Leyland National Mk1 JMY120N - The Super National (Includes cold start, on board footage & drive by)

A short video of my own Leyland National Mk1, JMY120N, otherwise known as the Super National. We see the bus being started from cold, followed by internal and external footage of the bus being driven by myself around North Lincolnshire.
The Super National was a one-off version of the Leyland National single deck bus, intended as a kind of mobile boardroom on wheels. It had many features now considered standard on modern corporate coaches, including a colour TV, video player, radio telephone, secretary's desk, servery, fridge, aircraft style seats with selectable audio, toilet compartment and wardrobe. It was first operated by National Travel (South East) out of their depot in Catford in South London, and was used on special private hires. Over the years it had several famous passengers, including Dolly Parton and Fleetwood Mac. It was also used by the BBC in connection with their Seaside Special entertainment programme, and featured in the opening credits to the programme in 1976.
Mechanically, Super National was fitted with the infamous Leyland 0.510 8.2 litre fixed head turbodiesel engine, which developed around 200bhp at 2400rpm. Unusually, this was coupled to a 2-speed ZF fully automatic torque converter transmission, and high speed differential, giving it a maximum speed of (according to the original driver) well over 70mph.
National Travel operated the bus as a working PSV until January 1980, at which point it was sold to a company called SATRA Ltd (Soviet American Trade Association). This was a company linked to the Russian government, and were involved in the import of Lada cars to the UK. As far as I can tell, SATRA used the bus to transport dignitaries to events around the country. They painted it in a distinctive red and silver livery, but kept the original interior.
In the mid 1980's, the bus appears to have ben sold to a Hull based car dealer, although for what purpose it was used for there is unclear. It's next significant move was around 1986, when it was sold to Pirelli Tyres in Derbyshire, where it was used as a mobile training unit. Pirelli had the interior refurbished and altered slightly, the most significant change they made was to replace the aircraft style front seats with an inwards facing sofa style seat. They also made some mechanical alterations, with the 2-speed ZF transmission being replaced with the more usual Leyland Pnemocyclic 5-speed semi automatic unit. Sadly, it also had the high speed diff replaced too, giving it a reduced maximum speed of around 50mph.
Pirelli kept the bus until the early 1990's, when it was then sold for preservation. It was kept at Wythall Transport Museum for many years, still in Pirelli's mainly yellow livery. It had several changes of ownership, and at some point along the way it was treated to a repaint into original National Travel livery, but this appears to have been more of a cosmetic makeover than a full restoration. After being kept in London for a while, it was sold to a church group in Burton on Trent, who intended to use the bus for storing and distributing clothes for the homeless. By their own admission, it was far too big for their needs. During this time, it was kept on a private driveway , which must have pleased the neighbours no end.
I acquired the bus in May 2018 after it had been put up for sale on Ebay. I passed my test in a Mk1 National, and I have a fascination with oddball vehicles, so it seemed to be the perfect bus for me. Although the interior is not original, it is still completely unique. Upon close inspection, the bus was in remarkable condition structurally, but had a very tired looking exterior. Since acquisition, I have carried out a full external restoration, with all external panels from the roof downwards being removed and replaced or repaired as necessary. The interior is still unrestored, and is still in the, now very tatty, 1980's refurbished condition. I do intend to reinstate as much of the original style interior as possible, however this could be difficult given the number of missing items that appear to have been unique to the bus.
So for now, I have got the bus road legal again, and I intend to take it to several events during 2022. You can follow further restoration progress by visiting my Facebook page, a link to which is below:
/ project-super-national...

[@steelcity321pb6]

I remember those Leyland Mk1 busses like it was yesterday - I traveled to and from work on them. Time passes by so quickly. Whenever I see them, either in picture, on film, or in the flesh, it almost feels like they are, or should be in daily service.

[@scatmancraig1974]

This one never actually ran as a normal service bus due to the very non standard and unique interior. Instead it was used mainly on corporate private hires. They're still a modern looking bus, despite the newest one built being 36 years old!

[@stuartpattison1576]

Yeah man . It is crap when everything changes.

[@SuperCholdi]

That is a thing of beauty, especially in white! The soundtrack of my childhood, right there.

[@scatmancraig1974]

The white livery really suits the body style on this.

