Duple: The Dominant Era

Duple was a prominent coachbuilding company in Britain for seventy years, but its fortunes declined in the late 1980s and it closed in 1989. This book provides an overview of its popular Dominant and Goldliner body ranges, with 180 photographs in colour.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Duple, a renowned coachbuilding company in Britain, was founded in Hornsey, London, in 1919 and later relocated to Blackpool. It became one of the most sought-after suppliers of luxury coach bodies for the UK market, catering to the growing demand for comfortable and stylish transportation. However, the late 1980s saw a decline in new vehicle sales, which had a significant impact on Duple's fortunes. The company closed its doors for the final time in 1989.

This book, spanning a decade from 1972, provides a comprehensive overview of the popular Dominant body range and its high-floor counterpart, the Goldliner. It includes a brief description of each body type and 180 photographs, all in color and accompanied by informative captions. The book showcases Duple's finest products during their operating heyday, highlighting the elegance and craftsmanship that made them stand out in the industry.

The Dominant body range was introduced in 1972 and quickly gained popularity among coach operators. It featured a sleek and modern design, with a low-slung profile and a spacious interior. The range included single- and double-deck models, with various seating configurations and amenities. The Goldliner, on the other hand, was designed for luxury travel and featured a higher floor and more luxurious interior.

Duple's coach bodies were known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. They were built using high-quality materials, including aluminum and steel, and were designed to withstand the rigors of long-distance travel. The company's engineers worked closely with coach operators to ensure that their designs met their specific requirements and preferences.

Despite its success, Duple faced several challenges in the late 1980s. The decline in new vehicle sales led to a decrease in demand for coach bodies, and the company was forced to cut back on production. This led to job losses and financial difficulties for the company.

In addition to its coach bodies, Duple also produced a range of other products, including trailers and commercial vehicles. However, these products were not as successful as the coach bodies and the company eventually decided to focus solely on the coach market.

Despite its closure, Duple's legacy continues to live on. Many of its coach bodies have been preserved and are now used as tourist attractions or for special events. The company's designs and craftsmanship have been praised by many, and its products have been used by some of the world's most prestigious coach operators.

In conclusion, Duple was one of the two best-known names in coachbuilding in Britain for seventy years. It grew to be one of the most popular suppliers of luxury coach bodies for the UK market, but the decline in new vehicle sales in the late 1980s saw its fortunes start to fade. This book provides an overview of the popular Dominant body range and its high-floor counterpart, the Goldliner, and showcases Duple's finest products during their operating heyday. Despite its closure, Duple's legacy continues to live on, and its products have been praised by many.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 233 x 165 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445686820