Many enthusiasts and operators were left disappointed when an event previously held at the British Motor Museum changed location. However, Transport Museum Wythall seized the opportunity and created Wythall Busfest at Gaydon. Richard Sharman was in attendance to see how the day went
Preserved bus owners and enthusiasts are a hardy bunch. Despite heavy, blustery rain on the day of the inaugural Wythall Busfest at Gaydon on Saturday 2 July, over 750 people made their way to the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire for what would be a wet, but very good event. Of significance was the event was held on a Saturday, not traditionally a rally day, but it seemed to work well as better transport links were available, and it may be better for some people to enjoy a Saturday out and rest on a Sunday before returning to work.
The price to gain entry to the event was £16.00 on the gate, but if you booked in advance it was reduced to £14.50 per adult. Whilst this might sound a little steep, in reality you not only have the attraction of the rally itself, but also entry to both of the undercover car museums on site, which were well used when the heavens really opened.
Within the main building, upstairs and next to the restaurant were 25 enthusiast stalls and a meeting room in which were held Q&A sessions with Peter Robinson, author of the new book ‘National Express: Journey of an iconic brand’ and with members of the original Leyland National engineering team, chaired by motoring journalist Mike Humble.
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Overall, the mix of modern and preserved vehicles was very good, and despite the high fuel prices, owners were not put off and still made the effort to show off the coaches and buses they put so much effort into preserving for future generations to enjoy.
Talking about the event, Denis Chick from the press office at Transport Museum Wythall said: “The rain came but certainly didn’t dampen spirits at the inaugural Wythall Busfest at Gaydon. With 100 buses entered, the event is now firmly on the map and already booked again for 1 July 2023.
“Fuzz Townshend, presenter of TV’s Car SOS car restoration show, a long-time bus enthusiast and owner of West Midlands Travel Fleetline 3913, was unable to formally open the show outside due to the heavy rain, and instead took the microphone to tell us about his early life in the bus industry.
“The two 50th anniversaries – the Leyland National bus and National Express coaches – were well supported and augmented by lively presentations, questions and answers by senior members of the original Leyland development team and Peter Robinson on the history of National Express respectively. National Express was well represented by a sales stand inside the museum showing a video history of the brand and National Express West Midlands brought along four of its heritage liveried fleet plus a new electric Alexander Dennis Enviro400.
“Outside in the heavy rain, where 75 buses finally made it to the day, nine Leyland Nationals were on display including REV01, an early prototype making the long journey from Workington without missing a beat, Wythall’s Midland Red Mk1 and West Midlands Travel Mk2. Eight National Expess coaches represented the history of this iconic brand including two Leyland Leopards and the very latest Caetano Levante 3. Wythall’s Midland Red CM6 motorway express coach was also on display, the vehicle having run in all-white livery for a number of years. A wide cross selection of buses and coaches from across the decades filled the display areas with variety and interest including Wythall’s latest restoration, 1931 AEC Regent, Birmingham City Transport number 486.
“Unfortunately the planned running of two ride routes, on and off site, was severely hampered by the appalling weather, very much out of the control of the organisers, but the major advantage of the British Motor Museum is that all visitors were able to enjoy an extended opportunity to visit the sales stands, join the presentations, view the amazing collection of historic British cars and take refreshment away from the deluge. In true British fashion, as everyone began their journeys home, the skies cleared and the sun came out.
“Despite the weather setback, this new event will become an annual fixture so put 1 July 2023 in your diaries now and we will start working on the weather gods. We look forward to a more clement, sunny day in 2023!
“The Transport Museum Wythall team wish to express their thanks to all buses, coaches and sales stands that joined the event, to Fuzz Townshend for opening the show and joining us at the microphone, the speakers for both anniversaries and to the enthusiasts, National Express for its support and members of the wider public who braved the elements, not forgetting our partners and staff from the British Motor Museum.”
A video from the event will be on our YouTube channel from Thursday 14 July – search for ‘Coach and Bus Week’ on YouTube to enjoy the throaty sound of Leyland National exhausts and for a look at some of the other vehicles on show.
