Rear number plate surround

Rear number plate aluminium surround frame

Since owning CRG163 (Bristol RELH Series 2 Mark 1 ECW coach) since 2002 it has always been assumed that the rear number plate configuration as shown in the photograph below was original.  This was on the assumption that because CRG163 had come from the final batch of these fine coaches delivered to Crosville in 1970 that the rear number plate was purposely of a different shape to earlier batches delivered to Crosville, such as CRG103, CRG106 and CRG111 which are now thankfully preserved.

Since the beginning of 2025, CRG163 has undergone a major and comprehensive body restoration which has involved removing all panels and replacing all supporting woodwork underneath.  Undertaking this work has revealed a lot of revelations about CRG163 which the vehicle has quietly carried over the years.

This has included discovering earlier this year (2025) that six of the vehicle’s original waist light apertures as fitted from new in 1970 were still in place, but panelled over.  It is assumed that this occurred in 1971 when the vehicle’s wonderful cream and black livery was simplified. This work has also revealed lower general pilar damage, assumed from various collisions over the years, which has now been completely rectified.

As this work reached the rear of the vehicle it was noticeable that an additional smaller panel had been graphed onto the original panel to the right of the rear number plate for some reason.  When the vehicle was painted into the National white livery in 2004, this was left alone.  However as a part of the major bodywork now taking place and the removal of the graphed panel it had revealed that there was a fairly large hole in the original panel underneath.  From further inspection of the inner boot area it is also clear that the vehicle must have suffered a rear end collision at some point from the crumpled sections found, now straightened.  The removal of the rear number plate panel also revealed a second number plate frame underneath which resembled the shape of earlier vehicle models of this type as those mentioned above. 

Rear image of CRG163 in the National white livery.  The graphed panel can just about be seen to the right of what was thought to be the original rear number plate.

On removal of what was thought to be the original number plate, the actual original number plate frame/aperture comes to light underneath revealing a hole in the panel to the right which was also revealed with the removal of the graphed panel.

The original rear number plate frame/aperture with the hole in the panel to the right clearly seen.

A close up image of the original rear number plate frame/aperture following the removal of what was thought to be the original plate.

The original rear number plate frame/aperture can be seen in contrast to what was thought to have been the original plate which is held up in front.

The original rear number plate frame/aperture with the old removed panel overlayed.

This appeared to be the original number plate frame as fitted, but must have been panelled over at some point during the vehicle’s life at the time of the rear end collision.  The original rear number plate frame was also found to have a break on its right side (see below), the same side as the hole in the panel.

From subsequent research it is understood that an aluminium frame would have also been attached on top of the rear number plate somehow which would have acted to attach the number plate section to the body panel as well as protecting the section from ingress of water.  This section is not with the vehicle sadly, assumed damaged and removed at the time of the rear end collision which caused a new panel and number plate to be installed.  No information is presently available to the way this would have attached.

It is therefore the intention to return the vehicle to its original rear appearance, including that of the original number plate.  A new body panel has already been fabricated to the shape of the original rear number plate frame, pending the sourcing of a replacement aluminium frame.

Furthermore, does anyone know the history of the damage/rear collision to the vehicle?

Thank you.

Please e-mail post@crosville.net if you have any details of the availability of such parts or have contact details of anyone that might be able to help.  You can also send a message by clicking HERE.

Thank you.