1964 Leyland AEC 'Routemaster'

For sale by auction on Saturday 30 August 2014 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
A pioneering design. the Routemaster outlasted several of its
replacement types in London. survived the privatisation of the
former London Transport bus operators and was also used by other
operators around the UK. In modern UK public transport bus
operation. the old-fashioned features of the standard Routemaster
were generally loved by all who used them. the open platform. while
exposed to the elements. allowed boarding and alighting away from
stops and the presence of a conductor allowed minimal boarding time
and optimal security. The Routemaster became one of London's most
famous symbols.

Used by London Transport for over 25 years. its final journey was
to the Acton Depot in West London whereupon it was sold to the
Lewisham Poverty Action Group. It then went to their depot where it
was refitted. The seats (mostly) were removed and its
transformation into a pre-school play bus began.

The Lewisham Playbus. as it was then known. represented an
essential outreach service for children in the borough who might
not otherwise have access to pre-school activities. It catered for
the under-fives and offered a warm and safe environment where
children could play. read and integrate with other children. An
essential part of growing up. Originally part of a fleet of
two. this remaining example has been maintained by professional
technicians at the Wearside Road Depot. The service history just
since the year 2000 is 1½" thick. Not only that but it now has a
modern Cummings Euro 4 engine mated to an advanced Alison World
'push button' transmission with emissions conforming with current
London LEZ protocols. Mechanically. it is in exceptional order with
additional battery conditioners to keep the auxiliary heaters
running during periods of stationary use.

As such. it represents a very rare opportunity to buy an example
which can be used or adapted for further hospitality/promotional
use or even returned to standard bus format. as the parts for these
wonderful vehicles are easily available through a well-established
and enthusiastic owners club. Supplied with road tax and an MoT
test certificate valid until June 2015. this also has the bonus of
being able to be driven on a car license (subject to certain
conditions). Notably also. all proceeds from the sale of this
Double Decker will be donated to charity. As if you didn't need
another reason to register and bid.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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