This coach is the latest addition to the Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society, through the generosity of Royce Crawn, of Crawn Motors.

Crawn Motors have been in the bus industry in Tasmania for over 70yrs and in June 2024, sold to the Kinetic Group, ending another long family dynasty. Royce Crawn wished to keep part of the Crawn name alive, so this coach which has been in the family since new, was donated to the Society for preservation.

Built in 1982, the coach was initially built on an International C1810 chassis, however after it's first trip around the island on tour it was found to be grossly underpowered. Mechanical issues allowed an opportunity to repower early in its life, with the more powerful Volvo THD100 engine, which remains today. It runs a (unique nowadays) pneumocyclic gearbox (like an air semi-automatic) and cruises at a comfortable 100kmh, not bad for a 40yr old vehicle.

After working quite hard on extended tours around the island for its first five years of its life, the coach was then used for school charters and normally only driven by a few drivers. It was very rarely taken out in the rain, was always garaged (even since new) and until recently, had seat covers over the interior, that when uncovered, revealed near new upholstery. To say the coach is in immaculate condition, is an understatement, and testament to the meticulous maintenance of Crawn's fleet over the last 7 decades. 

This coach will be a showpiece for the Society as we display this vehicle around the state at the various agricultural shows, truck shows and events we attend annually, showcasing Tasmania's rich public transport history.

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The Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society sincerely thank the Crawn family for allowing us to preserve a piece of your history and promise to do your family proud and showcase the vehicle in the same condition it always has been, immaculate and attention to detail.