VDV 138S | Bristol VR | Fleet No. 938

Western National (Devon General) VDV 138S is a 1977 convertible open topper, one of 11 delivered to Western National/Devon General between November 1977 and March 1978. All of this batch were named after famous warships including 938 which was named 'Warspite'. When new, they were all painted in NBC red and white livery.

Only 943 (VDV 143S) 'Ark Royal' at Falmouth depot and 944 (VDV 144S) 'Vanguard' at Penzance depot were allocated to Western National in Cornwall, with 938 being delivered to Torquay depot. Transfered to Devon General when Devon General was split off from Western National in 1983, 938 remained in Devon until 1991 and was subsequently sold to Primrose Valley Coaches. Subsequently purchased by East Yorkshire in 1994, 938 was operated on Scarborough sea front until 2013. The vehicle was then sold to its last full time operator and returned to Devon to see out Bristol VR operation at River Link primarily operating between Torquay, Paignton and Totnes. 938 was the last VR new to Western National to remain in passenger service, being retired on the 2nd October 2016 after 39 years service.

938 entered preservation with Rob Sly, Tewkesbury, and returned to part time operation with Mendip Mule however was pulled off early with mechanical problems. Mechanical problems fixed, the vehicle was sold to its current owner David Jory in July 2024 for continued preservation.

It is felt that, while never operated in Cornwall, 938 is representative of a large number of open top VRs that have operated in Cornwall over the years. The group also has in its collection 941 (1003) which did operate in Cornwall.

The vehicle was well looked after during its service life however after eight years of outdoor storage the body is in need of substantial work. The bus was at one point repanelled and sealed which has preserved some of the woodwork, however all woodwork around the windows is being replaced and a complete new upper deck is being fitted. Upon investigation some of the lower deck will also need replacing. The panel work is in good condition so a full re-panel is not required. It is planned for the bus to make a limited return in 2025 and a completely restored return in 2026.

This bus is owned by David Jory.

If you have any stories or photos of VDV138S you'd like to share, please email David Jory at davidjjory@gmail.com

For photographic history visit http://bcv.robsly.com/vdv138s.html