[@GWJUK]

Stumbled across this video and wow what a trip down memory lane. Those sounds, even the crashing of the suspension remind me of going to school in 1985 in Altrincham, Cheshire. I didn’t realise I loved a bus!

[@mikaelabowen5781]

This is glorious! I remember the Nationals replacing the BMMO buses of my youth and they seemed to modern at the time. This is a real blast from the past, not least because of that fabulous sound.

[@simonnelson7770]

Brings back happy memories of bus travel in the late 70s. Ours were green but I still remember that engine sound 😊

[@andrewhaines3259]

A sound of my youth! Rattling along in a Ribble bus around the Fylde in Lancashire. Modern buses don't seem to have the same quirks and characteristics.

[@steviesteve750]

That powertrain has an unmistakeable sound, brings back memories of bus travel in the 80s when I was a student.

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

She's an absolute beauty!! A real credit to you

[@mitchellhurd9300]

That sounded extremely healthy for a bus of around 40 years old - I'm well impressed 🙂👍👏👏👏👏👏 - 10/10

[@scatmancraig1974]

It's not done a huge mileage, largely thanks to it not being a normal psv as such. It clags and clatters just as a 510 engine should!

[@davidnm21]

Great memories I these. I live in the east of England and “Eastern Counties” Buses we’re our main operating group back in the 70s and 80s. I was lucky and got to drive some buses with a local company but it wasn’t for very long as I got a job working on the railways. Also I never drove one of these instead Bristol VR double deckers. I’ve let my PSV licence go a long while ago and certainly wouldn’t take it up now in my late 50s, but it’s lovely seen MH a bit of history on our roads. Nice sounds too!

[@scatmancraig1974]

There were plenty of VR's and Nationals where I lived in Lincoln. Sadly, I never got to drive the VR's as they weren't around here for quite as long, but I did drive several Nationals in service, but mainly the later Mk2 versions which sound completely different.

[@HighlandMike325]

Oh those windscreen wipers. I'm back on my way home from school 1984

[@scatmancraig1974]

They have a mind of their own, and being air powered, they make a lot of noise!

[@evo5dave]

My abiding memory of these in the 70s and 80s was that EVERYTHING crashed and rattled inside.

[@minidriversouthsweden5137]

Don’t worry about Greta that’s what gives the bus it’s recognisable and distinctive charm the new buses should be quiet and electric. Back in the days you could hear or if the bus was cold you could see the exhaust smoke from the National a whole neighbourhood away. This was just one bus I can imagine when a bus garage full of LayLand National buses starts up almost simultaneously good god. Mind if I smoke?

[@conesuela1]

The soundtrack of my childhood

[@neiloliver7950]

That noise just reminds me of going to school!

[@jamesfrench7299]

It reminds me of going home from school. We'd get a Bedford VAM in the morning!

[@cactuspharmer]

The sound of my childhood.

[@steventhornton4716]

I used to love these old things when I was a kid that sound is lovely a proper blast from the past

[@antdavis3843]

My school days started and ended with that engine sound!

[@JohnSmith-31]

Ah yes the Mk1 Leyland National. My all time favourite bus from 40 odd years ago when I worked as a PSV driver for Nottm City Transport.

[@scatmancraig1974]

We had a few ex NCT Mk2's at Lincs Roadcar, I drove one of them in service, but I drove more ex NCT Atlanteans than any of their other types.

[@jacianmcgurk7424]

The sound of that national semi-auto box brings back happy memories of going to and back from school,friends young faces popping into my head from the olden days. Thank you so much. :-)

[@MD-sl3he]

This absolutely made my day. My dad drove these for many years and I often sat with back the front windscreen when I went with him. These buses made the best sounds ever. It was the sound you looked forward to hearing on a rainy night.

[@andrewsmart2949]

personally i like the 53 series detroit scream LOL

[@craigbeaumont414]

she looks and sound great youve done a really good job, a testament to your skills

[@zigwoo999]

Oh my so many childhood memories 😆😀👍👍👍 love the engine noise and as for the exhaust smoke,i could taste it! Brought back memories of when i first started as a mechanic on old school diesels back in 1994! Oh and seeing badgerline buses firing up in the morning with clouds of smoke from these nationals and bristol vr's!!!

[@jamesthebiscuit]

Good old days before everyone tapping on their phones 24/7. A bus ride was a bus, something to enjoy.

