London: Former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher's 18-tonne bombproof bus used during her 1983 election campaign has been put up for sale for 25,000 pounds.
The armoured vehicle was used by the Iron Lady as she dodged potential attacks.
The 80mph bus, which is powered by a 12-litre Rolls-Royce engine has two-inch thick bulletproof glass, while the two-foot deep, honeycomb macrolite floor is capable of withstanding a landmine blast.
The coach also had its own auxiliary, roof-mounted motor that could pump clean, carbonised air to the sealed cabin in the event of a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon being deployed.
The vehicle is being sold by current owner, military vehicle dealer Nick Mead who bought it because it was a fascinating vehicle but now he feels it is big and ugly.
"It's a unique piece of social and political history. It's still in working order and, although it's not exactly looking its best these days, someone who wanted to would be able to restore it to a good standard pretty easily," Mead bought the bus in 2012 was quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"I bought it because it was a fascinating vehicle but it's big, ugly and it's in the way now so I'm keen to send it to a good home. Given the American fascination with Maggie Thatcher, it may sell well over there but I'd prefer for it to stay in the UK.
Built in 1983 and capable of seating 36 people, the bus's previous owners have included the Met police, and it has also been used to transport the Royal Marines band.
