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65801 was acquired by [[The GWR 813 Preservation Fund]] at Swindon, where it was awaiting breaking up. It arrived on the SVR from there on 3 July 1973.<ref name=SB9>SVR Stock Book 9th Edition</ref>
In May 1982 the van was cleaned down and primed by a visiting group of volunteers from the Bristol Conservation Corps, with painting and lettering completed by John Lonergan.<ref>SVR News 66</ref>. Two years later it received a more major overhaul which included recanvassing the roof, rebuilding the end doors using second-hand ‘FRUIT D’ door planks, and replacing all four axleboxes with Great Western RCH pattern ones. Following a complete repaint it re-entered service during the [[Autumn Steam Gala|Enthusiasts' Weekend]] [[Demonstration Goods Train]] on 15 September.<ref>SVR News 74</ref> It appeared on the main line in 1985 as part of the [[The Severn Valley Railway on the main line#SVR Wagons used on the main line in preservation| GW 150 demonstration freight train]] which ran to Newport behind [[2857|GWR freight loco 2857]].<ref>SVR News 78</ref>
During 2000, 65801 returned to Bewdley yard for a further overhaul which began the following summer. On this occasion the roof canvas was repaired rather than replaced, but the complete outer skin of the four end doors was replaced using new timber, with the inner door planks being replaced as required. The overhaul was completed during 2002.<ref>SVR News 133, 136, 139, 141</ref>
