J227OKX is the only Iveco Double Deck built for the UK bus market. New in September 1991 to Iveco/Ford as a demonstrator with an Alexander R type body with an H52/31F layout, it was an uneasy vehicle with the standard Alexander R type body having to be modified to accommodaite the Iveco front with an entrance needing three steps up to the lower saloon floor. It was a one-off expensive vehicle that was too heavy with a non standard interior layout based on a single deck vehicle. It was the only example built by Iveco as they wanted to enter the UK double deck market but launched at a time when Bus Grant had ceased and few were buying double deckers. After life as a demonstrator it was bought by Bluebird, Middleton. In May 2002 it was purchased by Somerbus (Paulton) for the school contract 997 Timsbury-Midsomer Norton to start in September 2002. Somerbus repainted it and re-registered it J80BUS and gave it considerable restoration. However difficulty in getting low trees cut and lower than expected loadings lead to it being quickly sold and replaced by a more practical Leyland Tiger/Alexander P B61F seated 12m single deck bus D615ASG. Sold to Alan Peters Abus operation in Bristol it remained with them until until 2004 when it was sold to Phoenix Travel (Wilts). Eventually passing to Calne Travel (Wilts) it was eventually scrapped after suffering a breakdown and accident damage. I am happy to be corrected/updated on this one as my knowledge of it's past is not 100%!
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