20974 Volvo B10M Alexander PS

New to GM South (later Stagecoach Manchester) in 1997, 20974 was part of a large order of Volvo B10M Alexander PS’ equipped with a 3-speed Voith gearbox; instead of a 4-speed ZF seen on earlier variants. By the turn of the century this would become the standard single decker vehicle across the Stagecoach Manchester fleet.

Based at Hyde Road for its whole time in Manchester it was transferred to Stagecoach’s Highland subsidiary in 2011. The vehicle was refitted for schoolwork, receiving 3×2 high-back belted seating and a unique red, orange, and purple version of the standard ‘Beachball’ livery.

In 2016 Stagecoach sold 20974 to McColl’s Coaches before quickly being sold again to Rowe & Tudhope Coaches near Kilmarnock, however it never entered revenue service. It was then later sold to Swift Coaches and then in 2018 it was bought by Silver Fox Coaches of Glasgow for local school services where it stayed until entering preservation in November 2024. Restoration work began almost at once following a full service and inspection, where it became clear that the Scottish weather had taken its toll on the chassis. After a deep clean and welding, the coolant and oil pipes were replaced; then work began on external restoration. Much debate was had as to what livery 20974 should debut in, and although it never wore it in service, the group decided on the 192 branded Magic Bus livery. Work is currently underway to return the interior to its original state with bench seating.