Following the upturn in traffic after the 1982 rail strikes, Southend started to hire in coaches, initially from fellow municipalities. One provided by Fylde Borough was HRN97N, their 42. It later became a long term hire, painted in Southend colours as 327. It is seen outside London Road garage on January 8, 1984 in the early days of its hire period.

Photo taken by Richard Delahoy, Sunday 8 January 1984, Southend London Road garage