[1] In 2006, it purchased ten Paxman Valenta engines when the majority of the Class 43 powercars were repowered with a view to restoring some to original condition when withdrawn.

[citation needed] In 2011, it reached an agreement with the National Railway Museum to become the custodian of Class 41 prototype powercar 41001 and restore it to operational condition at Neville Hill TMD.

In 2020, these were sold and replaced by ex-HST Mark 3s, three from East Midlands Railway and one ex-First Great Western.

[8][9] Upon being withdrawn in 2020, former East Midlands Railway Class 43 powercars 43048 and 43089 were donated by Porterbrook to the 125 Group.

[13] In June 2021, Porterbrook donated a fourth powercar, 43159, that was involved in the record-breaking 148 mph (238 km/h) run on the East Coast Main Line in 1987.