[@JustinSmith-kn9ef]

Superbus lol well done on keeping it going especially in t!he cold east lol

[@jonmortermusic]

I remember getting on these buses in Chelmsford as a kid. I remember their unique engine sound

[@Jerrymouse79]

The same for me Jon. Loved hearing that engine again

[@willswheels283]

I remember Crosville Wales had a fleet of these back when I was a kid in the 80’s, that well known engine note takes me back to being on the bus with my mum. Good times!👍

[@Scousefire]

I spent my youth riding on these around Liverpool and surrounding areas, listening to Flock of Seagulls, OMD and Tear Drop Explodes on my walkman. The sound of that engine brings back as many happy memories as it would hearing 'Space Age Love Song' on the radio, BRILLIANT!

[@siraff4461]

That took me back to my youth. WMT had a load of these and that engine/trans sound will stick in your head forever. Some of the drivers were completely off their meds too. I'm always amazed I survived the 80's.

[@colinwhite5355]

A love of buses is not something you can grow out of, rather something you are drawn further in to. My small classic car business precludes ever being able to own one, due to size limitations, but I still get to watch great videos. You lucky man.

[@scatmancraig1974]

I find I have more involvement in the preserved buses when I'm not driving them for a living as well. I spend a fair bit of my spare time on this bus, plus the associated costs involved. It's nearly an hours drive to get to it from where I live, safe undercover storage can take priority over distance with buses, as they can deteriorate very quickly if parked outside for lengthy periods.

[@robbieryan1]

Sounds sweet just like a National should and it's really nice to hear it driven properly with the correct paused gear changes. As a lover of the Mk1 and someone who owned several at one stage it is a beautiful video

[@scatmancraig1974]

I'm not a perfect driver by any means, but I do try and drive properly most of the time. If I'm guilty of anything, it's having a heavy right foot. I do like to use all available revs, and the 510 is such a rev happy engine.

[@robbieryan1]

@@scatmancraig1974 as long as it's paused properly and the turbo is working ok a 510 will happily take a heavy right foot. Driver-wise, the gearbox will take a racing gearchange. Unfortunately, the gear bands don't appreciate it so much!

[@brumarly]

I've learnt something new to look out for, paused gear changes. Thanks 👍

[@robertcampbell9946]

A batch of these 1 st generation Leyland Nationals went to the J.O.S Bus Company in Jamaica to replace the older Leyland Olympics about 1973.By 1980 ,not one was on the road .The Olympics outlived its replacement.They were plagued with engine problems.

[@RETRO.86]

Beautiful bus 😍😍 love from the usa 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ianhudsontlm]

WOW, that engine noise takes me back ❤️

[@timpedder6046]

Nice to see the gearbox being used properly - pause in neutral on the way up and rev in neutral on the way down.

[@scatmancraig1974]

I try my best in that regard. Although it's harder on this because it's actually a lot quieter inside than the video suggests. Although the camera is at the front, the audio recorder was at the back, as you wouldn't have heard much of the engine at all otherwise.

[@timpedder6046]

@@scatmancraig1974 I guess it has extra soundproofing due to its 'VIP' duties, or maybe the extra features inside deaden the noise. You could certainly hear the engine ok in a conventional National! Anyway, nice job - both with the restoration and the driving.

[@petehudson595]

My childhood transport to school was a national, i can still remember the smell, sounds and vibrations. Great to see some have survived and may I add, expertly driven, after spending 30 years driving class 1 lorries I'd love a go in a National

[@scatmancraig1974]

Expertly driven? Which video were you watching... Lol. I do try and drive them right, if I'm guilty of anything, it's having a heavy foot most of the time.

[@duprebs4401]

Awesome. The sound of a Leyland National is cool.

[@DiecastPowderCoating]

My first bus route I drove was with the Nationals for Westlink in the mid 80s. I then moved to London County. Nationals were my bread and butter for many years. Great video and the sound brings back memories.

[@scatmancraig1974]

I cut my teeth as a pcv driver on Nationals too, but mainly ex Yorkshire Traction Mk2's.

[@DiecastPowderCoating]

@@scatmancraig1974 At the time, like most things they were what they were. It's great to see and hear them now. I work on the railways now, but was talking to a driver last week who I have known for ages. He said that he has a fully restored London Country National, without the roof pod, from Watford garage.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@DiecastPowderCoating B series which led to more sales from operators who wanted a simpler design. Derated engine HP reduced exhaust smoke and saved wear.

