Driving a London Bus! £2500 Bargain 

100% take this to the Nürburgring with a party of 26, would be a right laugh to see, and to see the time it would take to complete the track 😂

Driver: "But this one's been updated, so the rattling's not too bad." Bus: *very load rattling intensifies*

"Change the sign to 'Rail replacement' and park at the station" - Best line Ever Invented 😉👍 Wish I could do that with a car

"Change the sign to rail replacement, go and park at the station". Utter genius Lovely to see a man enjoying his bus

Wait let me get this right, he works as a lorry driver then on weekends he drives a car 40 miles to go drive around in a bus all day just for fun then he drives 40 miles back home in a car? On his day off! Legend.

As a bus driver myself, the Darts were one of the best buses to drive. Rattly and a pain to start when warm, but much better than modern buses 100%

Drive it as an Uber

Saw a London Dart scooting round my home town and wondered what it was doing. Now I know! Weird to see familiar roads on one of these RU-vid videos. Nicely preserved bus and great video 👍

Haha this is legendary! 😃 You could take it to bus rallies and have it as an unofficial pub crawl bus 'cash only' 😁

7.8/10 not enough rattling. On a serious note, there is something oddly entertaining about buying an old bus like that and just using it as you would any other vehicle, like taking mates down to the pub and all. My dream vehicle would be an old bus on a Scania L94UB bus like a Access Flowline or Solar, purely for the sound but I think I'd gotta focus efforts on learning to drive beforehand! Great video and got a chuckle from the Senna reference.

I'm neither a bus driver nor British but I am quite sure a post 2000 city bus under 2.5k £ is a decent bargain.

I was a driver for 12 years, nearly always had a Dart SLf, Marshall, Plaxton, East lancs (only a few) or Alexander bodied, the Marshall bodies liked to eject their windscreens as the body became loose and they did rattle , great to drive, much better than the Optare or Volvo B6's we also had. I'd be tempted if I had storage, that's a lot of vehicle for the money. 👍

When a bus is cheaper to tax than a 1.0 car we know the government are out to get us 🤣🤣

7:20 😂 It's limited to 45 miles an hour, at this point it hits 46 mph and something instantly breaks😂😂😂

This is what I imagine it feels like when you rob a bus on GTA V

I remember driving these in Huddersfield from 2002 to 2009 at Firstbus. We had R reg and S reg long and medium wheelbase versions. They were sluggish up hills, but were a smooth drive and were nicely lit up inside.

@9.27 Sainsbury's diesel price of £1:48.9! Ah, those were the days Simon.

About the best single deckers to drive. We had some with the 5.9 6 cylinder. Absolute flying machine.

It was called Dart for a reason as the acceleration out the Bus Stops was legendary

I service Enviro 400’s in the US where they were only imported as tour buses, so it’s neat to see these original buses in their element.

I miss the old busses, especially this one and the double versions of this very spec. This is legit my old 203, 235, 110 bus which I take for school growing up. This bus right here got me into learning more in depth about TFL busses generally. From there it has gotten me into becoming into becoming a car guy too Edit: The best thing about these old modelled busses were that they had legit terrible radiators for the passengers and also the driver was the only individual that would have the radiator on, in a very cold damp season of London.

This is the best re-use of an old Dart I've ever seen. Love it!

You made me smile again today. I remember that engine whine from when I used to board the 274 St John's Wood to Islington for work. Great to re-purpose for pub crawls and generally nurturing local communities that have a crap public transport system - how to fund it without getting drawn into the law? Maybe have a word with local Community transport groups. Wheelchair accessible is much needed. Could be a step up from my 7-seater GM Zafira 2008! Subscribed - go viral

My old local bus on the R68.. lol

Whoa. This reminds me of a primary school I used to attend back when I lived in Australia back in the early 2000s, as their school bus they used for excursions _(edit: at the time)_ used to belong to Transperth for one of their public bus services. The Transperth logos on the livery were removed, but there were still some stickers for warnings and such on the inside, and if I recall correctly, remnants of where the old MultiRider card reader used to be installed.

