Crossley DD42, Portsmouth- Dual destination/Split run

In 1931, Portsmouth purchased a single Crossley Condor #74 with a Short H26/24R body for evaluation against Leyland TD1 and an AEC Regent 1. Thereafter, they purchased 19 more Condors with English Electric H26/24R bodies. The first post-war Crossley’s arrived in 1948/9, a batch of 6 DD42/5T with Reading H26/26R built local in Portsmouth. The last Crossley’s arrived in 1949 in the form of 28 DD42/7T with Crossley H28/24R bodies. The vehicles were later found to be uneconomic, so the engines were replaced with the retired Leyland TD4’s E102 engine, gearbox and clutch in 1957-1959. These vehicles survived in service until 1967 before being withdrawn. #74, Portsmouth’s first Crossley, survived as a tow lorry and is owned by Portsmouth City Museum service.