11th July 2021 was a great day. Not only did I get to drive the wonderful KHW309E, I also managed a short drive in this very rare Bristol VR, in the shape of ECW bodied EWS753W. This is one of only two VRT's known to survive with a Leyland 680 engine (the other being ex Southdown JWV275W).
EWS753W was new to Bristol Omnibus in August 1981 as fleet number 5545. It was one of around 30 VRT's fitted with Leyland 680 engines, I think due to a shortage in the supply of Gardner engines. Most were retro-fitted with Gardner engines many years ago, thankfully this bus wasn't and makes all the right 680 noises! The bus is still in as withdrawn condition, it is hoped that restoration will commence soon.
This is just a quick video along some Gloucestershire country lanes, with that and the pouring rain meant that I wasn't able to stretch this long-legged VR to its full potential. But I felt very lucky to have been given the chance to drive it anyway, and big thanks must go to Mike Ede and Mike Ellis for allowing this to happen.
Негізгі бет The magnificent EWS753W - a Bristol VR with Leyland 680 power!
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