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Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus)

HISTORY
The chassis was built in 1949 by the Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. Ltd. and was supplied to United with a standard Eastern Coach Works (ECW) body. In 1960 it was converted to One Man Operation (O.M.O.) along with some 30 others.
Changes to body were:
Driver and rear passenger doors sealed up.
New power door fitted at the front.
Cab Side screen angled to allow a ticket machine to be fitted.
Bulkhead behind the drivers' seat cut away.
The bus was sold by United in 1966 to J.T. Bell (now Bellway Homes) for a workmans bus.
Purchased by the Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society in 1983 and restored between 1989 and 1996. It is the only surviving example of the 30 modified and is unique.
The bus has starred in the Yorkshire TV series 'Heartbeat' and Catherine Cooksons' TV drama "Round Tower".

Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus)
Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Chassis                  Bristol L5G
Body Type             ECW
Fleet No.               BG41 3
Engine                   Gardner 5LW, 94BHP
Gearbox                5 Speed (crash) & reverse
Seating Capacity  35
Length                   27' 6" (8 M 34cm)
Width                     7' 6" (2 M 29 cm)
Height                    9' 10"(3 M)
Weight                   6tons 9cwts 56lbs
Top Speed             52mph

Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus) Drivers cab
Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus)
Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus)
Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus) Inside
Bristol L Type (The Heartbeat Bus)
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