The bus used by Beatles' Paul McCartney up for auction (video)

The legendary bus used for the European concert tour in summer 1972 is up for auction. Its price could exceed 250,000 euros.

Right after the sale of the Ferrari Dino GTS belonging to Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant, Car & Classic is putting another piece of rock’n’roll history up for sale. Pre-bids for the 1972 tour bus, famous for being used by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney during the “Wings Over Europe” tour in summer 1972, are now open. The auction will take place from April 22 to April 29.

This double-decker bus, initially chosen for Sir Paul McCartney and Wings’ summer 1972 tour, also known as Wings, quickly gained worldwide fame and became the centerpiece of an extraordinary family and musical adventure. Covering over 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) across nine countries and 25 cities, the summer of 1972 was a pivotal moment for the band. The tour attracted media attention globally and marked the rise of Wings after the Beatles’ golden era. The bus was not just a resting and transport space; it is very likely that several hits were composed aboard, including the famous James Bond theme “Live and Let Die,” recorded later that same year.

A Psychedelic Decoration

Today, this bus is a symbol of rock and road trip culture, with its psychedelic color scheme reminiscent of the Beatles’ 1960s “Yellow Submarine” album cover. Registered as WNO 481, it still retains features from its golden age, preserving its authenticity and offering a glimpse of the era of the “Swinging Sixties,” Carnaby Street, and the universal message of peace and love. Sir Paul McCartney’s fondness for buses and his visionary decision to have an open-top for the European tour are reflected in his words: “If we had to be in Europe in summer, going to places like the south of France, it would be silly to stay locked up all day sweating, so we had this idea to do something with an open top. We threw some mattresses up there so we could just walk around, it’s fantastic, it’s great, just lie down and soak up the sun.”

Just as John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce and other notable Beatles cars bear the weight of history, touring buses tell a different story and witness the behind-the-scenes magic fueling the brilliance on stage. This essence is perfectly embodied in the Wings tour bus, still adorned with its psychedelic colors and restored to look as it did when the McCartneys and the rest of the band traversed Europe. Let’s not forget that among all Beatles cars, this vehicle is one of the few that can actually be owned, driven, and enjoyed!

Today, the bus is presented in a restored condition, aiming to provide an authentic representation of its 1972 tour specifications. Inside, meticulous attention to detail recreates the atmosphere of the time, with the reconfigured space now featuring wooden bunk beds, reflecting the sleeping arrangements for band members’ children. The lower cabin is decorated with bright yellow curtains, offering a stark contrast to the psychedelic exterior paint scheme, while a custom cover for the upper deck proudly displays the graphics ‘1972 Wings Tour Bus’ on the roof. Inspired by The Beatles’ 1969 rooftop concert, the upper deck has also been redesigned as a performance space, now aptly named “The McCartney Stage.” Powered by a 7-liter Gardner 5LW diesel engine paired with a manual transmission, this tour bus still has many miles to go, as the restoration of this legendary open-top bus demonstrates a commitment to preserving rock history.

Having played a crucial role in the success of the Wings Over Europe tour, the bus is now ready to be auctioned, offering fans and collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of music and automotive history. Featured with extensive documentation, including materials from its use celebrating the 50th anniversary of the pivotal 1972 Wings Over Europe tour at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham in November 2022, it will be sold with artifacts and memorabilia, including the Wings tour trunk given by Denny Seiwell, a founding member of the band. The bus is also accompanied by an official license allowing the display of artworks, logos, Paul and Linda McCartney’s names, family photos taken inside the bus, and more, with the license transferred to the new owner upon purchase.

The Car & Classic online auction will run from April 22 to April 29. The estimated price range is between 150,000 and 200,000 GBP, approximately 250,000 euros.