Double-decker delight from Silverstone Auctions

Arguably one of Britain’s most iconic vehicles – a 1962 Leyland Routemaster red double-decker bus – is just the ticket for another successful Silverstone Auctions sale.
 
Estimated at between £20,000 to £28,000, the example being offered at the Race Retro & Classic Car Sale at Stoneleigh on 23rd February saw service for well beyond its active life expectancy – clearly demonstrating what a reliable, and well-loved, workhorse it is.
 
More recently it has been used for the occasional summer trip and historic vehicle displays.
 
Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “This 1962 Routemaster is a great example of a great bus, serving Londoners, visitors and tourists for many decades.
 
“For most people it remains the best ever London bus and is still recognised throughout the world, so not surprisingly we expect an enormous amount of interest in this vehicle from all parts of the globe.”
 
Its famous open-platform design meant the need for a conductor, allowing minimal boarding time and extra security for passengers.
 
Meanwhile, its light weight design meant fuel consumption figures that were better than for many of the vehicles that replaced it, while its power steering and automatic gearbox ease the driving.
 
“The Race Retro Sale focuses on classic and race cars but we’re also delighted to have a few other lots, such as this Routemaster, adding to the appeal. It might not be as fast or as sleek as some of the cars on offer, but it provides just as much fun and a great investment opportunity,” added Nick.
 
For more information about Silverstone Auctions and its Race Retro & Classic Car Sale visit silverstoneauctions.com while to discover more about Race Retro, Europe’s premier historic motorsport show, visit raceretro.com.