A Lowriding Icon.
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Possibly the most underrated vehicle in our fleet is Ex Stagecoach North Eastβs 22026 | NK03 XJV!
22026 is an Alexander ALX 300 (Mk II) built on a MAN 18.220 LF chassis. Fitted with a 3 speed voith these vehicles were the backbone of Stagecoachβs low floor fleet from 1998 - 2007. Often nicknamed βSlowlinersβ rather than the intended Lowliner brand by Stagecoach, they, by the vast majority, was hated by drivers. The bizarre cab position, questionable reliability and general uncomfortableness made them depot enemies, especially in the end when they started to thin out.
However, even with hundreds built, only 5 currently survive in preservation (with the odd few still clinging on with stagecoach) 22018, 22026, 22061, 22728 and 22805 are currently preserved.
22026 is still undergoing restoration with us, weβre putting our heart and soul into her and want to make her the best she can possibly be once again. Thereβs been a hell of a lot of challenges so far, with chassis corrosion, electrical issues, engine problems. Just generally one big headache, however weβre determined to spread the joy of her screaming voith once again, and return a lowliner to the streets of Manchester!
πΈ Photo Credit Mark Egdell on Flickr:
https://flic.kr/p/24WHjyR
