(BBC scifi serial, 1963-89, 2005-)

First incarnation of the much-loved sci-fi show.

Story: Spearhead from Space
The first story featuring Jon Pertwee as the Doctor. A London Transport AEC Routemaster passes in the background in the scene where the Autons, disguised as shop dummies break the shop windows, come onto the street and start zapping passers-by!
Unexpectedly I discovered a screen capture from this story of Pertwee next to an unidentified Birch Brothers single decker. Chris Brown's note that Birch Brothers supplied transport for the BBC's stars and extras for location filming may explain this, since the scene is not in the broadcast story.

Story: Terror of the Autons
Story that marks the debut of Roger Delgado as The Master.
A 14 seat Bedford J2SZ10/Plaxton AYN41B is used by the Master. It was new to Worldwide of London SE5. but evidently had been sold on. (my spot, identification by Mike Lloyd):


Although shown in the USA in colour only a black and white version was retained by the BBC. It was then re-colourised recently. Apparently AYN41B also appears in the background in one scene in the story 'Inferno'.

Story: Delta and the Bannermen
Sylvester McCoy era story which features some truly awful special effects, but which I have always had a soft spot for myself. A space and time travelling tour bus is Bedford SB/Plaxton VWW361 in silver/blue livery. That's a space satellite wedged in its front grille:

A view of the unique Hellstrom Fireball engine of this heavily modified coach, 'capable of warp five with a tail wind':

In one sequence the boot lid slides up to reveal the rocket motors:

It is apparently blown up by the alien villains, however it's a special effect - see 'The Greatest Show in the Galaxy'. Also seen at the 1950s holiday camp (sadly not from the front) is a red/cream Bedford OB/Duple used to evacuate holidaymakers:

At the end of the story a group of tourists arrive on Leyland Tiger DGS625, which bears a board saying 'On hire to Skegness Glee Club'. It's a Tiger PS1/1 new in 1951 and bodied by the operator, McLennan of Spitalfield.


Story: The Greatest Show in the Galaxy
VWW361 appears again here, this time in derelict condition painted in multi colours. (thanks to Steve Thoroughgood for corroboration of my observation). The vehicle was recorded in 1987 as owned by Pritchard of Anglesey (thanks Dave Farrier), but it's unclear where the BBC obtained it.