Preston built up a sizeable fleet of Atlanteans between 1974 and 1983. Indeed, this was probably the most standardised era of all in Preston's history with only bodywork variations differentiating the fleet members - and only the 3 Bristol LHS6Ls and the 4 surviving Panthers providing variety in early 1984.

But Preston's Atlantean story started much earlier - way back in 1958 when orders had been placed for 7 of the original PDR1 model to be fitted with 78 seat MCW bodies. However, industrial relations problems over the pending introduction of these buses led to the order being cancelled and replaced by Titan PD3/5s - which became the only semi-automatc Titans in the fleet.

In the 60s, the trend nationally was towards standee single-deckers and Preston followed taking no less than 41 Leyland Panthers becoming one of the largest customers for the model. It seemed that the double-decker in Preston was doomed and the Atlantean would never serve the borough. However, with the start of the 70s things changed and an indication of the future direction came when a Liverpool standard Jumbo Atlantean appeared on loan from Merseyside PTE.

This was followed by an initial order for 10 Atlanteans with Alexander bodies - the first ever purchased by Preston. Previously, Preston's vehicle policy had tended to be somewhat conservative - but this went right out of the window with the Atlanteans.

The standard specification for all Atlanteans delivered (except 2) was as follows:

• 33 feet long (10 metre) - all

• dual-door - except two

• 82/83 seats - except two

• automatic transmission - all

• private hire capable -tachograph fitted and high speed axle -all.

In the following table, a linked fleetnumber indicates illustrations are available of that vehicle. It is ultimately hoped to provide illustrations of all Preston Atlanteans and as many as possible with subsequent operators.