When new in November 1977, this bus was numbered 85 and registered EBV85S as part of a batch of four AN68 Atlanteans (Nos. 85-88) very similar to No. 79. After deregulation of the bus industry in 1986, Fylde expanded with much competition with Blackpool Transport. Although some retrenchment later took place the core 11/11A routes were extended through to Cleveleys opening up new cross Blackpool links. 

The Fylde fleet was elderly and funds were insufficient to catch up with renewal. So in 1991 a refurbishment programme was set up to upgraded older vehicles to modern standards. 85 was the first bus so treated and went back to its maker, Northern Counties. There it was repanelled and fitted with new lower deck floors, re-trimmed seats and a new front end using mouldings from a more modern design known as the Palatine. No. 85 was renumbered 71 and to disguise its age was given an Irish registration plate OJI4371. It returned to use in October 1991 and the other five followed over the next year.

After refurbishment No. 71 was usually operated on the main routes 11/11A. All new Lytham or Fylde double deckers were purchased for the 11/11A and, although it wasn’t a new bus, it represented further investment in the bus service from Lytham to Blackpool. Our collection now comprises six examples of double deck buses bought for the 11/11A dating back to 1946 and representing changes in design over 45 years.

No. 71 passed with the Fylde operation to Blackpool Transport in July 1996 and became No. 471. It was the second of the six to receive Blackpool’s green and cream livery and continued primarily on the 11/11A until February 1999 when single deckers took over most duties. Despite this No. 471 and its sisters continued to appear on busy journeys until the former Fylde depot at Squires Gate was closed in April 1999.

Transferred to Blackpool’s main Rigby Road depot No. 471 and its colleagues, were downgraded to use on school bus contracts. 2001-2003 saw wider use of the ex-Fylde Atlanteans on summer services 1 (Promenade), 20 (Marton Mere Caravan Park) and 21 (Zoo) alongside their school duties. Finally on 28 May 2004, the last of the ex-Fylde Atlanteans were retired after the purchase of six new low floor double deck buses, appropriately for service 11. Upon withdrawal in June 2004, No. 471 was purchased by the Trust for preservation as an example of the Blue Buses era and their ingenuity in prolonging the life of buses to reduce capital costs.