223 “M223SVN” new to Stagecoach Transit back in 1995, working at Stockton depot for 4 years before transferring to Stagecoach in Hull. It was finally withdrawn by Stagecoach in 2010 and disposed of to Ensignbus (Dealer) where it subsequently passed to independent Red Kite, Leighton Buzzard. Who operated her for the better part of a decade.

Approaches where made with Red Kite during 2019 and the group successfully purchased her in June 2019 and drove her the 200 mile journey home in stifling 35c heat, we showed her in ‘as acquired’ condition at the Seaburn and Keighley rallies towards at the end of the 2019 season.

During early 2020 the opportunity arose for 223 to be given a full external restoration, regaining her iconic green, white and yellow “Transit livery, complete with the authentic ‘Part of The Stagecoach Group’ strapline.

Unfortunately, Covid pandemic restrictions meant that it would be 16 months before we could debut her amazing restoration at the 2021 NEBPT North East Bus & Coach Show at the Metrocentre! She has performed well over the full 2022 and 2023 rally seasons and attracted attention at local events and further afield. She now further benefits from a complete retrim in her original Stagecoach striped moquette, completed during the 2022/2023 Winter.

Specification
Chassis: Volvo Olympian
Body: Northern Counties Palatine I
Fleet Number: 223
Year New: 1995
Withdrawn: (from Stockton Depot) 1999
Acquired by Group: 2019

Technical Details
Engine: Cummins L10 (220hp)
Transmission: VOITH 853.3 (3 Speed Automatic)
Top Speed: 50mph

Actual Status
Runner – but taken out of use for Winter maintenance.