Iconic London Routemaster Buses Set for Auction with High Price Tags
In a move that will captivate transport enthusiasts and collectors alike, five classic red double-decker Routemaster buses, owned by Transport for London (TfL), are going up for sale at auction. These iconic vehicles, built around 1960, are expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 each, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of London's storied heritage.
Auction Details and Historical Significance
The AEC Routemaster double-decker buses will be auctioned by Wilsons Auctions in Newcastle, with the sale scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. According to auctioneers, these buses have been 'meticulously' maintained over decades of service, remaining in 'impressive running condition.' This attention to preservation highlights their enduring appeal as symbols of the city, first introduced in 1956 and often considered more iconic than famous Londoners like Sir David Attenborough or Amy Winehouse.
From Service to Sale: The Routemaster's Journey
Original Routemasters were fully removed from regular service in 2005, replaced by the 'New Routemaster' models with fully closing doors for enhanced safety, which also eliminated the need for conductors. TfL continued to operate the classic buses on a 'hop on, hop off' heritage service along the number 15 route between Tower Hill and Trafalgar Square until April 2021. The service was permanently withdrawn due to pandemic-induced suspensions and failures to meet Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards and provide step-free access.
Transport historian Tim Dunn lamented the disappearance of the final original Routemaster from official service, calling it 'a real shame.' In response, a private company called Londoner Buses launched a similar tourist-focused service in 2022, operating from Embankment with views of landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London.
Opportunities for Buyers and Historical Context
For potential buyers with deep pockets, winning one of these auctions could mean recouping costs, as Londoner Buses charges £2.50 per single ticket. This follows in the footsteps of former TfL commissioner Lord Peter Hendy, who had his personal Routemaster repowered to meet ULEZ standards in 2017. Nigel Binks, associate director of UK sales at Wilsons Auctions, emphasized the significance of the sale, stating, 'These are instantly recognisable, unmistakably British, and a lasting symbol of the city's heritage. We are honoured to be working with Transport for London on this auction.'
The auction represents a rare chance to secure a functional piece of history, with all five buses confirmed to be in running condition, appealing to both collectors and those nostalgic for London's transport past.
