Island Breezers
642 and 643 are two of the nine 1993 Leyland Olympians that have been converted to open top format. 637, 638, 639 and 641, are Volvo Olympians that were new to Bluestar in Eastleigh, but are the same as Volvo Olympians 752-759. They were transferred to Southern Vectis specifically to become open-top buses, but were used for a while in their original form. 601 is a higher version Volvo Olympian, also with Northern Counties body. This started life with London General, then moved to Bluestar where it lost its roof in an accident. It was transferred to Southern Vectis and converted into an open top. All seven of the Olympians are in the current Blue and Orange "Sunburst” livery designed by Best Impressions.
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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 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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Road Trains
609, 610 and 611 are road trains of different manufacture. All of them consist of an "engine”, which pulls either two or three "carriages”. They wear a bright orange and yellow livery. These "dotto trains”, as they are commonly known, are restricted to their own routes on and around the seafronts in Ryde, Shanklin and Sandown.
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