Morgan Motor Company plans a special way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Plus 8, displaying one of the last active Routemaster buses, also produced in 1968, alongside its own historic vehicles at various events in 2018.
“The Routemaster bus is arguably one of the most iconic vehicles in existence, it serves as a symbol of Britain and is part of our national identity,” Morgan’s managing director Steve Morris said in a news release. “It therefore gives us great pleasure to continue the life of one of the last decommissioned buses as our event space.
“Morgan has an exciting year ahead, and we can’t wait to utilize the bus at events all around the UK. Our plans for the bus will make it the ideal event space for Morgan customers and enthusiasts alike.”
The car company acquired the bus, the next to last that was still in service, earlier this year. The bus traveled more than 1.5 million miles during its working life, Morgan said.
The last Routemaster in active service resides at the London Bus Museum at Brooklands. Routemasters served British transit passengers from 1956-2005. The Morgan Plus 8 roadster was built from 1068-2004 but was put back into production in updated form in 2012.
Morgan’s bus — SMK 759F — is being refurbished in-house at the Morgan company in Malvern, UK, in preparation for its use as Morgan anniversary events this year.
I’d like to share a Morgan memory if I could: Several years ago I dragged my wife to the British car side of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. We met a very nice gentleman who was displaying his 1987 Morgan Plus 8 who was kind enough to invite first my wife to sit behind the wheel of his Morgan, then myself. That gave my wife the opportunity to get involved and connect that day in a way that she otherwise would not have. Ever since then, she’s fascinated by old Morgan’s. I’d like to thank that man again for giving my wife the chance to connect with my hobby in a way that I could not have at that time.
Thanks for sharing your story, James. We always try to encourage car owners to share the experience with others. Who knows, it just might spawn another car enthusiast and future collector.