The Van Hool Astromega double deck coaches were undoubtedly the most stunning coaches to operate on the X1 (and wonderful to drive!). They not only came into their own on commuter runs – here 243, JEV243Y, approaches Southend Bus Station with a capacity load on a summer Sunday journey bringing day trippers down from London.

Photo taken by Richard Delahoy, Sunday 17 July 1983, Southend