(2/12/2017) Pre-war RT at speed - AEC Regent III RT8 FXT183 - Ensignbus Running Day 2017 - Route X55

RT8 is an example of the 150 "pre-war" RT's (actually built after the war has broken out), which look more elegant than post-war RT's in my opinion, as they have the roof-box and droopy driver's windows. It has spent more than 40 years in the USA since being shipped to Chicago for promotion purpose in 1961, until Ensignbus acquired it for restoration and preservation in 2006.

It ran on the first trip of Route X55 from Upminster to Gravesend of the day. I filmed the section between Lakeside and Bluewater, and I was surprised by its performance - very seldom have I tried riding on a half-cab that gave such a sense of speed (sometimes reached its own limit I think, judging from the engine rev). The rear axle ratio should be quite low though, as pulling away in 2nd gear did not feel stressed at all.

Sorry for the out focusing caused by the rain droplets on the window. Thank you for watching!