VUB 396H
Details
Chassis Leyland Leopard
Chassis Number PSU3A/4R 7000732
EngineLeyland 680 6 cyl mid mounted 11.1 litre underfloor developing 130 bhp
Engine Number
Transmission Leyland pneumocyclic 5 speed semi automatic
Brakes Air assisted
SteeringManual
Body Plaxton Panorama Elite 11 metre
Body Number 709155 C53F
Date of first registration March 1970
About
The Leyland Leopard was new to Wallace Arnold Leeds Ltd and entered by them in the 1970’s British coach rally. The coach returned to supplying dealer Jack Hughes of Cleckheaton in 1975, remaining in storage until purchased by Fairfax Travel of Melton Mowbray in 1987. The Leopard was used by Fairfax Travel and subsidiary companies on local tours and excursions, until it was withdrawn from service in 1997 and restored for preservation and occasional use.
Purchased by Classic Connections in Jan 2011 and re-painted into original livery, March 2012.
Ownership
Wallace Arnold Tours – April 1970
Jack Hughes (dealer) Cleckheaton – October 1975
Dry Stored unused – May 1987
John Penniston (Fairfax) Melton Mowbray – May 1987
Re registered VRY 562M June 1982
Re registered 001908 May 1987
Midland Fox (Fairfax Foxrooms) 351 – June 1986
J Penniston West End Travel – October 1993
Re registered TIB 8792 Nov 1993
Re registered VRY 562M Jan 1998
Alan Tucker (Rutland Coaches) Melton Mowbray – January 1998
Rumsdrive (West End Travel) Melton Mowbray – September 1999
Preserved – September 1998
Restored to WA Cream Livery – September 2004
Re Reg VUB 396H – September 2004
Neil Millington – September 2010
Jonathan Dodsworth – 18th January 2011
Classic Connections – 1st April 2012
Servicing and Repairs
September 2010
Jonathan Dodsworth calls regarding Leopard
Collect from West End Travel at Melton Mowbray
Test run in vehicle
November 2010
Remove 2 seats, fit 2 tables – Downseat from 53 to 49
Fit smaller wiper blades
Check heater blowers and fans, wire in table lamps
Repairs to drivers footwell body panels
December 2010
To Sewells for speedometer repairs
Check engine mountings
To Arriva for steam cleaning
January 2011
Sell to Jonathan and Jane Dodsworth, Boroughbridge
January 2012
Repurchase from Dodsworth’s
March 2012
Check out paint spec and advise Express Coachworks at Pickering
April 2012
Collect from Express after MOT and repaint
Wash and check over
Fit new saloon clock
Secure and seal N/S rack blower box
Paint interior mirror backing
May 2012
Fit chrome beading insert to window surrounds
June 2012
Investigate oil leak at o/s/f compressor passing oil
Drill out and tap towing eye bracket
July 2012
Fit new full width rear mudflap
Fit and wire in new hazard warning light switch
Service vehicle including gearbox oil
Fit micro switch to emergency window
August 2012
Obtain and fit new engine stableizing shock absorber and modify bracket
Reconnect low air pressure warning buzzer
Obtain and fit new micro switch for emergency window, and fit new warning buzzer
Fit plastic insert to alluminium side trims
September 2012
Repairs to n/s/r top marker lamp
October 2012
Fit new centre saloon heater, bleed system and road test
November 2012
Repairs to rack blowers, clean out and reseal
Repairs to door lock mechanism
January 2013
Fit new loud speaker grille to saloon
February 2013
Clean floor with spec, lino cleaner
Take for weighing & correct unladen weight figures on side of vehicle
Pre MOT inspection
Note compressor passing oil
Remove compressor
Refit compresser after overhaul
MOT Test. Pass Class 6
April 2013
Repairs to boot lock
May 2013
Polish bodywork & clean windows
July 2013
Repairs to near side air box on rack
Fit 24-12v converter & 12v socket
October 2013
Fit new destination blind
Fit new glass for above
November 2013
Take down to M & H for front grille repairs & rear name glass repairs
Collect from M & H & wash off
December 2013
Repairs to leaking fuel pipe
Deep clean, seats & floor
March 2014
Fit new “Leopard” badge to radiator grille
Renew leaking oil switch
Pre MOT inspection
April
MOT test class 6 Pass
June
Repairs to door air pipes
February 2015
Pre-MOT inspection and service
March 2015
MOT class 6 pass.
Fit chrome badges to rear panels
April 2015
Repairs to damaged rear panel
Clean and Polish ready for Llandudno
June 2015
N/A
July 2015
Refill steering box with oil
Check end float on gear box output shaft
August 2015
Clean and polish for Leeds running day
February 2016
Pre MOT inspection
Check oil levels and grease round
Check alternator drive coupling and report
March 2016
MOT test class 6, pass
Gallery
Damian Sharples (02/09/12) & ‘Iantherev’ (5/5/13)
Misc.
Both photgraphs coursety of Scott Poole
Classic Connections 
It’s a Panorama Elite. Not a Panorama Elite II. But it’s beautiful anyway.
Sorry, brain just woke up ! In your details section it looks like Elite II, but its actually 11 metre. Maybe a dash between the two would help ?
Following on from the inaugural Shetland Commercial Vehicle Show in June 2017 the show will return in August 2019. The weekend starts with a road run and supper dance on Saturday followed by the show on the Sunday. The show will again showcase Trucks, Buses, Tractors and Stationary Engines, new and old, as well as trade stalls and other attractions.
More information and entry forms can be found by sending us a message or emailing us at shetlandcvps@gmail.com
We would love to see this lovely coach attend the show in August so if you would like to discuss it further contact Mark Robinson Chairman on 07810518530