Charlotte the Charabanc

You have to go all the way back to 1929 to find Charlotte’s birth year. She was produced by Dennis Bros of Guildford and is an extremely rare survivor of the GL chassis range. She was sent straight away to Roberts, the then famous Coach builders of North Wales, to be turned out exactly as we see her today. Strictly speaking, Charlotte is a ‘Runabout’ or ‘Toastrack’, rather than a Charabanc, though throughout her life, that is how she has been referred to.

From Roberts, Charlotte made the short journey to Llandudno, where she became the then Rural District Corporation’s Number 4 in their bus fleet.

She was employed to give tours up to and around the Great Orme’s Head, a gruelling task that she performed admirably from the Summer of 1930, right up to the end of 1955. It is quite a sobering thought that she first retired some 55 years ago!

Charlotte’s remarkable story continued in the ownership of a Mr Mayes of Luton, who undertook some staggering journeys throughout Europe with her, including crossing the Alps and climbing Vesuvius Pass. This she did hauling a matching trailer containing the hardy passengers’ luggage. Her final foray across the water was in 1971, giving trips to Amsterdam.

Fate brought Charlotte north and she was laid up in a barn where she deteriorated over many years. Finally, she was rescued by a friend of ours, who found her in a deplorable state. Over time, a full restoration to her former glory was carried out, including regaining her all important status as a passenger carrying vehicle.

That is where we stepped in. With a dream of carrying passengers on truly nostalgic short tours of Whitby, the Northern Star Motor Carriage Company was born. Charlotte is now a firm favourite with local people and visitors alike. With her unique and original engine and running gear, she makes all the noises a replica never could.

Charlotte standing proud on Pier Road

Charlotte very much looks forward to entertaining you on your next visit, with her own special aura and wonderful medley of songs from when she was just a young girl.