An iconic expression of this country's capital city, instantly recognisable the world over, the Routemaster bus was conceived in the early 1950s and intended specifically for use in London.

The Routemaster was designed by the state-owned London Transport and built by Park Royal Vehicles (PRV) with the engines and running gear supplied by PRV's sister company, AEC.

Its layout, with half cab, front mounted engine and open rear platform, followed that of the preceding RT series, which it gradually replaced, while the independent front suspension and power-assisted steering were first-time introductions on a bus.

An innovative integral body augmented by front and rear sub-frames was employed, rather than the traditional separate chassis, making the Routemaster lighter and therefor cheaper to run despite being able to accommodate 64 seated passengers to the RT's 56.

In service from 1956 onwards, with final deliveries made in 1968, it proved ideal for use in London, outlasting many subse...