Bristol VRT
Three buses, from batches of VRTs bought in 1980 and 1981, are still in service. They have Gardner engines and ECW bodywork. Originally in National Bus Company leaf green and white livery, they have been repainted several times over the years. They were the first buses to have wrap-around adverts for various local companies including Moreys, Blackgang Chine and The County Press. Converted to open top between 2000 and 2002 and then painted in the bright orange open top colours in 2003, they have worked across all three tour circuits, latterly on The Downs and Sandown Bay tours. It is likely they will remain with Southern Vectis in 2008 as spare buses for the Breezer tours, although they may not be branded in the new colours. A further two VRTs were transferred from Solent Blueline in 2007 bring the total to five.
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Bristol K5G
The Old Girl, as she is affectionately known, is the oldest working bus in the UK, still operated by her original owner. She was new in 1939, built with ECW bodywork, type “B” destination blinds on the front and rear, and a Gardner 5LW 5-cylinder, 7-litre engine. CDL899 (and her sister DDL50, retired from service in 1969 and sold in 1979) entered service in apple green and cream livery. Her working life began on the Ryde to Cowes route, often taking workers to and from the shipyards during the Second World War. During her years she has seen a number of modifications, including having her roof removed in 1959 to make her the elegant open top she is today. Having undergone numerous livery changes, she has now been restored to her original open top colours of Tilling cream with green trim, and has also had her red destination blinds reinstated. She is the pride of the private hire fleet and is popular with wedding parties for transporting bride, groom and guests to and from wedding venues.
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Other open top buses
The open top section is currently being updated.
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