Funstons TIA 5819 (DVC 357Y) in Cambridge – 28 Aug 1989 (98-13)

Bank Holiday Monday 28 August 1989 (approx. 0820) – Funstons Transport Services Limited of Chrishall TIA 5819 seen in Drummer Street, Cambridge prior to leaving for Great Yarmouth as a duplicate to the National Express service 747.

This was a most unusual Spanish built Ayats Apollo with Magirus-Deutz chassis (or running units if an integral model). Magirus, Fiat etc were part of the Iveco empire. It was new to Hogg’s of Boston, Lincolnshire in October 1982 registered DVC 357Y.

The main passenger seating was all on one level above the cavernous luggage storage area and the toilet compartment. The luggage area was accessed by the lifting of what was a long single panel running the whole side between the front and rear wheels. There was a single seat alongside the driver in the very low set driving position as well as a driver sleeping area.

It is said that only two of this type were imported into the United Kingdom. The first entered service with Halls of Coventry registered AAC 500X (later re-registered BWK 78Y). This suffered serious fire damage in 1983. ‘Motor Transport’ newspaper dated 10 August 1983 carried a report that the only other Ayats Apollo in Britain owned by Hogg of Boston, Lincolnshire was loaned to the owner of the damaged vehicle.

(Later, in August 1983, there was one more Ayats Apollo which entered service in the UK operated by John Smith of Thirsk registered WJV 980 although that was MAN powered).