Bus Preservation and Rallies: The Early Years to 1980

The British are great at preserving their transport heritage, with forty museums in the UK and one in the Republic of Ireland with collections of buses (and sometimes trams or trolleybuses). The first regular event was the HCVC (now HCVS) London to Brighton Run in 1962, and the first museum sites were established in the 1960s. The rallies and Open Days we know today began to take off in the 1970s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The British have a remarkable track record in preserving their transport heritage, with a plethora of museums and events dedicated to buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The Buses magazine Museum & Rally Guide 2020-21 showcases forty museums across the United Kingdom, including one in the Republic of Ireland, that feature collections of these iconic vehicles. The rally calendar section is filled with hundreds of events taking place annually, a testament to the growing interest in transport preservation since the 1950s.

Prior to this, a few forward-thinking companies, such as The London General Omnibus Company (later known as London Transport), had set aside some old vehicles for preservation, but they were not regularly displayed. The true spirit of private preservation began to take shape in the 1950s, with the establishment of preservation clubs like the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club in 1958. A few early events were held, but it was in the 1960s that the rallies and Open Days we know today truly took off.

The Museum of British Transport, which opened in stages between 1961 and 1963, played a pivotal role in shaping the preservation and rally movement. This institution would eventually lead to the establishment of the London Transport Museum, further cementing the UK's commitment to preserving its transport heritage.

In addition to the Museum of British Transport, other notable museum sites such as the East Anglian Transport Museum at Carlton Colville and the Sandtoft Transport Centre also opened in the 1960s. These museums provided valuable opportunities for enthusiasts to explore and learn about the history of transport.

However, it was in the 1970s that the preservation and rally movement truly gained momentum. The decade saw the birth of iconic events like the London to Brighton Run, which began in 1962 and has continued to this day, attracting thousands of participants each year. The popularity of these events spurred the growth of other rallies and Open Days, showcasing the diverse range of transport heritage that exists in the UK.

This book takes a nostalgic look back at the formative years to 1980, when the seeds of the preservation and rally movement of today were being sown. It explores the passion, dedication, and hard work of those who have played a significant role in preserving and celebrating the rich history of transport in the UK. Through a combination of historical anecdotes, photographs, and detailed descriptions, this book provides a captivating journey into the world of transport preservation and rallying, offering a glimpse into the heritage that has shaped the country's transportation landscape.

Weight: 890g
Dimension: 287 x 225 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399087902