Oh 7665, I still remember the smell from that as well, truly awful, the ride quality on the southport residents were better. I last rode the ones that went to Yorkshire Tiger on the 81 when Speke had a couple for a short time, the difference between those and others from GL & bootle was quite marked.
The best one St Helens had was 7634 - a regular performer on the 34/34A and it was in better condition than a lot of the 22xx series Darts. On the other hand, 7640 was a complete shed - the noise during idling was both deafening and shuddering - shocking vehicle which again was used on the 34's regularly at one point.
Remains of an unidentified Marshall at PVS....
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15634381606/
(Photo Credit; STAN-BUTLER)
Look closely and you can still see the red MTL paintwork along the skirting that this bus wore when new.
Tonight might be the last time you see a Marshall Dart in Arriva's livery, as 7660 (V660 DVU) becomes a 'Trojan Bus' for Merseyside Police's 'mischief night' offensive.
Keep an eye out for it...
Dart 7673 starting cut it up at PVS Yards
.https://www.flickr.com/photos/61188429@N06/15495364068/
Be thankful NWVRT has got 2 of them at our shed. one being 7654 and my own bus 7656
7660 has now joined 7654 and 7656 at NWVRT
I've just seen a Marshall Dart in cream/red skirting MTL livery heading up Scotland Road in the direction of Walton.
One for Presidential Travel perhaps?
Or is it 7656 (V656 DVU)?