Most of our buses are displayed in their restored condition, but some are under restoration, and you can see how much work is necessary to reach the high standard that is attained. It truly is wonderful to see; a true labour of love.
Buses have to be maintained to a high standard, and you can go ‘behind the scenes' to see how this is achieved. What you see is not staged - it’s a working maintenance base for our buses with all of the latest equipment supplied by Totalkare.
In most cases our buses have been saved from complete oblivion. In recent years we have repatriated a number of buses from all over the world including Australia, Canada and the USA and are always seeking out rarities, wherever and whatever the condition. Below you can see some of the progress of previously restored buses.
RESTORATION
1938 - AEC 10T10 T499 Restoration period: December 2010 - December 2013
BEFORE
At Purfleet having just arrived back from Australia in December 2004
DURING
A year into restoration with new framework largely in place
AFTER
Its debut on running day December 7 2013 in its temporary ARC livery and now in its current Green livery
1940 - AEC RT8 Restoration period: August 2006 - July 2010
BEFORE
Having been recovered from the USA in March 2006, it was in August 2006 it moved into the workshop
DURING
May 2008 the majority of the reframing is complete
AFTER
At Willesden Bus Garage open day
1935 LEYLAND CUB C4 Restoration period: September 2008 - December 2012
BEFORE
Being readied for its move to restoration facility in October 2008
DURING
The low tide point with strip down complete, December 2008
AFTER
August 2013
1951 - AEC RLH61 Restoration period: June 2004- July 2005
BEFORE
In Canada in May 2004 prior to departure
for the UK
DURING
During restoration in July 2004
AFTER
Running on the Excel Park and Ride service June 2011
1950 - LEYLAND RTW335 Restoration period: November 2009 - December 2013
BEFORE
This picture shows it as it was returned from France at the start of its restoration in December 2009
DURING
The strip down taking place in winter 2009/2010
AFTER
The strip down taking place in winter 2009/2010
1965 - RCL2226 Restoration period: 2008 - 2014
BEFORE
1980s
DURING
March 2014
AFTER
June 2014
1976 - SCANIA METROPOLITAN MD60 Restoration period: November 2008 -2014
BEFORE
As acquired in December 2011
DURING
Much of the framework had to be replaced due to the notorious corrosion these suffered
AFTER
All finished and she went on to win
Shillibeer Best in Show at Showbus 2014
1944 - GLX913 D27 (263) Restoration period: May 2014 - December 2015
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
