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1981 Leyland Atlantean Double Decker Catering Bus
Highlights
- Excellent business opportunity
- Full commercial kitchen
- Unique mobile café and coffee shop
- Recently recommissioned
- A full commercial kitchen has been purchased and is ready to be installed. The installation has been paid for and can be completed ready for the new owner.
The Appeal
Prototyped in the late 1950s, the Leyland Atlantean was a game-changer for public transport in the United Kingdom. Replacing the old layout of rear entry and a front engine with a rear engine and front entry meant that conductors were no longer required, as the bus could be run with just the driver. It quickly became the standard layout for double deckers.
This example has not been used on the public transport network for some years, and is now available as a mobile café / catering service, complete with full commercial kitchen and table seating. It would be perfect for next year’s festival and holiday season, so for anyone looking to take their catering business to the next level, this could well be the ideal machine to help you reach your goals.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in March 1981
- Initially used in Huddersfield as a public bus
- Apparently used in ‘The Last of The Summer Wine’ on TV
- Latterly used as a stationary café outside a bakery in Hastings
- Purchased and mechanically recommissioned in 2019
- MOT carried out in 2019 after recommissioning
- Last recorded mileage was for the 2012 MOT - 134,183 miles
- 5+ owners
- Full commercial kitchen purchased and ready to fit for new owner
The Interior
- Full new commercial kitchen purchased
- Upstairs seating area
- Double-sided serving hatches
This bus was used for some years as a static café outside a bakery in Hastings. Upstairs is still set out as a seating area, with some of the benches turned 180-degrees to create face-to-face table seating. The tables are also included.
The vendor has stripped out the upstairs, insulated it, freshly painted it and resealed all of the windows. It requires some finishing, but once done it should make for a nice, cosy seating area for when the weather isn’t good enough for al fresco dining.
Downstairs, the driver’s area looks to be in good order, and the vendor tells us that everything works as it should with no issues they’re aware of.
There are serving hatches installed in both sides, where the large side windows used to be. So when things get really busy, there’s plenty of serving space available. The windows that were removed are included in case the new owner wishes to reinstall them.
A full commercial kitchen has been purchased and is ready to be installed. The installation has been paid for and can be completed ready for the new owner. Quite a lot of new equipment has been purchased to make sure that the kitchen is top-notch and covers all the bases. This equipment includes: a four-burner gas hob, a large oven, double flat top grill, double large fryers, double toastie machines, coffee machine, large extraction unit, large cabinet fridge, large cabinet freezer, dishwasher, sink, various pots/pans/utensils, external parasols and bins.
The vendor tells us that fitting for the kitchen has been paid for and can be completed for the new buyer before collection.
The Exterior
- Red paintwork with golden ‘The Double Decker Café’ livery
- Six new wheels
- Double side serving hatches
With its bright red paintwork and golden livery, the bus will certainly stand out when used at a music festival or other outdoors event. The paintwork itself appears to be hand-applied and a little dull, but is reasonable for the age of the vehicle.
The bodywork looks mostly straight and solid, although there are a few areas that the new owner may wish to address, including the front off-side quarter panel, which is cracked, and the rear off-side quarter panel which looks to be incorrectly seated. But generally, it all appears to be in decent order.
As well as some parasols for use outside, apparently there is a canopy also supplied which goes over the serving hatch. We’re also told that the front and rear doors operate as they should, and have been fitted with padlocks for some added security.
The Mechanics
- 145bhp Leyland O.680 non turbo diesel engine
- New compressor fitted for the brakes
- Engine recommissioned in 2019
Having been sat for a while, when the bus was purchased in 2019, the vendor mechanically recommissioned it. This included making sure the engine was running well and putting the bus through an MOT.
We’re told that two new batteries have been fitted, the brakes have been refurbished and a new compressor has been installed for the brakes.
All in, we’re assured that the bus runs and drives well.
Summary
Offering a great opportunity for anyone who has always wanted to run a mobile catering business, or would like to expand their current operation, this bus has bags of potential.
With a new, professional catering kitchen ready to go, everything you could need to create a successful business is here. And with a little work to get it finished, you could well be basking in the spring and summer sun next year, serving paninis, flat-whites, burgers and muffins to your heart’s content.
Notice to offerers
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1981
- Make Leyland
- Model Atlantean double decker catering bus
- Colour Red
- Odometer 0
- Engine size
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Dunfermline
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
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