BMC Training Unit Bus

[Silverghost]

I knows a coupla guys in Puerto Rico who could use dis ting heah........ :laugh: Nah....fuggeddaboudit..... <--- where did THAT come from...??? LOL

 

[Brimen]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Hey, you all.....</span>

Been a bit quiet out there for a while!!!

Doesn't anyone have any info to chare??? I have found some newspaper articles from several events at local BMC dealers, but still searcing for actual photos. It was six units cruisin across North America in 1963 - 1965. About fifteen more in the rest of the world. There must be someone who knows anything. Can anyone confirm that those busses were build on a BMC/Morris FFK 140 chassis ??? And was it a Perkins 5.7 litre, 120 hp, or 5.1 litre, 105 hp. engine used???

Many thanks,
Brimen.

Feel free take a look at photos:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brimen/

 

[Brimen]

Does anyone out there have photos of Training Units like this one??
It's the first edition of those busses. A bus like this had a six months journey through the Caribbeans 1964.

Thank a lot,
Brimen.

 

[Brimen]

<span style="text-decoration: underline">My latest info:</span>

In the BMC newspaper <span style="font-weight: bold">"The BMC Rosette"</span> June 1963, there is an article about some units says
<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">"at present there are some 30 of these units in operation throughout the world".</span> </span>

The production number are highly risin from six (some months ago) to "<span style="font-weight: bold">some 30's</span>" now, and this number comes from BMC themselfs !!!

All kind of info and photos are highly welcome.


<span style="font-weight: bold">MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!!!</span>

 

[GeeBee1]

Brimen

Keep us posted this is interesting stuff.

Pat

 

[WA1KWA]

"It's the first edition of those busses. A bus like this had a six months journey through the Caribbeans 1964.
"

Wow, THAT must have been seriously expensive. Not ma,y bridges connecting the islands in the Caribbean.

Great stuff, Thanks!


Colin

 

[Brimen]

About the Caribeean tour, here's a copy of the article in the Jamaican newspaper

THE DAILY GLEANER, May 9, 1964.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Instruction
classes for
mechanics</span>

Two highly trained factory
instructors, Mr. Christopher
G. Robson and William
Salmond from the British Motor
Corporation Service Ltd.
last week started the first mobile
training school for mechanics
ever held in Jamaica.
Their job is to instruct a group
of mechanics employed with
BMC dealers in Jamaica and
neighbouring Caribbean areas
in up-to-date servicing procedures
for all BMC vehicles, private
and commercial.
Mr. Christopher G. Robson, a
service instructor with the
BMC Service Ltd. in Oxford,
England, came to Jamaica
on April 14 from Trinidad
following a 14 week training
period there to await the arrival
of the giant 30 feet long
BMC Service truck, which is
being used, is equipped with
demonstration machinery that
includes break units, rear
boxes, fuel pumps, carburetors
and all items necessary for
conducting an extensive <span style="font-weight: bold">six
month Caribbean training
course</span> aimed at improving the
standard of service in this
market.

Some tour, yeahhh???

"Brimen"
NORWAY

 

[WA1KWA]

It's a man's life in BMC Service!

Colin

 

[healeynut]

Hey hey hey, lookie what's in the background behind the Lancia!

eBay Car for Sale


It helps if you press the "supersize" button for the picture....

 

[tony barnhill]

Contact him & see what he wants for it!

 

[healeynut]

Contact him & see what he wants for it!

I contacted him and this is his response (I'll post the pics separately):

Here is a link to more photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/27560220@N03/sets/72157606341405930/detail/


This is the only example left in North America of the two that were originally sent here. It is BMC's equivalent of GM's Futurliner.

> BMC (British Motor Corporation) consisted of several makes and brands. In the early 60's, the BMC management decided to build some busses to provide support for BMC's racing efforts. These specialized vehicles were also used for public relations, and to train and educate dealers and mechanics around the world. These were for official BMC use, and never sold to the public until they were retired from active service.
>
> Designed in Italy by Pininfarina and coachbuilt by Marshall's Aerospace of Cambridge, UK (The BRM bus was also built by Marshall's). All alloy construction including inner body structure similar to an airliner.

