*Transfer of ownership, export and transport costs are at Buyer's expense

Highlights

A truly remarkable specimen of the great British 'Lodekka'
Modified with a roof height of 4 metres
Prepared for city tours and private use
Registered and currently located in Switzerland
Gardner 6-cylinder 8.4L diesel engine

The Appeal

First introduced in 1949, the Lodekka was built to offer a more practical solution for public transport in Britain. With their low-floor design, these buses were distinguished by their relatively low height of 13.5 feet, a foot and an inch less than their conventional bus equivalents.

While aesthetics rarely come into play for this type of commercial vehicle, it cannot be denied that Bristol built an attractive low-floor bus that did not stray too far from traditional forms. From 1949 to 1968, over 5,000 were built, bodied by Eastern Works of Lowestoft.

This particular example is an FLF (Flat Floor, Long, Front Entrance) variant, one of the long wheelbase variants, currently located in Switzerland. Furnished with tables and a reception desk, it is now fully equipped for road tours, offering a superb commercial perspective as well as the prestige of owning an iconic red double-decker bus!

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1966 by Bristol Commercial Vehicles
Our research indicates that this bus originally operated with the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company
It was one of 83 of this type used by the company
Withdrawn from service around 1982
Interestingly, the bus was briefly used as a means of transport for the staff of the toy manufacturer Matchbox
In 1990, the roof was lowered to 4 metres
It was later transferred to Winterthur, Switzerland, where it became a hire bus
In 2022, this use ended, and it became a seating area for a renowned Italian food truck in Zurich
The bus currently indicates 191,577 km - unlikely to be the original mileage considering the vehicle's past
Unfortunately, no maintenance history of the vehicle has been communicated to us

It's no secret that old buses can live very adventurous lives, and the GPW 442D certainly lived an interesting one. Whether its use as a means of transport for the staff of the Lesney Toy company in Rochford, or its ultimate experience as a seating area for stone-baked pizzas, the history of this vehicle could fascinate any potential buyer for hours.

The Condition

The exterior looks a little tired after some time outdoors
However, everything looks solid and makes it an excellent candidate for restoration
Some corrosion around the windows, as might be expected from its stay along the roadside
It is decorated with graphics imitating London Transport and bus routes
The original markings are still present
The wheels appear to be in good condition

After so long by the roadside, this bus looks ready for a partial exterior restoration. Some panels are a little faded and the vehicle still shows the marks of its two previous owners, but it is still a solid specimen, and these buses were anything but fragile.

Fully customised interior with 'club tables'
A bar counter or tour desk is still present, oddly decorated with MG Club branding
A sound system was installed throughout the bus
The driver's cabin is extremely original and looks in good condition
In the cabin, there are many nice period details, from the instructions to the cabin heating switches
The floors are solid, as is the staircase

With a very unusual customised interior, this bus presents a passenger space with a modern aesthetic that you would not expect. With a full sound system, a counter for the tour leader and plenty of tables, the bus's destination for private transport is clear.

The driver's cabin, however, is pleasingly original, with many period details still present and correct. We are sure it will satisfy any purist.

The Mechanics

Gardner 6-cylinder 8.4-litre diesel engine
5-speed manual gearbox
The engine seems to be in good condition with no obvious problems
We have been informed that the bus is in good working order
However, a little maintenance wouldn't hurt

After being stationary for so long, this bus will certainly need a bit of mechanical work - however, the engine compartment is in excellent condition and its large Gardner power unit seems ready for anything. These buses are built to last, so it shouldn't be difficult to get this magnificent touring vehicle ready to hit the road again.

"I had bought it to create a restaurant/bar, in fact it is equipped for that. It seats 60 people."

"The bus is in very good condition, as is the engine and the interior condition. Work has been carried out inside the bus, with table changes and repairs to the roof to solve water seepage problems. The height of the bus is 4 metres, lower than the original. As it was imported into Switzerland, it was adapted to the heights to run smoothly. Width 2.50 metres, length 9 metres. "

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Car & Classic. By making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, but does not apply to consumers under EU consumer protection. Car & Classic's return policy applies.

✓ If you win the auction or your bid is accepted, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit; please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is on an "as is ", "as is" basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase is strongly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may be included or excluded in the final offer price, as specified in the ad.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Additional customs duties and import taxes may apply when importing vehicles. Upon request, Car & Classic can direct you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Prices start from € 150 + VAT within the same country or € 400 + VAT for cross-border trips.