At the time of the design's conception, British Leyland had by far the largest share of the market for double-decker buses in the United Kingdom, with its Atlantean, Fleetline and Bristol VR models.

The transmission proved to be a weakness, with the Foden transfer box being prone to failures and the Allison gearbox inefficient.

Derby City Transport refitted its Foden NC with Voith transmission in an attempt to overcome the problems.

Only seven vehicles were completed, one of which carried bodywork built by East Lancs instead of Northern Counties.

[6][7] Most of the vehicles experienced shorter than average working lives, although two still exist, preserved in the care of Aintree Coachlines of Liverpool.