About
What is this website about?
Hop aboard www.crg163.com, a vibrant tribute to the iconic CRG163—a Bristol RELH6G coach—and the golden era of British coach travel. More than just a website, it’s a heartfelt archive chronicling the history, preservation, and memories of Crosville Motor Services, the craftsmanship of Bristol Commercial Vehicles, and the legacy of National Express. Whether you’re a transport enthusiast, a former employee, or simply curious about the past, CRG163.com blends rare photos, technical insights, and personal stories to keep the wheels of history turning.
CRG163: The Heart of the Journey
At the core of the site is CRG163 (EFM163H), a Bristol RELH6G Series 2 Mark 1 coach, bodied by Eastern Coach Works (ECW) and registered on March 6, 1970, by Crosville Motor Services. As part of a batch of four (EFM160H–EFM164H). From new it was based at the company’s Liverpool Edge Lane depot, debuting on the prestigious Liverpool-to-London routes, resplendent in Crosville’s cream and black livery with illuminated “Crosville Express Coach Services” side panels. In 1971, it adopted a simplified black and cream livery before being repainted in the ‘NATIONAL’ white livery with Norman Wilson’s iconic double N logo in 1972, it served many long distance routes like the X1 and X71 before being downgraded and reclassified as ERG163 for dual-purpose duties in 1979. Between 1979 and 1984 the coach would be based at the company’s Amlwch depot on the Isle of Anglesey and served every route operated from that depot, including the X10 Anglesey-to-Liverpool run.
Withdrawn in 1984, CRG163 was saved from scrapping by Gordon Bate, who restored its 1971 simplified cream and black livery. In 2002, Richard Lloyd Jones took ownership, meticulously returning it to its National white livery by 2004—a restoration celebrated on the cover and article of the ‘Bus & Coach Preservation Magazine’. The coach’s legacy continued on through rally appearances and a 1:76 EFE model released in 2006. The site details this journey, from service to preservation, with photos, sounds of its Gardner engine, and stories of sourcing parts and mechanical overhauls.
In recent years CRG163 has entered its second restoration, but hindered for a time by the Covid-19 pandemic. It has subsequently seen significant investment including the complete rebuilding and re-coring of its radiator. However in early 2025 the vehicle’s original waist illuminated panel apertures from when new in 1971 was found, which unbeknownst to all had laid hidden by double panelling. This significant find has now set the future direction of CRG163 which will involve returning the vehicle to its original appearance when new in 1970.
The restoration continues, so come with us on the journey and follow all developments and matters close to CRG163 through our ‘Latest News’ page on this website.
Crosville Motor Services: A True Icon of Bus and Coach Travel
Founded in 1906 in Chester, Crosville Motor Services grew into a cornerstone of bus and coach travel across northwest England and north Wales. From early routes between Chester and Ellesmere Port to its role in the National Bus Company (NBC) from 1969, Crosville’s cream and black coaches, like CRG163, symbolized reliability and pride. The website’s Timeline page traces key milestones—its embrace of Bristol RE coaches in the 1960s, integration into the NBC, and privatisation in the 1980s—offering a vivid portrait of a company that connected communities with style.
The Bristol RE: Engineering a Legacy
Introduced in 1962, the Bristol RE (Rear-Engined) revolutionised coach travel with its robust chassis and Gardner 6HLX engine. CRG163, a RELH variant, was built for long-distance comfort, featuring a high-floor layout and sleek ECW bodywork. The site celebrates its engineering significance as one of Bristol Commercial Vehicles’ most successful designs (1962–1982), with articles and a password-protected technical section exploring its construction and enduring appeal among preservationists.
The National Express Story and the Distinctive Double N Logo
In 1969, the National Bus Company (NBC) unified Britain’s bus operators, and designer Norman Wilson’s bold double N logo became the face of National Express, launched in 1972. CRG163 joined this network, sporting the all-white livery and serving routes like the 850 and 853, inspired by America’s Greyhound coaches. The site marks National Express’s 50th anniversary in 2022, connecting CRG163’s story to this transformative era. Special permission from National Express in 2003 allowed the double N logo’s restoration on CRG163, adding authenticity to its preservation.
