Built in 1958 by Gloucester R C & W Co Ltd. The class effectively were a replacement Class 116 driving car with twin cabs and seats for 65 (all second class).

It started work on July 1958 working the following areas Bristol, Cornwall and Plymouth.

55003 formed part of a cascade to the West Midlands based at Tyseley. It was used on local services most notably on the Leamington Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon route.

In 1987 problems with class 142 'Pacers/Skippers' on the West Country branches resulted in a belated reprieve for 55003. Following asbestos removal at Vic Barrys, the unit worked the Cornish branch lines to Looe, Newquay and St. Ives until withdrawal on 10th August 1993. It was sent into store at Blackpool, but by 19th September 1995 it was to be found at MC Metals in Glasgow.

55003 was sold into the private sector, and now resides at Northampton & Lamport Railway. This vehicle is passed for main line running.