GJY 612 | Leyland PD2 | Fleet No. 397

New to Plymouth City Transport in November 1953 as HJY297, GJY612 was part of a large batch of Leyland PD2s ordered with Leyland bodies for the corporation. Plymouth was an early adopter of one man operation, with 397 withdrawn from passenger service in 1968 and converted to a training vehicle. The vehicle remained with the corporation until 1989, being subsequently sold initially to an independent driving instructor, but soon after sold to Southern National (Red Bus) for further training duties.

Sold into preservation in 1993, 397s restoration started in 2011 by new owner Duncan Richardson utilising parts from former 396 which was initially preserved but found to be in poor material condition. Extensive work was undertaken by its previous owner including, but not limited to, reinstatement of the cab bulkhead, renew of all woodwork, repair to the frame work, new decks and refurbished seats.

The vehicle was sold to its current owner in August 2024. While never operating in Cornwall, the vehicle is representative of a large number of former Plymouth half cabs that were sold to Cornwall independents including two of the same batch to Grenville Motors. The vehicle remains operational and will be 'repainted' and sign written into the correct Plymouth colours in 2026.

This bus is owned by David Jory.

If you have any stories or photos of GJY612 you'd like to share, please email David Jory at davidjjory@gmail.com