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2701 was purchased in 1994 by [[The LNER (SVR) Coach Fund]] from Stoneyford Lodge, with a view to restoration. The move to the SVR was achieved by Allelys with the aid of a lorry, two cranes and some difficulty. A video of the move can be seen here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhHzsWTW5nI The Big Lift] Initially there was some confusion over the identity of the carriage; the SVR Stock Book 9th edition describes the carriage as “Our example, assumed to be No 69…” and lists it as such<Ref>SVR Stock Book 9th Edition</ref>.
Filming took place in October 2000 for an episode of the 2001 TV series “[[List of film and TV productions filmed on the Severn Valley Railway#TV Documentary | Off the Rails]]” featuring Vince Henderson. The restoration of GNR 2701 was one of the items featured. In 2001 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a grant of £84k towards the cost of restoration, while in 2004 the [[:Category:SVR fundraising lotteries|SVRA raffle]] 'Bums on Seats' raised around £8,000 in aid of 2701 and [[LMS 7511 Restaurant First Open]].<ref>SVR News 149</ref> GNR No 2701 entered SVR service in July 2008, being formally launched into service on 16th August of that year by Mr Tim Godfrey, a grandson of Sir Nigel Gresley. It was declared the overall winner in the Heritage Railway Association Carriage & Wagon competition 2009<ref>vintagecarriagestrust.orgRailway Heritage Register Carriage Survey</ref>.
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File:2701_pre_restoration.jpg | 2701 before the start of restoration in 2001