Crosville Memories: Memories That Bring History to Life
The “Crosville Memories” section is the soul of www.crg163.com, capturing the experiences of drivers, staff, and enthusiasts. Hear from Jack Cowap, who drove CRG163 on the Liverpool-to-London run, Bob “Moelfre” Roberts, who drove it in Anglesey, and David Wilder, who recalls the “magical” glow of cream and black coaches at dusk. Mike Lambden reflects on managing NBC express services, while Graham Warren poignantly remembers as a child travelling with his dear late Dad, George Warren, the ‘legend’ of Edge Lane behind the wheel of CRG163.
Paired with rare photos from depots like Edge Lane and Amlwch, plus leaflets and timetables for routes like the X1, X10, and X61, these stories evoke Crosville’s camaraderie and pride.
Explore CRG163.com’s many features:
- CRG163 Service History: Trace CRG163’s career through Crosville’s routes across Cheshire, Merseyside, and Wales supported by many photographs and scans from the *Crosville United* magazine.
- CRG163 In Preservation: Learn about CRG163’s subsequent life in preservation from 1984 onwards
- Crosville-CRG163 Timeline: A standout interactive chronicle blending CRG163’s milestones (1970 debut, 1972 livery change, 1984 preservation, 2004 restoration) with Crosville’s evolution.
- The CRG’s of 1970: Delve into the history of the final batch of CRG’s that came to Crosville as well as further information about the CRG class in general.
- Crosville Fleet Numbering: The various fleet recognition systems applied by Crosville over its operational existence.
- Pictorial depot tributes: Two separate web pages providing a pictorial tribute to Crosville’s Amlwch and Blaenau Ffestiniog depots.
- Leaflets & Timetables: Browse 1960s–1970s leaflets showcasing Crosville’s network.
- Sounds of CRG163: Hear the coach’s magnificent Gardner engine, from idling to acceleration.
- Photo Gallery: Savor historical images, from CRG163 at Victoria Coach Station in 1973 to its rally appearances post-restoration.
- Personal Touch: The care and respect that has been taken to put this website together in memory of so many people who worked for or had a connection to Crosville Motor Services and/or CRG163.
New Book: Crosville in Liverpool – July 2025
Exciting news awaits! A new book titled ‘Crosville in Liverpool‘, will be published and available from 15 July 2025. It details the proud history of Crosville Motor Services in the city from 1922 and its operations at the iconic Edge Lane depot, CRG163’s home when new, to the sad withdrawal of the company from Liverpool, early 1987 and the loss of 270 jobs.
This is more than just a book about bus routes and vehicles as it places real people, front and centre of the story through utmost care and respect. The story is supported by rare photographs, personal recollections of staff as well as operational details.
This is a must-have book for Crosville enthusiasts. Pre-order now via www.crg163.com to secure your copy of this nostalgic tribute.
Why Visit CRG163.com?
CRG163.com is a treasure trove for anyone captivated by UK coach travel’s evolution. It combines meticulously researched history, vivid visuals, and a passion for preservation, showing how one coach embodies an era. Whether you’re reminiscing about motorway journeys, geeking out over Bristol RE engineering, or savoring heartfelt stories, this site delivers. Engage further by sharing your photos, history, or parts via email, or subscribe for updates to stay connected.
Start Your Journey
Explore www.crg163.com and uncover the rich legacy of CRG163, Crosville Motor Services, and National Express. From the roar of the Gardner engine to Norman Wilson’s NBC double N logo, this is your ticket to a bygone age of travel. Browse the Timeline, savor old photographs, and pre-order the upcoming book today!
Accessing the website
Not only can you access the website via the www.crg163.com address but you can also access it via www.crosville.net and www.crosville-cymru.com.
You can also access the specific Crosville in Liverpool page directly via www.crosvilleinliverpool.com.
You can also access the website by scanning the following QR code on your smart phone, tablet or ipad.
Scan MePlease feel free to screen shot the QR code and share.