New To: Nottingham City Transport

Chassis: Volvo B10M-55 YV31M2F12SA043676

Body: Alexander PS 9502/2 DP48F

769 was delivered new to Nottingham City Transport in 1995 as one of a batch of five similar vehicles. The batch was originally constructed as part of a diverted Stagecoach Group order, making them an unusual acquisition for NCT at the time. Indeed, NCT only ever purchased five Alexander PS-bodied buses, placing 769 within a very small and distinctive sub-fleet in the company’s history.

The vehicle is built on the dependable Volvo B10M chassis, one of the most popular and proven single-deck chassis of the era, known for its strong performance and longevity. It is fitted with a front-entrance Alexander PS body with seating for 48 passengers. The “DP” (Dual Purpose) designation referred to its original high-back, coach-style seating, allowing it to be used for both stage carriage services and private hire work. The vehicle is now fitted with standard bus seating in preservation.

Upon delivery, 769 entered service in the final style of NCT’s traditional Green and Cream livery. It was not originally allocated to South Notts work, but was transferred there later in its service life. Following its transfer, the vehicle was repainted into the blue and cream stripe livery associated with South Notts services and became a regular performer from Gotham depot. For much of its later NCT career, 769 operated predominantly on South Notts route 1, becoming a familiar sight to passengers along the corridor.

In its final years with NCT, 769 received the Nottingham Network South Notts livery as part of the company’s wider network branding strategy during the 2000s. The bus remained in front-line service until its withdrawal in 2009, concluding fourteen years of operation in the Nottingham area.

After withdrawal, 769 passed to Veolia Transport and went on to operate various services around the Cardiff area, adapting to a different operating network and extending its working life beyond Nottingham.

The vehicle was acquired for preservation in 2011 and has since undergone an extensive restoration programme. This has included a comprehensive body rebuild with all exterior panels replaced, structural repairs, and significant mechanical overhaul work. The result is the preservation of not only a rare example of NCT’s small Alexander PS batch, but also a representative vehicle from the later era of Volvo B10M single-deck operation in Nottingham.