Birmingham City Transport Daimler Fleetine - KOX 780F

1960s BIRMINGHAM DOUBLE-DECKER

Replacement of Birmingham City Transport's early post-war fleet with rear-engined buses began in the 1960s and around 600 Daimler Fleetlines were in service by 1969 when BCT was taken over by the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive.

The Fleetlines had bodies built by Metro-Cammell and Park Royal, similar in looks although differences could be spotted between the two builders. Most were originally built with conductors in mind - this bus, 3780, was the last delivered with front entrance only. The last 100 had front entrances and centre exits intended to speed unloading on driver only services although that design soon fell out of favour in the West Midlands.

3780 entered service in April 1968 at Yardley Wood garage and worked from Coventry Road, Perry Barr, Moseley Road, Liverpool Street and Washwood Heath garages before finishing at Acocks Green in April 1982.

Preservation

BCT's Daimler Fleetline double-deckers are surprisingly rare, considering the number purchased. No. 3780 was purchased straight off service by the Museum. It was returned to Birmingham City Transport colours in 1998 and remains fully operational.