[@gospelman7222]

A trip down memory lane for me. I was a fitter employed at 2 local bus companies when the Mk 1 Nationals were on the run, they were always a bit skittish and could slide if you weren't careful when you were driving them. Best of all though, on a cold day, they were so much warmer inside than the other buses, mostly Bristols. Thanks for uploading.

[@scatmancraig1974]

I've heard that the handling can be unnerving at times, particularly on the earlier ones. I haven't noticed that with mine, but I don't throw it about too much to find out. I've only just resurrected the heating in mine too, and it now works very well.

[@gibbsey9579]

@@scatmancraig1974 They will also pick up a front wheel if driven into a hard turn.

[@ianpegge9967]

The mk1 series 1s (with the longer roof pod) were fun on a wet or icy road because of a lack of front weight. Also if the brake balancing system wasn't properly adjusted it could lead to hairy moments. The Mk1 series 2 (with the shorter roof pod) had better weight distribution by moving weight, such as the batteries to the front of the vehicle. They were generally better with a few passengers on.

[@Smurph60]

Am so glad we sold it to you..... Brilliant to know its looked after and treasured

[@justinobrien3593]

Nice bus i loved them as a kid we only had a few around the greater Manchester area but I had a ride on a few in the 1980s 90s happy days they was ex London with double doors they was still red I think they was then bought by ribble then pennine bus company bought them and first bus bought out pennine in the early 90s so the nationals disappeared probably off to the scrap yard sadly!!! Yours looks a nice restoration I love it 😍🤩🥰

[@TK42138]

Brings back memories as a kid going to Romford from Elm Park on the 252. Great looking - and sounding - bus.

[@andynixon2820]

The sound of that engine - it was the sound of my childhood . Thanks for posting the video and glad you're keeping this bus on the road .

[@scatmancraig1974]

Thank you! We had a fair few of them in Lincoln too, but I only drove the later Mk2's in service, and they sound completely different.

[@darrenbrailsford6809]

These things have a really strong place in my affections. Spent many many hours on Leyland Nationals especially the Mk1’s going to school and trips into town. A very distinctive sound they had and very loud lol. 👍

[@jonathanhasnip3700]

Love the sound of the national brings back happy memories of travelling in them!!

[@remjet2512]

Lovely, well produced video. You drive the bus really well and sympathetically. Nationals was always difficult to start in the cold. Even ones used everyday, all day.

[@dodge8366]

That sound brings back some memories they were still in service in Shrewsbury in the 90s when I was a kid

[@buffplums]

Used to love the Leyland Nationals I used to ride with Crosville F19 Heswall to Woodside Birkenhead that engine sound is really unique and still remember it. They were really fast too. The first ones we had were painted all green and had the green vinyl seats and the middle door for exiting. Then we got the ones with the white top, no middle doors and a warmer fluffy seat fabric

[@stuartpattison1576]

Great childhood memories with thoses buses.

[@fulwell1]

Takes me back to my days as a driver - starting the likes of these, Olympians and MCW's... at 6am on a winters morning the shed was absolutely full of 'reek'; hell, most of us would sign on early deliberately to get a coffee and then go and 'light the fire'

[@alcorfield1157]

The sound of that engine ..... sweet memories of school bus home

[@Djwatzy]

Just experienced this bus in Whittlesey and it was super smooth and comfortable and driven as it should 😜

[@jonathonbrambell8047]

Proper bus 👍👍

[@TheFokker03]

omg,music to my ears!I used to wake up to nationals starting at my local bus garage,which where i used to live was in the next street!05:15 every day,bar sunday,i never needed an alarm clock,the sound of 4 of 5 national's being started woke me up.Btw,nice to see Super National again.Thanks for the upload.

[@marksmith2482]

Super sound - brought memories back Nationals were constantly passing within 1 min of my house!

[@Xaid0nTT]

Such a nostalgic trip. These were still being used in Colchester until the mid to late 90s by Eastern National and Colchester Borough Transport, always remember waiting at the bus stop as a kid hoping one of these would rock up. These, Bristol VRs and Olympians (which are still being used on some routes) are some of the best sounding buses we had!

[@cliveevans5296]

Absolutely, along with the Atlanteans. My Dad drove for CBT, the sights sounds bring back so many memories! Plus this example looks amazing!!

