David Harvey’s Birmingham Standard 2489 Comes To Wythall

Published: 13/09/2021

Following the sad passing of local historian, prolific transport author and transport enthusiast David Harvey, the remaining members of the 2489 Group have taken the difficult decision to pass their Birmingham Standard on.  The Trustees of Transport Museum Wythall are delighted to announce that the Group has chosen Wythall as the vehicle’s future home. 

This now unique Crossley variant of the Birmingham Standard was acquired for preservation over 50 years ago, soon after passing to the 2489 Group who have cared for it ever since. It was driven with spirit by David to hundreds of rallies and events across the UK in the ensuing decades.

The Trustees are grateful to all 2489 Group members and particularly to David’s surviving family, Diana and Sarah, for this generous gesture. At the core of TMW’s collection is a range of Birmingham Standards covering all decades of their operation, the Crossley variant until now being a missing link. The museum looks forward to taking 2489 into its care for display, with its history, to future generations.

This variant of the Birmingham Standard ‘new look’ design with 54 seat bodywork and Crossley engine was built by Crossley in 1950 as 2489 (JOJ 489). Designated DD42/7, it was one of 100 built.  It was saved for preservation in 1969 and was a SHOWBUS stalwart, attending every year from 2001 to 2009 and regularly since.