Reg No: WDF 569 – new 1959
Operator: Soudley Valley Coaches
Chassis: Leyland Tiger Cub PSUC1
Engine: Leyland O350 5.76 litre diesel
Gearbox: Constant mesh
Body: Willowbrook 41 seats
1950s LIGHTWEIGHT SINGLE-DECKER BUS
The Tiger Cub was a lightweight chassis launched by Leyland in 1952 after criticism that its Royal Tiger was too heavy. Over 4500 Tiger Cubs were built by 1970, by which time the later Leopard chassis was very popular.
Independent bus companies outside the large groups were generally small and operated in thinly populated areas. Many used secondhand buses but some did buy new. Bevan Brothers (Soudley Valley Coaches) of Soudley, Cinderford, Gloucestershire, was a high quality operation and bought this Leyland Tiger Cub in May 1959. WDF 569 spent most of its 20 year life running services into Cinderford and Gloucester although its seats were fitted with headrests for private hire.