AEC Regent III RT

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The London Transport RT bus (a version of the standard AEC Regent III) was designed in the late 1930s by collaboration between London Transport Chiswick Works and AEC.

Although the later Routemaster is the model that has lived on longest in the affections of the public, the RT could be described as the ‘father’ of the Routemaster, being its direct predecessor and a remarkable bus in its own right. Around 150 were in the course of production when war broke out in 1939, however, the last examples of the initial batch were not delivered until January 1942.

A total of 4,825 AEC RTs were built although the London RT family of vehicles numbered 6,956 in total, consisting of the original 4,825 AEC RTs, plus 1,631 of the later RTLs and 500 RTWs. The latter two types had a variant of the Leyland Titan chassis and in addition, the RTWs had a slightly wider steel-framed body measuring 8ft as opposed to the earlier 7ft 6ins bodies. The whole RT family were never all in operation at the same time, but over the years the various types soon became a familiar sight around the streets of the capital, the last RT built (number RT4825) being delivered in March 1954.

The AEC RTs were powered by a 9.6-litre straight-6 diesel engine, with transmission through an air-operated four-speed pre-select gearbox with fluid flywheel, which gave the bus a top speed of 40 to 45mph. During the course of its life, each RT would be overhauled every 3½ to 4 years at the Aldenham Bus Works, near Elstree in Hertfordshire. This included the removal of the body from the chassis to allow full access for the various maintenance tasks. It was from the Aldenham Works that an RT found fame setting out on a journey across Europe with Cliff Richard aboard in the film ‘Summer Holiday’.

The RT bus became one of the most iconic and best-loved symbols of London and throughout its long service clocked up millions of miles of relatively trouble-free service around the streets of the capital.

As the original buff log book confirms, bus number RT885 was first registered to the London Transport Executive of Westminster SW1 on 3rd November 1948 with the number plate JXN 263 and seating for 56 passengers – just in time to take them Christmas shopping in the still Blitz-ravaged streets of the capital. It remained in service until September 1975 when it passed to a new keeper in Horsham, passing through another three owners before being acquired for the Stondon Collection in 1997.

On file are 5 old MOTs from 1980 to 1987 which all state the mileage as ‘not recorded’ or ‘n/a’. A form VTP 29 ‘Inspection Card for Class V Vehicles’ shows that it passed inspection on 5th June 1984, although the tester noted ‘oil leaks from engine; rear platform and support frame in poor condition’. We are also advised that there is a fault with the differential on this bus.

One can only imagine what laughter, drama and intimacy this wonderful old double-decker must have witnessed during its 27-years’ service in our greatest city. Still with endless commercial potential today, it now needs a sympathetic new owner to open the next chapter of its life and to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

This lot will be available to view at Stondon Museum (SG16 6JN) on Friday 5th June. Although this vehicle will be offered for sale at Brightwells (HR6 0DE) it will need to be collected from Stondon.

Due to where the vehicle is currently stored, collection may not be possible for up to 4 weeks after the auction.