Ordered in the first half of 1955, 20 of these sets were built by Park Royal at the Crossley Motor works (Stockport) of the ACV Group. They consisted of a power car and driving trailer. Standard BUT equipment was fitted, with 'A' type engines. "Park Royal Vehicles" were primarily a bus manufacturer.

The first units were delivered in 1958. The design was mechanically standard but the body was of a revolutionary design, 'integral' construction with the strength in the underframe [this was the principle used in the construction of the Mark 2 coach (1964-75), 310 and 312 EMUs, the 313, 315, 507, 508 EMUs, the Mark 3 coach (1972/6 - 1985) the 150 / 210 DMUs and the 317, 318, 321, 455 and 456 EMUs]. The body was constructed to the same principle as the 'Halifax' bomber used in WW11 and the 'RT' bus. The appearance of the DMU design is very distinctive, similar to the 1954 'Derby Lightweight' and BRCW '104' DMUs but with LMS side profile and a unique door design - BR design on LMS profile - Mk1 components (locks and mudguards) on a DMU door.

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