[@scatmancraig1974]

I was driving Nationals in service up to 2005. Some had very long service lives, largely thanks to the way they were put together in the first place.

[@London1064]

Worked on many of these including the 'A' and 'B' Series during my years with 'LCBS'. Always nice to drive, Great video.

[@scatmancraig1974]

LCBS had one of the biggest, if not the biggest fleet of Mk1 Nationals. This one was a little unusual, as it had a completely different transmission when it was new, plus it had a lot of extra equipment fitted. But the engine and the rest of the running gear was pure Mk1 National.

[@London1064]

@@scatmancraig1974 543 Nationals. They worked well but tended to freeze up in the winter.

[@sobelou]

What a beautiful machine!! Thanks for posting!!

[@scatmancraig1974]

You're welcome!

[@alfredromeo5750]

Lovely sound. Brought back great childhood memories of school runs with West Yorkshire Road car drivers getting frustrated with remote gear change.

[@squidgypants722]

I remember getting on these to school in my town. That sound brings back many memories. They look much better in white than the horrible green ones we had.

[@scatmancraig1974]

There weren't many in white, most were either red or green. The livery on mine is unique to it, the stripes helping to set it off nicely.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@scatmancraig1974 I like it because it looks more like a typical Australian one, not so UK.

[@robhosking9399]

Absolutely magic video.! 😁👍 I grew up travelling on mk 1 and 2 nationals in the 1970s/80s in and around Nantwich/Crewe area, with dear old crosville.! And the noise of that clattery Leyland diesel, together with the smoke and gear changes are a wonderfull memory for me. I also remember the interiors be it cloth or vinyl seats vividly, and the whole interior used to smell of stale cigarettes in so many of them.! Love this vid.! And a beautifull example you have of a brilliant bus.!

[@craig7653]

That bit from 1.51. Fantastic. Brings back memories of my childhood. We used to get off the bus on a Saturday afternoon after shopping. Used to love the sound of the engine as the bus set off. Leyland National, Olympian and Lynx. Loved them all.

[@ronkessler1219]

My memories of driving the Leyland National on the 245 and 210 bus routes in London from Cricklewood was that absolutely everything shook and vibrated inside the bus,apart from that it drove well.

[@scatmancraig1974]

The original interior was very basic and rattly. But they do ride fairly well, largely thanks to the air suspension.

[@HairySYNC]

What a wonderful thing to own. Keep up the good work restoring. Love to the National

[@robertnicholson617]

Glad to see it running, it used to be parked in someone's driveway just round the corner from where I live when owned by the church group in Burton on Trent, I never saw it move!

[@scatmancraig1974]

I collected it from that driveway in May 2018. There's been a lot of work done since, and a lot still to do!

[@robertnicholson617]

@@scatmancraig1974 It looks and sounds great best of luck with it. The road you collected it from would of seen Nationals owned by Midland Red, Stevenson's and Arriva pass along in service!

[@allanblease]

This bus was my childhood bus i loved going on them to school or even to go shopping the bus sounds exactly as i remembered great bus even down to the doors being the old folding doors nice video mate nice to see the old girl the way she should be 😁👍

[@oilburner225]

I was driving for Western National at the Weymouth depot when we took delivery of several brand new Leyland Nationals. At the time I was I driving FLF half cab double deckers so the National was something from the future. We were given Driver Handbooks issued by British Leyland, that was the extent of any training but after the double deckers they were so easy to drive training wasn’t required. Unfortunately after a few years of service they became really noisy bone shakers. Nonetheless I still liked them, it was just the passengers that didn’t like them!

[@scatmancraig1974]

I've got one of those handbooks somewhere. They were definitely a modern looking bus when they came out in the early 70's.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@scatmancraig1974 I thought they were state if the art in 1979 not realising they were at the end of their production run. I'm stunned they were introduced in the early 70s! They set the tone for the square body shapes of buses decades later and look better!

[@trackmarshall105]

Hi great video…. I grew up at Owston ferry just 15 minutes from Scunthorpe, isle coaches which is still in the village running bus service ran theses, I must of been 7 -8 years old That engine and gear change sounds brings back memories ….all ways loved it when the national was doing the school run

[@scatmancraig1974]

I often see Isle Coaches buses out and about. I remember them having some Mk2 Nationals years ago, one of them is preserved and back in its original South Yorkshire PTE colours now.