This is one of the most amusing things... as a frequent user of London buses especially. The rail replacement bit, oh my god. Also, seeing an older beaut like this is rather nostalgic for me, as one of the sorts of buses I would have ridden on when I was younger. Engine noise, rattling and all.

I own a Dennis Dart myself, it was a spare bus for Cardinal Buses in Surrey and it was Ex-Go Ahead London based, planning to convert her into a camper van soon.

I am loving the smile on your face as your driving that bus you look like your really enjoying it.

Driving Darts for many years in Brighton, my only complaint was that there was no where to stretch out my left leg - very cramped in that respect - Great video, thanks for posting

All Dart SLF's actually are 4 speed. It just sounds like it has 5 gears as it the torque converter locks up in 2nd.

That was brilliant really enjoyed watching this !!! Should definitely do a part 2 haha

Glad that youtube randomly recommended this video and really enjoyed watching. Think it was the obvious joy in your face while you were driving and talking about the bus.

Love this guy's natural delivery, I would defo be a regular view should you increase your content.

I am a bus driver in London… I am driving bus for RATP GROUP London United London sovereign…. we he’d few this buses in our garage in 2014 they were called as DPS and most of the drivers use to hesitate to drive because the brake paddle on this buses was bit and hard… … You have done a excellent video and great explanation…. 👍🏻 How is the breaking on your bus ….

Smiled all the way through the video. And, the outro was dope.

I passed my test in a dart, back when darts had just come off the road. Enviro 200s, euro 4 , were commonplace at the time. I had so much fun learning to drive buses in a dart. In my 8 years of being a bus driver as a 27y/o, ive only ever driven 2 darts. Shame about that. Being a learner was a cracking experience.

Love how you can see your first attempt at the roundabout at 8:43

I remember these buses on the 239 route in London (now discontinued) I only liked these ones as the doors opened inwards and I had a massive phobia of the plug doors growing up!! 😂

as soon as I saw how happy you were with this purchase I subscribed, legend

The unfailing grin on your face throughout the entire video says it all. :D What an amazing thing to have. Nice one. :)

My memories of the first Darts was very good but brakes were like a switch . You had to press them lightly and a adventure when roads were wet .

Brilliant. I've had dreams where I've bought a Double Decker and am rolling around the country exploring. Still don't understand why, but I get them.

Great video, Simon! Better than a lot of ‘professional’ RU-vidrs.

Old buses are fun! I have a 1961 Bedford SB3, 1968 Austin 2.45F, 1983 MAN SL200, and a 1986 Mercedes O305. Getting bits for all of them are a right pain!

Thank you Simon for sharing your story. You living your dream. Could arrange a Pub crawl avent: Party bus. Nothing wrong in just having fun. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.

This gave me so much joy to watch and I’ve now decided I have to own a bus in my lifetime

I love your presenting style, keep it up lad!

The design of the Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF is so timeless and common on London roads at one time, I didn't even realise that they have now started to go to private owners or preservation.

Really enjoyed this video. Would love to see more like this!! Subscribed :)

Love this video. We need to see more of this bus

I guess that bus would be really handy for moving your friends around when you can find a place to park it or you could convert the bus into a motor home! :)

You got a dart for £2500? Fucking hell I wanna get one of these just for the childhood memories haha

I always wondered if old city buses were for sale and if they'd make fir good camper conversions. I see the odd grey nomad in Australia tour with ancient Greyhound buses from the 70s making their rounds.

Only 182 subscribers! This channel deserves alot more than 182 subs. Such an under rated account, Keep up the good work!

Stagecoach surrey and hants are running busses this age and similar spec currently in aldershot and the blackwater valley with no sign of upgrading anytime soon

Keep that thing rolling....my suggestion would be a custom destination blind for the pub crawl/stag night business

I hope one day I would be able to own classical buses like the Plaxton President DAF that operated in 98 route and many different routes. For my own sanity I would add a colour skirt cause my goodness, it looks good for it.

