A historic Suffolk-based 1929 Dennis bus – said to be the oldest in the UK – has returned to its owner after failing to sell at auction. 

The bus, owned by Buckland Buses of Woodbridge, did not meet the reserve, which is the minimum price it can be sold for, during the online auction by Clarke and Simpson, which ended on Tuesday. 

The expected bidding price was £40,000. 

James Durrant, director of Clarke and Simpson Auctions, said: “It was disappointing not to sell it, but it was half expected because it was such an unusual thing and it had not had far and wide publicity.” 

Tony Buckland, who co-directs Buckland Buses with his partner Jenny, decided to auction the bus, rather than gifting the vintage motor to a museum, as he was retiring. 

Passengers on the Aldeburgh to Thorpeness route became well acquainted with the historic transport, which operated regularly between the two places.