[@robertdavies8176]

My favourite bus shape. Made plenty of Lego models of them.

[@robdavies7173]

Sounds lovely

[@NapierNimbus]

Agree other comments on the smooth sweet driving style. Love the sound of the engine and gear changes.

[@ginggur17]

I can just remember these as a kid in South Lincolnshire, was my favourite engine sound.

[@brianwilder5878]

Brings back memories of the 227 Crystal Palace to Chislehurst nationals when I was a lad

[@stumpusMaximus]

7:00 “Currently geared for 50mph, which conveniently happens to be the max speed of the road we’re on” then drives over painted 40mph on road 😅

[@ericgraham7026]

Hi Craig, when I watched your video I was dumbstruck! In 1974 I was a fresh-faced new driver at National Travel, Catford (formally Timpsons) and remember being very excited to look around our new executive “coach”, JMY120N. We did indeed have a number of contracts for musical bands transport requirement. One of our driver did some work for the Rolling Stones, transporting their equipment, and he got on so well with them that he accompanied them on a United States tour - as a guest, not as a driver. It has been joyous to see that the bus is still rolling and now being looked after very well. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@scatmancraig1974]

Hi Eric, thank you for your comment. Your not the first ex National Travel driver to have picked up on this video, there's another comment a while ago from a guy called Rodney (I can't remember his last name). I've also previously met Windy Gale, former regular driver of the Super National , and Cyril Knighton, who was the sales manager I think. I even found one of Cyrils old business cards stuck behind the steering column when I had it apart for refurbishment. I've still a lot to do to return the Super National to as it was built, as its been altered a fair bit inside. But the exterior I have tried to get as close as I can to as delivered 1975 condition, it's taken over 4 years and counting!

[@kurtmuller1861]

Congratulations. A wonderful job. I've always admired the styling of the Leyland National. It still looks good today (form follows function), and the paintjob you've given it enhances that great design.

[@scatmancraig1974]

I've only copied the livery it had when it first went into service in 1975. It does suit the lines of the bus very well.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@scatmancraig1974 I think you'll find Kurt was referring to the new paint finish, not the chosen livery.

[@scatmancraig1974]

Quite possibly so. All done by hand too, not sprayed. Although it would have been sprayed originally, I'm far better at brush painting than I am at spraying!

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@scatmancraig1974 That was done by brush?? You must be exceptionally skilled. London's LSs were brush painted at overhaul at Aldenham I read.

[@scatmancraig1974]

@@jamesfrench7299 well, the white paint was, but the stripes are vinyl. Even the wheels were done by hand. If you look at my Facebook page for the bus (Project Super National), there's loads of restoration photos on there.

[@briantitchener4829]

These were very smart-looking buses. Brings back memories. They once seemed to be found everywhere in the UK. Great video.

[@crazyleyland5106]

They were standard issue for the National Bus Company, all over England and Wales. The only NBC company that didn't have any was Oxford.

[@mervynsands3501]

Nice one, long may it keep running!🙂👍

[@briandamaged323]

I spent so much of my teenage years in the late 70s/early 80s on Midland Red 'Reddibus' Nationals, this takes me RIGHT back. Fantastic to see it on the road.

[@allanm6246]

The Scottish Bus Group ordered loads of them. Can remember running around in an Eastern Scottish one now and then.

[@Class58001]

Why do i like this national so much.. Gorgeous

[@MrJTownsend1]

Great to see and hear this; it brings back many memories. Well done and keep up the great work!

[@greengrass9572]

Wow ,that's a serious trip down memory lane , first and middle school days. That sound especially. They used these in my part of Surrey, not sure who operated them but they were light green. They used to belch out an awful lot of smoke, come to think of it they were too big for the roads there. Someone threw a banana at the windscreen once , then the wipers went on and it made a proper mess!

[@scatmancraig1974]

I think London Country were the main operator in Surrey, they were definitely in a green livery, and they had a lot of Mk1 Nationals.

[@greengrass9572]

@@scatmancraig1974 yes that rings a bell 👍

[@simonroyle2806]

As a 70s school kid I rode these into Guildford, operated by Alder Valley, I recall them being red. Very noisy so people had to shout.

[@drivingandflying]

Great sounding engine. And a great restoration job too.

