WMPTE Bristol VR NOB 413M

WEST MIDLANDS BRISTOL DOUBLE-DECKER

The new West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive took over the local Corporation bus fleets in 1969, plus Coventry in 1974. It soon developed its own standard bus, suitable for driver only operation.

Around 1200 buses of this general appearance were received between 1971 and 1979. Most were Daimler Fleetlines but this bus was one of 200 on Bristol VRT chassis, a contract that made West Midlands PTE the largest purchaser of new Bristol VRTs. Bodies were constructed by Metro-Cammell, a unique combination of chassis and body.

4413 entered service in 1974 at Wolverhampton and ran in the West Midlands for only seven years. It was one of several bought in 1982 by National Welsh who kept it until 1985. It had two more owners in Wales.

Preservation

It was bought locally for preservation in 1992, changing hands to owners connected with this museum in 2004. It was restored in 2005-6 and passed to its present owner in 2008.