 00:00:00 |