[@scatmancraig1974]

Thank you!

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Brings back memories on this sort of bus in early 80's visiting Gran from Preston Railway station to her place nearby; we called the bus a Chicken chaser.

[@scotttait2197]

This bus is as old as me (50), and in far better nick , thanks for shating

[@GrahamColeBiz]

The sound track of my teens! It makes me want to press my head up against a vibrating glass window, and... Zzzzzzzz...

[@anthonyrourke6196]

Nice one Mr Cole 👍

[@anthonyrourke6196]

And the rear seats vibrating with the tick over from engine

[@christastic100]

Im guessing I will be saying the wrong thing amongst enthusiasts but It would imagine it would make an excellent mobile home conversion . What a nostalgic revisit of those less sophisticated clanky buses back in childhood times. Looks in fabulous condition for its age .

[@scatmancraig1974]

I agree, it would make an excellent motor home. When I bought it on Ebay, I was bidding against someone who wanted it b for that exact purpose. But its survived for 47 years without being converted, so it deserves to survive for another 47 years the same way.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@scatmancraig1974 glad you grabbed it but with the right owner, would make very nice accommodations.

[@-DC-]

Nothing like the sound smell and feel of a National absolutely cracking video .

[@pault8714]

Such a familiar sound from riding on these buses as a child.

[@richardcollins7593]

Hello Craig. Had to comment on bringing back memories of the old bus es. Tremedous noise , smell everything old diesels had . You make the driving look easy . Thanks for that bit of time you brought back .

[@scatmancraig1974]

The driving part is easy. With only two pedals and power steering as standard, it was about as easy as they came.

[@bunganail]

I used to travel on these buses in Melbourne Australia for years. Would love to see one again.

[@andrewsmart2949]

plenty still in tasmania LOL

[@jamesfrench7299]

They had 2 speed automatics like this bus used to have!

[@Mattd252]

Great video - lovely bus. Childhood memories of the deafening whine and the clag as I got off the bus and it drove away…

[@johnparkinson1708]

That onboard sound brings memories back to those early morning runs from hucknall to Nottingham in the late 80 s on my way to college

[@dave-iron2164]

Always good to drive, thanks for the memory.

[@bradwakey90]

Superb video, well put together, and some great memories of the engine sound from my childhood! I remember when these were all over the place!

[@robertmatthews8302]

Didn't expect such detailed feedback from you Craig.I also knew these guys very well at work. The Engineers changed personnel constantly at that time. The works foreman was Jim Laroche, I haven't kept up to date at all with the old'uns. Couple of names I remember on the traffic side were Johnny Sparks, Lionel, Harry Guntrip & a few others. I'm knocking on 70 now. These were good chaps to work with.

[@rydermike33]

A lovely old bus. Well done with the restoration so far and good luck with the interior work.

[@ianmiller6698]

I remember driving these in service, they were lovely to drive.

[@scatmancraig1974]

They were one of the first buses to have a cab that was ergonomically designed around the driver. So although they were quite basic, they were very comfortable to drive.

[@colingausden2102]

Great sound, thanks for sharing.

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

The sound takes me right back to when the old Southdown 109 used stop outside my Nan's house. We would catch it into town and back again. Thanks for a great video

[@gitface007]

Amazing seeing a National (and such a special one at that) in Sunny Scunny. Fond memories of riding LRCC’s as a kid especially the Tracky RKW-R and SWE-S ones then my college bus was Trent Motors SAE753S for a year or so. Happy Leyland 501 days

[@scatmancraig1974]

Other than the training buses, I never got to drive the Mk1's in service at Roadcar, but I drove many of the Mk2's. Mostly out of Lincoln depot, but I did spend a few months at Scunthorpe in early 2002. My Super National is kept not far from Scunthorpe, so it's usually part of my route when I'm out and about.

[@didierpironi1263]

Loved driving Mk1 nationals, we had them and Mk2 nationals when I worked for Eastern National at Colchester depot in the 90’s. “Our” Mk1’s had the exhaust under the rear bumper exiting to the offside. On cold mornings the fitters used remove the air inlet pipe and light a rag to suck heat into the turbo to assist starting, don’t think the cold start feature ever worked!

[@iankp5901]

They didn't have a cold start system. Purely reliant on building heat from the compression of the engine alone. Hence the alternative methods often used to start them.