> This should be considered a piece of history, and, with its Pininfarina coachwork, it would be fitting to change the color scheme to blood red, and have it lettered with "Scuderia Ferrari" script. This would be an asset to any vintage race team and would be an incredible sight in the pits. It is at least as stylish as the famous BRM & Ecurie Ecosse transporters.
>
> One of the other Pininfarina busses has been converted with an opening rear panel to load cars. The example displayed here is still in its original configuration. If the next owner does not choose to keep it original, it could be converted to haul cars, tow a trailer, or simply be used as a driver's lounge (or posh apartment on wheels) at the track. It could also be used by a manufacturer for promotions, as it certainly draws considerable attention.
>
> The engine has been upgraded with a later Perkins diesel and it runs and drives well, and looks incredible going down the road! The pedals are arranged like a vintage Gran Prix car (gas pedal in the center). Left hand drive. There are several large compartments on the sides for tools and equipment. Length is 30' overall, with 15' tailfins. Nice unrestored condition, with a beautiful patina of age that is impossible to replicate.
>
> Serious offers considered.

 

[healeynut]

Here's the link to all the pics you could ever want:

BMC Unit Training Bus

 

[Brimen]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Helloooo...


Does anyone out there have any copies of the BMC inhouse newspaper "THE BMC ROSETTE"???
Paper copies are highly welcome, but also PDF's.

Here is a photo from a BMC info folder, issued 1966.</span>

I see that some of you out there referes to the "Competition Dept." regarding those busses, the right thing should be the "Service Dept."
There were only two Units transfered to the Comp's, (1964??), and one were used as a race transporter, licence BMC34.

More photos at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brimen/

See you !!!

 

[JPSmit]

OK so I'm watching this (DKW) racing video

https://www.archive.org/details/dkw-zandvoort

there's no sound but what a timecapsule!

anyway, about 13:30 in there is a pan of what appears to be another team bus. Take a look

 

[thebmcrosette]

does anyone have the bmc rosette and the leyland times magazine to scan or pdf plez

 

[tony barnhill]

Victoria - Moss - & maybe others.

 

[Brimen]

OK so I'm watching this (DKW) racing video

https://www.archive.org/details/dkw-zandvoort

there's no sound but what a timecapsule!

anyway, about 13:30 in there is a pan of what appears to be another team bus. Take a look

Thanks for your tip, but it isn't what I'm looking for. They wasn't "on wheels" before 1962 - 63.
Funny to see those DKW's racing around!! Made a good laught.

I've got a lot of helpful info from some in AU, take a look at my tread at:
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=48407

Also got a newspaper article from BigAl regarding those two units he owned that was based at the Hamilton Distribution Centre, Canada. (Old Autos, Oct.4, 1999).

By the way: Do you have the original article that you mail me some time ago?? Or, maby perhaps, the complete paper??

Many Thanks JP,
appreciate your help.

 

[Brimen]

does anyone have the bmc rosette and the leyland times magazine to scan or pdf plez

Any luck yet Mr.????

 

[BugEyeBear]

Too bad the back end doesn't have a door & ramp...
...this would make a COOL race car hauler for those Vintage Race events!

HMMMMMmmmmmm...... I wonder what it would take to modify the back panel to swing up, and then you could fab a couple of ramps, and then...
(dangerous & expensive thoughts...)

-Bear-

 

[Sherlock]

Too bad the back end doesn't have a door & ramp...
...this would make a COOL race car hauler for those Vintage Race events!

HMMMMMmmmmmm...... I wonder what it would take to modify the back panel to swing up, and then you could fab a couple of ramps, and then...
(dangerous & expensive thoughts...)

-Bear-

Actually at least one of these BMC coaches did have ramp for car hauling, but the rear end was also shaped a little different if I remember correctly...