The batch were registered JFJ497N to JFJ508N and gained the fleet numbers 317-328 they all carried the plain white NBC livery and had 'NATIONAL' fleetnames on the side of the vehicle and the local area fleetname 'Greenslades' over the front wheel archs.

Then in 1978 they were transferred to National Travel South West coaching division but continued to operate from the depot at Willeys Avenue in Exeter.  In the late 70's the coaching division was starting to wind down and newer vehciles were being delivered and so JFJ497-502N were converted to one man operation and divided equally between the Devon General, Western National and North Devon operating areas.

327 remained as a coach and was still operated from Willeys Avenue depot.  It was transferred to Western National ownership in 1981 and regained 'Greenslades' local area names.  Then in 1983 on the break up of the WN empire 327 passed to Devon General which incorporated Greenslades.  It was then that it received the Greenslades white and green local coaching livery (see photos on this page).

As the coaching operations were beginning to wind down under the leadership of Harry Blundred a new home was found for 327 in Guernsey!!!!

In December 1984 327 was exported from Torquay Harbour to Guernsey for a new life.  Before being exported she had to be modified, there is a length restriction on the island so approx 6" was taken of the back of the vehicle before she went.

Her new life saw her operating a selection of Tours, Excursions, Ferry & Airport shuttles and finally school contracts on the island of Guernsey.  Then in October 2000 she was finally withdrawn and her fait was unknown.

That was until the spring of 2001 when a well known preservationist was approached by an official from Guernsey to see if he was interested in having 327 and her sisters back in the UK for any reason.  This is due to the fact that it is cheaper to export the vehicles back to the UK than it is to scrap the vehicles on Guernsey due to high taxation on scrap materials.

The vehicle was duely imported to the UK and 327 was despatched to Winkleigh in Devon for Storage.  On a chance visit to The West Of England Transport Collection the vehicle was seen by myself and the enquiries were made.  Then 2 weeks later everything was in place to collect the vehicle.  She was collected and the 'Oh my god what have we done' seed was planted in my head.  The day of collection saw her overheating seriously, tyres that were dangerous to say the least and the 'why us'.

But, we have come through the majority of the problems much by luck.  We sourced a brand new radiator purely by chance and a new set of tyres were obtained again by chance.  Many hours of hard work, lots of money, plenty of time and loads of time on the phone (BT must love me) and we finally acheived an MOT on 21-12-01 and we could finally apply to the DVLA for a registration document.  This was done and the registration JFJ507N was re-allocated to the vehicle.

We still have a few teething problems with her and providing no major defect appear in the near future she will become a regular performer on the rally circuit in 2002

We are nearly completed with the current restoration program, but we do still require 2 off Authentic wing mirrors the rectangle metal type, 2 five and three quarter inch fog light bowls, 2 Plaxton style Marker light lenses and back plates and last but not least white head rest covers.  If you can help with any of these items then please email me.  Also any photo's of 327 or any other LH are always appreciated.