London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Testing of Prototype Routemaster Bus, 1955
The prototype of the revolutionary London Transport Routemaster bus is put through its paces at a test circuit in the Midlands.
From the collection of:
Overview
London Transport’s new Routemaster bus design boasted an aluminium construction based on their experience of building Halifax bombers during the Second World War. After its unveiling at the Commercial Motor Show in 1954, the first prototype clocked up 7,000 miles in rigorous tests during 1955 before entering passenger service the following year. Here it is seen undergoing performance tests at the Motor Industry Research Association’s Nuneaton circuit.
This film is from the collection of London Transport Museum, a member of the London's Screen Archives Network.
Related
Watch for free
At Home with Larry Grayson At Home with Larry Grayson
Biopic 1983 26 mins Location: Nuneaton
Affectionate tribute to the camp comedian Larry Grayson, with showbiz friends and highlights from his TV career
Watch for free
Bass: Nuneaton Motor Club Rally Bass: Nuneaton Motor Club Rally
Amateur film 1954 8 mins Silent Location: Stoke Golding
A road movie of sorts: the Nuneaton Motor Club criss-cross the lanes of Leicestershire against the clock with trophies up for grabs.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Watch for free
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.