MALVERN’S flagship Morgan Motor Company will bring an iconic Routemaster bus – the second-to-last edition to have been withdrawn from service – back to the public at events throughout this year.
Manufactured in 1968 and delivered for its first service in January of that year, the Routemaster – registration SMK 759F – is expected to have clocked more than 1.5 million miles during its lifetime.
The vehicle was withdrawn from service nearly 44 years after birth and was given an admirable send-off in December 2005.
Crowds gathered along the 159 bus route, from Marble Arch to Brixton, as it took its final journey.
Morgan Motor Company, based on Pickersleigh Road, had since acquired the bus at the beginning of this year.
It remains in a remarkable condition and work is underway to make sympathetic conversions.
Preserving its characteristics and many of its original features, the Routemaster will share 50th anniversary celebrations with the Plus 8 car and be an accomplice at multiple events for Morgan throughout 2018, showcasing the iconic features of the company’s brand.
Steve Morris, managing director of Morgan Motor Company, said: “The Routemaster bus is arguably one of the most iconic vehicles in existence.
“It serves as a symbol of Britain and is part of our national identity.
“It therefore gives us great pleasure to continue the life of one of the last decommissioned buses as our event space.
“Morgan has an exciting year ahead, and we can’t wait to utilise the bus at events all around the UK.
“Our plans for the bus will make it the ideal event space for Morgan customers and enthusiasts alike.”
