Classic motorcycles will once again form part of the varied vehicle line-up at this year’s Shrewsbury Steam Rally, but one particularly well-travelled exhibit is set to attract plenty of attention of its own.
From Welshpool and Oswestry to the National Motor Museum, Nick Onions’ Ford Model TT bus has travelled far during its long life. This year, the lovingly preserved vehicle will be delighting visitors at the Shrewsbury Steam Rally.
Built on a 1921 Ford Model TT one-ton truck chassis, the 13-seater country bus, registration EP 1673, is a remarkable survivor from the golden age of British commercial transport.
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It will join a broad selection of historic vehicles at the rally, including classic motorcycles, vintage cars, commercial vehicles, tractors and working steam engines.
Nick Onions, from the County of Salop Steam Engine Society, explained: “Many rural bus services were inaugurated using vehicles of a similar type to this one, which worked in public service for 30 years around Welshpool and is particularly remembered for its market-day service to Oswestry.
“This vehicle was acquired for preservation in 1958 and, in 1959, was loaned to Lord Montagu for exhibition at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. It remained there for 20 years until 1978.
“When it was acquired by its present owner in early 1980, it was in poor condition and has since undergone a nut-and-bolt rebuild.”
The National Motor Museum was founded in 1952 by Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.
The little bus is fitted with a type of body known during the 1920s as a “six-in-one” because it could be assembled in several different forms. Its upper bodywork consists of 12 separate sections held together with dozens of bolts and wing nuts.
Possible configurations included an open truck, one-ton truck with cab, pick-up with sides, hearse, char-à-banc and enclosed bus. This versatility allowed village carriers to undertake a wide range of work within their local communities.
The licence plate fitted to the rear also indicates that the vehicle was once a Crown carrier and was used to collect and deliver mail.
During the restoration, the chassis was found to be bent but free from rust. The engine required a replacement cylinder head following frost damage, along with new valves and piston rings to restore its performance.
The bus is also fitted with an additional Supachord-type gearbox, increasing the standard two speeds to four. This would probably have been essential when travelling fully laden through the hilly Welsh border country.
Its wooden body was unusually constructed using large, knot-free Brazilian pine planks measuring 14 inches by one inch. Despite its age, the wood was found to be in remarkably sound condition.
The only significant repairs required were to two windows and one door, which had previously been enlarged so that an earlier driver could swing his wooden leg into the cab.
The identity of the original bodybuilder remains uncertain. Although many bodies of this type were produced by local carpenters, this example shows signs of standardised production.
Every component is marked with the number 23, suggesting mass production, while the steel screws feature square socket drives rather than conventional slots. This type of screw was used in early aircraft construction and could be inserted mechanically, possibly identifying it as the American Scru-Lok type.
Nick added: “It has been extensively exhibited all over the country and always attracts a great deal of interest. It can regularly be seen during the summer months attending local shows and fêtes.
“This vehicle has been in my family for more than 30 years and we are delighted to be exhibiting it at this year’s Shrewsbury Steam Rally at Onslow Park over the August Bank Holiday.”
Alongside the bus, visitors can expect a strong selection of classic motorcycles and other historic machines, making the rally an appealing destination for enthusiasts of two, three and four-wheeled transport alike.
The Shrewsbury Steam Rally takes place at Onslow Park on Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August 31, 2026.
Full information and tickets are available from the Shrewsbury Steam Rally website.
