L3 (A103 SYE) was delivered new to London Transport, along with its sisters, L1 and L2, for the AVE (Alternative Vehicle Evaluation) trials in the mid 1980s, along with two Mk II Metros, three Dominators and three Ailsas.  L3 was delivered new with a Gardner engine and Voith gearbox, which remains to this day.

She was garaged initially at Stockwell (SW) for route 170.  Privatisation saw L3 move to Arriva South London, but she was soon sold off - along with L1 and L2 - as non-standard to the rest of their ECW-bodied Olympians to Connex.  Latterly used as a driver trainer at Travel London's Fulwell (TF) depot, L3's future was put at risk because the LEZ meant she had become stranded within the zone.

L3 was rescued for preservation by Karl Griffin in July 2009.

L3 at Fulwell, shortly before its acquisition (c) Stuart Boxall

L3 seen while being loaned to an operator in Kent.  Note the Croydon blinds fitted! (c) Stuart Boxall

In May 2011, L3 was passed on to Southern Transit, of Upper Beeding, Sussex to join L1 in their fleet.