The Plaxton Premiere was a series of coach bodies manufactured by the British coachbuilder Plaxton, based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Introduced in 1991, it served as the successor to the highly successful Plaxton Paramount range, building upon its predecessor's reputation while introducing a more modern design aesthetic.
Introduction
The Plaxton Premiere was a dominant coach model in the United Kingdom throughout the 1990s. Designed to offer enhanced passenger comfort, panoramic views, and improved aerodynamics, it quickly became a popular choice for both private coach operators and larger transport groups. It represented a significant evolution in Plaxton's design philosophy, moving towards more curvaceous lines and larger glazing areas compared to the more angular Paramount.Development and Design
Launched at the Bus & Coach 91 exhibition, the Premiere series replaced the aging Paramount 3500 and 3200 models. Key design features included:- Curved Styling: A distinctive, smoothly curved side window line, giving the coach a more contemporary appearance.
- Panoramic Windows: Large, bonded windows that offered excellent visibility for passengers.
- Integrated Luggage Pods: A streamlined appearance with integrated luggage compartments.
- Aerodynamics: Improved aerodynamic efficiency compared to earlier models, contributing to better fuel economy.
- Interior Refinements: Focus on passenger comfort with improved seating, lighting, and air conditioning systems.
Variants
The Premiere range was offered in several distinct variants to cater to different market segments:- Premiere 350: This was the full-height, premium touring coach version, designed for long-distance luxury travel, private hires, and continental tours. It typically featured extensive amenities and high-quality finishes.
- Premiere 320: A slightly lower-height model, often specified for day trips, school contracts, corporate shuttle services, and general duties where the full height of the 350 was not required.
- Premiere 320/350 Interurban: A variant specifically designed for scheduled intercity services or rural routes, often featuring more robust interiors, luggage racks within the saloon, and sometimes wider doorways for quicker passenger ingress/egress.
Chassis Compatibility
The Plaxton Premiere bodywork was highly versatile and could be mounted on a wide variety of contemporary chassis from various manufacturers. Common chassis used included:- Volvo B10M (a particularly popular combination)
- Dennis Javelin
- Scania K93 and K113
- DAF SB3000
- Mercedes-Benz O404
This adaptability allowed operators to choose their preferred drivetrain and maintenance networks while still benefiting from Plaxton's popular body design.