FTT 704

FTT704 was used by Western National at their Totnes Depot for most of its life with that company. It was one of a batch of five Bristol K6As, fitted with Strachan lowbridge utility bodies, and delivered in 1945.

In 1955, the utility body was removed, the chassis renovated and the older shield-shaped KV radiator replaced by one of the PV2 type. The new ECW body was one of the last traditional lowbridge bodies manufactured by the coachbuilders.

FTT704 was collected from Axe Vale Coaches’ yard in October 1973 where it had been left by a preservationist after a head gasket had blown. A new head gasket was fitted at the yard, the vehicle was then bump-started and driven back to Bristol and it has been with the BVBG ever since.

Technical stuff:

Manufacturer:  Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co

Type:  K6A

Chassis No:  WI132

Registration No: FTT704

Date of first registration: 1945

Fleet No: 353

Engine: AEC 6 cylinder

Body manufacturer: Strachan (original body), Eastern Coach Works (current body)

Seating (originally): L27/26R

Seating (current body): L28/27R

Original operator: Western National

Withdrawn: November 1968

Subsequent owners:  

• North, Sherburn in Elmet, (dealer), November 1968
• HFJ Cheek, Bushey, Herts, September 1969
• P Webb, Reading (preservation) February 1972
• A Bailey, Biddisham, Somerset, 1973
• Bristol Vintage Bus Group October 1973.

Livery:  Western National