Intercity service to Gatwick began in 1984, making use of Class 73 locomotives alongside modified Class 414 EMU vehicles and Mk2f coaches working non stop services between London Victoria and Glasgow Airport. 

Ten existing Class 414 motor driving vehicles were modified for use on the Gatwick Express, their passenger accommodation was removed for additional luggage space and onboard equipment was altered to work push-pull with the Class 73 locomotive, these became the Class 489. Alongside these 77 Mk2f vehicles were converted for use on the southern region, 20 first class vehicles were divided into sets of 2 and became the Class 448/2 and 57 standard class vehicles were divided into sets of 3 and became the Class 488/3, conversions included a slightly different layout to favour luggage space, and the fitting of the standard southern region multiple working equipment to allow vehicles to work with the Class 73 and Class 489.

Privatisation happened early for the Gatwick Express, with vehicles quickly receiving the new Gatwick Express livery, an Intercity livery with a Crimson stripe and Gatwick Express logos. Replacement happened soon after, with the Class 460 EMUs replacing loco hauled stock on the Gatwick Express from 2000. Some of the Mk2 coaches forming the Class 488s fleet saw use with other operators after withdrawal from Gatwick Express, with many seeing use on the Irish rail network. A few vehicles remain in their Gatwick Express condition, retaining their southern region multiple working equipment.

Today three Class 488 vehicles from 488206 and 466301 and Class 489 9110 are preserved at the East Kent Railway, working alongside their Class 73, these remain in their Gatwick Express condition in the Crimson variant of the Intercity livery.

(1) Class 488 72620 (Ex 8311)  and 72505 (Ex 8206) at Shepherdswell on the East Kent Railway. (2) Class 489 9110 at Shepherdswell on the East Kent Railway. (3) Pullman Umber & Cream livery Class 488 8202 preserved at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. (4) Class 488 standard class interior. (5) Pullman Umber & Cream livery Class 489 9107 preserved at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. 

Additional Information about the Gatwick Express Class 488s and 489s

Southern Railway Group - Class 488

https://sremg.org.uk/emu/class488.shtml

Southern Railway Group - Class 489

https://sremg.org.uk/emu/class489.shtml