Highlights
- Iconic London Routemaster with significant modifications for private use
- Featured in worldwide IKEA promotional materials
- Famously photographed outside Fortnum and Mason in the 1990s
- Comprehensive interior conversion with Bose sound system and modern amenities
- 8.3L Cummins engine installed in 1990 with reconditioned automatic gearbox
The Appeal
There's a reason that London Souvenir shops only celebrate the classic Routemaster. These flat-nosed crimson double-deckers became one of the most symbolic representations of British tradition, and continue to resonate in a big way. The London Transport department first introduced them back in 1956, and, at the time, they were a trailblazer.
When they were removed from service in 2005, many tears were shed, and many were snapped up for everything from marketing to holiday rentals. This particular bus is no exception, though we'd wager there are few that could rival the versatility in its conversion. Complete with drinks bar, horizontal beach seats, hob, fridge and bathroom, it's as ready for camping as it is for luxury tours. Cocktail bar on hweels, perhaps?
In its time, this fabulous bus has been seen in plenty of marketing and advertisements, and has only covered around 20,000 miles post-retirement. It's a deeply provenance-accompanied machine that we think has a very bright future ahead of it. Tons of potential!
When they were removed from service in 2005, many tears were shed, and many were snapped up for everything from marketing to holiday rentals. This particular bus is no exception, though we'd wager there are few that could rival the versatility in its conversion. Complete with drinks bar, horizontal beach seats, hob, fridge and bathroom, it's as ready for camping as it is for luxury tours. Cocktail bar on hweels, perhaps?
In its time, this fabulous bus has been seen in plenty of marketing and advertisements, and has only covered around 20,000 miles post-retirement. It's a deeply provenance-accompanied machine that we think has a very bright future ahead of it. Tons of potential!
History and Paperwork
- 1965 Routemaster, purchased in 2005 from Ensign bus company after being taken out of service
- Used only for private purposes since the vendor's acquisition
- Current owner has driven less than 20,000 miles
- Stored in a barn when not in use
- Famously photographed outside Fortnum and Mason in the 1990s
- Featured in worldwide IKEA promotional materials while still in service
The Condition
- Exterior repaired and painted in 2020
- Some marks and dents present, many of which are historical
- Front of bus slightly faded due to barn being open at one end
- All original parts including seats have been stored, not discarded
- Upstairs seats around edges have larger memory foam bases
- Bose sound system upstairs with speakers in each corner and Kenwood amplifier
- 240v sockets throughout, connected to an inverter under stairs
- Secondary set of batteries
- Downstairs includes fridge, hob, gas storage, and chemical toilet
- All internal lights converted to LED
The Mechanics
- 8.3-litre 6-cylinder Cummins engine installed in 1990
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Engine bay in good age-commensurate order
- Reconditioned automatic gearbox
- Current and previous gearbox leak oil, which is a common issue, but in minimal amounts
- All running gear is solid
- The vendor reports that the bus is running smoothly with a top speed of 45mph
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