THE SHOWBUS LONDON BUS IMAGE GALLERY
V class | Volvo Ailsa
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 In 1984 London Buses was experimenting with new vehicles before deciding on which model to purchase in the future. Three examples were purchased from Leyland (Olympian), Dennis (Dominator), MCW (Metrobus Mark II) and Volvo. The Volvos were all Alexander bodied Ailsas. V1 (A101SUU) was displayed at a special event at Chiswick Works alongside a new West Midlands PTE Metrobus for the guided busway in Birmingham. |
 Ailsa V3 (A103SUU) was the most interesting of all the experimental fleet. Advantage was taken of the Ailsa's front engine to produce a dual door version with the second pair of doors at the rear of the bus. The "Borismaster" was born ahead of its time. The bus ended its LT days with London Northern at Potters Bar, where it sustained roof damage and was sold to Black Prince of Morley. Black Prince repaired the bus and closed the rear platform and put it into service with its large Ailsa fleet. |
 Fully restored, V3 appeared at North Weald offering rides to rally goers. This view compliments the view above by showing the unique rear platform arrangement. The bus was then owned by Blue Triangle. |
 On display the Imperial War Museum at SHOWBUS international 2007 was V3. |
 Ailsa V3 also made an unexpected appearance at SHOWBUS 2009. |
 Arriving in the veluptuous grounds of Woburn Abbey for SHOWBUS international 2015 was V1.
Picture ref 15-3608 |
 Here is V1 on display that afternoon with Harpurs ex Dublin Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL, X424PFE, originally AV13 (00-D-70113). Also visible are Midland Classic's Scania Omnidekka 55 (TFA13) in commemorative Stevensons livery and former Lothian Buses Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident 606 (SN51AXO) sold to Ipswich Buses as their 24.
Picture ref B942 |
 Followed by Maidstone & District 5385 (LKP385P), V1 is seen arriving at Donington Park in 2016.
Picture ref 16-5886 |
 That first Donington Park SHOWBUS saw a stunning collection of Ailsas. In addition to West Midlands PTE's 4527 (TOE527N) and 4738 (JOV78P), SHOWBUS regular Maidstone & District 5385 and Derby 71 (TRR814R) - in the unfamiliar red and yellow livery of Black Prince of Leeds - we had Tayside's 273 (WTS273T) all the way from Dundee and former London Ailsa V1.
Picture ref 16-6006 |
 A second shot of the historic line up.
Picture ref 16-6009 |
 Metroline's Potters Bar depot welcomed back V1 to the depot Open Day in July 2017.
Picture ref B7675 |
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Jotus Models of Hong Kong produced a limited edition model of V3 and brought it to sell at SHOWBUS in 2009.
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In 2012 TTCdiecast commissioned this Jotus Ailsa to sell at SHOWBUS, London Northern V3, on route 263 to Potters Bar.
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