Liverpool Corporation L801

L801 in service at Pier Head in its original condition.

HISTORY

L801 was part of the batch of 120 Atlanteans delivered in 1965 & 1966. It was one of the last Atlanteans to be fitted with a Leyland 0.600 when new as the larger Leyland 0.680 engine was fitted as standard from L820 onwards.

L801 in her original form with full destination gear (Picture courtesy of Tony Hunter)

L801 received a 0.680 engine in February 1968 subsequently receiving an 0.600 unit at some later date and was converted for one-man operation in July 1969, by Pennine Coachcraft but still retained its single door layout. This conversion was internally known as the Mini.

L801 seen after conversion to OMO.

L801 passed to the MPTE in December 1969. Withdrawn ten years later, it was sold along with L791 to Speke Airport Authority for use as an air bus transferring passengers from aircraft to the passenger terminal. In August 1984, after being replaced by a number of ex St. Helens AEC Swifts, L791 and L801 were kindly donated by the airport to the Mersey & Calder B.P.G.

L791 was stripped for spare parts for the groups other Atlanteans (L501, L801 & L835) and work commenced on restoring L801. Unfortunately, the loss of secure undercover accommodation at the Large Objects Store in Liverpool saw the work being stopped on L801 and it was placed into long term storage.

L801 seen outside the Large Objects store, next to sister L835.

L801 seen in 2003.