Got sent this video by a friend, thoroughly enjoyed watching it and it's great that you've saved that Dart haha. Have subscribed :)

Great vid 👌 probably built that vehicle 20 years ago at adl Falkirk plant acan remember driving them brand new Great wee busses

Darts still putter round my local, 481 generally but I’ve known that whine for some 6 years. I now want to do the same! Haha

for £2500 you've got yourself a lovely set of wheels there! Any more videos coming xDDDD?

Im going to sub just because this video made my day lol need more vids on this bus

These buses were my childhood bro 😢😢, banging video btw

I just remembered a funny story about our dennus Marshall darts at first rainham. As I previously mentioned we had discussed and dml variants which one had single door and the other had twin doors. They had a talking self diagnostic system with warnings for apply handbrake and so forth well one dms with single door had an identity crisis. It used to come out with centre door open. When I first heard it I looked round out of the cab and thought hang in I'm in a dms with one door. Lol.

When the 302 used to be assigned to the bus it was the only bus I was looking forward to getting on

you've inspired me to become a bus preservationist when I'm older, thank you!

I thought it was the Green Man in Sandridge when I saw it! Been there a few times, will have to keep an eye out for you and the bus!

My town has Darts in active service. Despite their age they do the job well.

american viewer here. ive always wanted to own a bus. like a retired C40 or something. ive always been a bus enthusiast and ive always wanted to own a bus to ride around my friends in nyc and drive on tight roads that a bus shouldnt be on. nice video!

These Dennis Darts were so good back in the days in London and the plaxton pointer model engine aswell

The Darts were great buses when new simple control's the only issue is drum brakes have to give yourself a bit of space to progressively brake

Do more videos please!! This is quality

Simon the bus is cheaper to travel on then parking a car in a town centre car park and it's handy for school contracts or for wedding receptions

Imagine when people see the bus, they're putting their hand out, and people are wondering why you aren't stopping.🤣🤣😁

In next weeks episode, how to get rid of annoying squeaks on a bus. Sponsored by WD40

Love the view from the cab.

Love the commentary Hahahahah you’re a funny bloke 😂

I feel like I am back on the 235 again 😉 Great video 😎

Amazing video mate 🙂 Great content

The last model of buses where you could open the assault screen I used to drive around with it up and the passengers used to look at me like I was a gangster bus driver... If they wanted to take a swing they will welcome. They never did. Hahaha 😂😂😂

£110 to insure?! I’ll defo have to take a look at buying one, would be the ultimate camper conversion!

Fair play to you mate I’d own one aswell if I had the space for it and parking, I’ve had some darts up to the restricted Speed 56 MPH, I’m not sure if they would do more

Please make more videos! I don't know about what but I'm fascinated and now tempted to purchase a bus and acquire a license! Your insurance is cheaper than mine on a Ford Fiesta/VW Golf ahaha. Definitely worthwhile even buying a cheap lapel mic and clapping to sync audio/video if you are planning any future videos

5:50 I work at that station, ill definitley keep an eye out for any suspicious looking Dennis Darts 😉

Genius for free parking with the Rail Replacement sign... until the council finds out

You can use the bus lanes 😂😂 what a great idea!

I used to drive these at Stagecoach, if you maxed it out in 4th and quickly slip it into neutral and back into drive with your foot on the floor it would trick it into unlocking 5th, then youd get to about 60mph - not recommended on something you have to fix yourself mind!

This is a cool video. With a nice thumbnail and title, you might be able to earn a lot of views - driving my bus through McDonald's sounds very appealing 😂

Thanks for this. Since i was a kid i wanted 5 of these. Now i need 5 ALX400's too 🤔.....

I used to drive buses. Loved the Darts - always tried to blag one.

Love to see more videos with the bus ❤🎉😊

This is just so wholesome. I want one too now.

Great video. Good choice too.

So many memories on these and other single deckers!

You handled that big bus like a pro lol .

Would make a lovely spacious camper😍

I think this bloke is my new hero.

Awesome content! I love buses! 😁

Plezzxx more on this bus plz ive been trying to see a London bus bought by real people than companies

Were all going on a summer holiday. How cool is this bus, I want one, now.