History
WX53 UKK was new to First Bristol based at Muller Road depot part of the batch numbered 32279-32292. It was part of a batch originally ordered by First intended for South Yorkshire and was assigned fleet numbers for the South Yorkshire numbering system with WX53 UKK being assigned 31753. The order for the batch was diverted to Bristol and WX53 UKK was reassigned a new fleet number of 32289 to fit in with Bristol's numbering system. 32289 is one of only two vehicles of the batch that entered service with a 53 plate rather than 03 like the rest of the batch, the other vehicle being 32290 WX53 UKL. 32289 was originally assigned the registration of WR03 YZY however was registered after the cutoff so was reassigned a new registration of WX53 UKK.
32289 was delivered new in Barbie 1 and was repainted into the new corporate "Urban" livery in 2014 where it gained the "West of England" skyline titles. During its time in service 32289 worked at Muller Road, Lawrence Hill, Hengrove, Weston-super-Mare and Bath depots before finishing its service life at Lawrence Hill in 2021.
In Preservation
During the preservation of 31753, extensive work was undertaken to restore and enhance its condition. In 2023 and 2024, the vehicle proudly participated in the Brislington Bus Show, showcasing its progress. A complete repaint in the iconic Barbie colours gave it a fresh and vibrant look, while outdated ad boards were removed for a cleaner appearance. Significant bodywork included the installation of new panels and the correction of the rear bumper. On the mechanical side, we replaced critical components such as air bags, shock absorbers, and brake pads, alongside smaller but essential updates like new wipers, refreshed seats, updated flooring, and thorough cleaning. In January 2025, vinyls were added to complete the look, including the original First logos and fleet number. These efforts ensure the vehicle is preserved in pristine condition for years to come.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, most of the remaining work on 31753 will focus on internal features. Improvements will include detailed interior refurbishments, as well as ongoing maintenance to ensure it remains in top condition. Additionally, 31753 is set to attend more bus shows and rallies in the future, continuing to share its story and progress with enthusiasts and the public alike.