The British Rail Class 116 diesel multiple units were built by BR Derby from 1957 to 1961. BR ordered the type in large numbers but Derby Works could not keep up with demand, with 108 three-car sets being built in all. Variants of the type, British Rail Class 117 and British Rail Class 118 were built by Pressed Steel and the BRC&W respectively under licence.

These units were originally ordered for use on suburban and local services in the Birmingham area, but many found their way to other areas such as South Wales. The type was powered by twin BUT 11.3-litre six-cylinder diesel engines, each producing 150 bhp with mechanical transmission. The type came in two or three car formations; in a three-car set, the trailer (centre carriage) was unpowered. Built of an all steel construction, the 116 and its variants were classed as heavyweight DMUs but were capable of speeds of 70 mph (110 km/h).

Like other BR Derby output, the type underwent testing on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway which had been closed to passenger trains by the mid 1950s.

The class were similar in design to the Class 114, sharing the same heavyweight steel chassis but were fitted out as high-density sets, built for short-distance, high-capacity services, and so were built without gangways or toilets, although gangways were later fitted on some units.