New as Ribble 1027 this was originally a 32-seat touring coach and, in recognition of that role, didn’t feature route number blinds. It was converted to a 41-seater in 1966 when the lack of number blinds became more problematic for express service work. When new, at least, these had air suspension.
This vehicle was sold to Cumberland Motor Services as their 1300 and came to Creamline in 1973. In its original livery it didn’t feature any dark blue, unusually. It’s possibly that at first the red in the Cumberland livery was the only part painted - the fleet name is of a simpler style and only on the front. It may have been urgently needed.
