Built by British Railways at Derby Works in 1960 this car represents one of the later designs of low-density railcar.
It is a Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory and is what later became British Railways Class 108. It is preserved in its final form with upgraded interior fittings and upholstery and is in blue and grey livery.

This car was from the final batch of class 108 and was delivered to the London Midland Region in March 1960. It was shown as being allocated to Toton when new but had moved on to Longsight,Manchester, by 1962. It stayed at that depot for most of its working life but also had a number of years allocated to Chester.
It was preserved in 1993, being chosen from a number of units laid up at Longsight Depot and was brought to Llangollen in running order. It has worked every season since and has covered over 24,000 miles on our line. It has been progressively refurbished whilst in retirement and has had new upholstery as well as several major mechanical upgrades. It was repainted in 1999 to a very high standard.
This car is unusual in that it is still running with its original partner, after more than 40 years.
The car was part of lot number 30602.

As this vehicle has always operated with 51907 its allocation history is identical - it has always been based in the North of England.
Of interest is that the vehicle was orginally numbered 56490 but, in common with many other DMU vehicles, it had its number changed when the TOPS computer system was introduced to prevent confusion between units and the new class 56 diesel locomotives, some of which had the same number.

Since arrival at Llangollen this coach has had many upgrades, including full reupholstery, interior and exterior repainting and a toilet upgrade. It has worked every year since it arrived at Llangollen and has proved to be very reliable and economical in repairs.

M54490 arrives at Llangollen by lorry in 1994, since when it has received numerous repairs and upgrades.