Nick Larkin reports on a major rebuild of a historic double-decker
North Wales heritage operator is predicting that 2021 will be the year of weddings – and has added to his fleet while continuing with an extraordinary restoration.
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“With a Covid-19 vaccine announced finally weddings are back on,” said Terry Barker of Barkers Bus Hire, based near Wrexham. “We are getting a lot of interest.” Terry recently acquired AEC ML Routemaster JJD 532D which is ready to roll for the 2021 season.
Meanwhile, Terry is also cracking on with the restoration of new to Birkenhead Massey-bodied Leyland PD2 GCM 147E, which had been adapted into a towing vehicle, and is now being converted into an open-top double-decker. “I got it 22 years ago and the conversion has been a big project, but it should be finished in 2021,” Terry said.
This and other projects have meant Terry has decided to offer Neepsend-bodied AEC Regent KOW 901F for sale. “I purchased this bus three years ago with all the intentions of restoring her to her former glory but we have been spending far too much time restoring buses,” continued Terry. “The Regent looks a lot worse that it is, as it has had a lot of new framework. It just needs panels and putting back together.” The bus is said to be a good runner, and is available at £7,500, with offers considered.
Also in the fleet (and one of the two could also be for sale) are former Burnley, Colne and Nelson 1965 East Lancs-bodied Leyland Tiger Cub PCW 957 and 1974 Bedford VAS with Plaxton C29F body RCJ 211M, both in show condition.
Barkers can be contacted on 07984 036274 or [email protected]
