Erstwhile bodybuilder Harrington will be well represented at Transport Museum Wythall on Sunday 21 May when at least 14 of its coaches will be on site for the Harrington Gathering 2023.
Examples of the Cavalier, Grenadier and Wayfarer bodies on AEC, Dennis, Leyland and Seddon chassis will be present. At least five cars with Harrington involvement will also take part, including four Sunbeam Alpine Harringtons and a Triumph TR4 Dove.
The latest coach to have been confirmed as attending is the well-known ‘dorsal fin’ model (pictured) new to Lymers of Tean in Staffordshire. It is for sale for continued preservation. Offers will be considered at the Harrington Gathering, Transport Museum Wythall says.
Built on an AEC Regal III chassis, the ‘dorsal fin’ was delivered to Lymers in 1950 and is complete with various art deco features. It was retired in 1974, but prior to that it carried the Stoke City FC team on a tour of the city after they won the League Cup in 1972, an achievement still occasionally referred to by fans of the club today.
That remains the only occasion upon which The Potters have won a major trophy, with the coach having been requested at short notice after the police prevented use of a traditional open-top double-decker. Its full-length sunroof still allowed the players to display their silverware.
The ‘dorsal fin’ coach has been with its current owner since 1995 and was returned to its former glory via an eight-year restoration.
“The Harrington Gathering 2023 will be a unique event and the first time in the preservation years that such a wide range of these beautiful vehicles – both cars and coaches – will be seen on display together,” a Transport Museum Wythall spokesperson says.
