The D9 was a very advanced vehicle for it’s time, being of integral construction with many body panels made of glass fibre, indeed the whole roof is one moulded glass fibre panel. The powerful engine, power steering, rubber suspension and good visibility from the cab made this a very pleasant and popular vehicle to drive. An unusual feature is that the front wheels are set back from the front of the vehicle, resulting in a particularly small turning circle.

    This D9 was bought by Obsolete Fleet in London after it finished service with Midland Red. The D9s were popular with Obsolete Fleet, for conversion to open top, for running sightseeing tours around the capital and several D9s were used this way. 3035HA was subsequently used at Duxford Airfield, and eventually returned to the Midlands in 1987.

    After spending a few years outside, there is a lot of work to be done, but this has begun, and perhaps sometime in the near future 3035HA should return to Witton, for continued restoration.