Friday, December 13, 2013

The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round at Charterhouse


A 1960 Routemaster London bus is one of the more unusual lots entered into the Charterhouse auction of classic and vintage vehicles on Sunday 16th February.

“Over the years we have been instructed to sell just about every make of car from Ferrari to Ford and Sunbeam, to Skoda, but it is the first time we have been asked to sell a Routemaster bus.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Once a common sight in our major cities, they are now highly sought after by collectors or business people looking to start hire companies, and this bus is estimated at £25,000-30,000 when it goes under our hammer!”

The double decker bus, painted in its iconic red livery, has been used as a business by the owner since 2005, who is now looking to retire. It appears on the credits of The Antiques Roadshow and has been hired on many occasions for Prom nights, been taken on numerous road trips with stag and hen parties along with groups looking to travel in an alternative and different form of transportation. Interest in hiring the bus has not only come from within the UK, but there have also been bookings from Australia, USA, France, Luxembourg and other countries. 

This Routemaster was last in public service in Reading when it was de-commissioned. During its working lifetime, it is estimated to have travelled about 1,500,000 miles, enough to go to the moon and back three times, and can be driven on the majority of car licence’s, although if it is being used for hire a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) operator’s licence will be required.

Charterhouse is now accepting for their forthcoming programme of auctions including their Beswick and Royal Doulton and other antiques auction in January and classic cars and motorcycles in February.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney, Associate Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 www.charterhouse-auction.com or via email on info@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Just the ticket  – the 1960 Routemaster double decker bus being sold by Charterhouse in their classic vehicle auction on Sunday 16th February £25,000-30,000
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For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner