A Classic British Bus from 1959
Our Leyland Tiger Cub has enjoyed a varied and interesting life, from carrying passengers in Lancashire to becoming a film-set canteen and eventually joining the A D Rains Coaches vintage collection.
First entering service in May 1959, this classic British bus has survived more than six decades of changing roles, operators and uses.
Today, it forms part of our collection of vintage vehicles available for special occasions and events.
Early Years with Burnley, Colne & Nelson
The Leyland Tiger Cub began its working life with Burnley, Colne & Nelson in May 1959.
During an era when buses were an essential part of everyday transport, vehicles like the Tiger Cub provided a familiar means of travel for local communities.
The bus later became a driver-training vehicle within the renamed Burnley & Pendle fleet.
This marked a change from carrying ordinary passengers to helping train the next generation of drivers.
Entering Preservation
Around 1980, the Tiger Cub passed into preservation, beginning a new chapter in its history.
Rather than disappearing from the roads altogether, the vehicle survived to take on different roles.
Preservation has played an important part in keeping historic British buses and coaches alive, allowing later generations to experience vehicles that were once part of everyday life.
An Unusual Role as a Film-Set Canteen
One of the most distinctive chapters in this Tiger Cub’s history was its conversion for use as a canteen on a film set.
The interior was fitted with tables and chairs, transforming the former passenger vehicle into a space where people working on the production could take a break.
It was a very different purpose from the one for which the bus had originally been built.
This unusual period is part of what makes the Tiger Cub such an interesting vehicle within our collection.
Returning to Passenger Service
When A D Rains Coaches acquired the Leyland Tiger Cub, the interior was adapted once again.
The tables and chairs used during its time as a canteen were removed, and the vehicle was returned to a passenger-carrying configuration.
Importantly, many of its original features were retained.
The work allowed the bus to take on a new role while preserving much of the character that makes historic vehicles so appealing.
The Leyland Tiger Cub Today
Today, our Leyland Tiger Cub represents an interesting part of Britain’s passenger transport heritage.
Its history spans local bus services, driver training, preservation and an unusual role in the film industry.
Now part of the A D Rains Coaches collection in Brinkworth, Wiltshire, it offers a distinctive way to experience classic British transport.
With its traditional appearance and fascinating background, the Tiger Cub can add character to weddings, heritage events, celebrations and other special occasions.
Enquire About Hiring the Leyland Tiger Cub
If you’re interested in hiring our Leyland Tiger Cub for a wedding, special event or group occasion, we’d be pleased to discuss your plans.
Please let us know your preferred date, journey details and approximate passenger numbers so we can advise on availability and suitability.
Contact A D Rains Coaches to make an enquiry.
You can also explore our complete Vintage Coach Hire collection to discover the other classic vehicles in our fleet.