WMPTE Daimler Fleetline SDA 757S

1970s WEST MIDLANDS DOUBLE-DECKER
(COVENTRY CITY TRANSPORT ORDER)

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 type were received between 1971 and 1979. Most were Daimler Fleetlines - later models had Leyland badges - although 200 were on Bristol VRT chassis. Park Royal or MCW built most of the bodies but 40 had these bodies by East Lancashire, completing orders placed by Coventry.

Bus 6757 ran at Coventry and passed to the PTE's replacement bus operator, West Midlands Travel, upon deregulation of the industry in October 1986. It operated from Quinton, Walsall and Miller Street garages towards the end of its life.

Intended to run for 12 years, the last Fleetlines ran until 1997 for Travel West Midlands, the privatised successor to West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive.

Preservation

6757 was saved for preservation in 1996 by two Coventry based enthusiasts whose work included rebuilding the engine. It passed to the current owner in 2001 and by 2004 a full body, chassis and interior overhaul had taken place, including major reconstruction around the rear wheels, completed by a repaint.