Bedford Duple Luxury Coach

Bedford Duple Luxury Coach - 21a/21b

Also known as the 'Long Distance Coach' and originally had a decal on the sides of the roof saying 'London to Glasgow' which in the days before the M6 and M74 were built, was a very long distance indeed by road, probably more than a single day's journey. Which way would they go? A41 through Birmingham, Mersey Tunnel and Liverpool, then pick up the A6 in Lancashire, over Shap to Carlisle then up the A74 through Lockerbie to Glasgow or would you go A1 to Scotch Corner, pick up the A66 (getting your kicks on the way) over to Tebay and pick up the A6 there? Its a bloody long and bleak journey whichever way you look at it.

The second release of the coach 21b is 68mm to the 21a's 57mm in length. Both coaches are green, 21a has a green base, 21b has a black base. The first release, 21a, was in 1956. It was replaced by 21b in 1958 which remained in the range until 1961. 21a is always the same green with metal wheels, the painted trim though can be silver or gold. You will 21b it in various shades of green with metal wheels or plastic wheels in grey or silver.

The real rarity is the dark green 21b with silver plastic wheels which according to Ramsay can fetch over £5,000, huge money for a Matchbox. Back on this planet, the harder to find 21bs are in a B type box. Also look for 21a with gold trim, this is another rare and quite valuable model.