A double decker bus operated by one of the most significant transport families in Australia has been acquired after a public fundraising drive, bringing the immaculately-restored vehicle to the Sydney Bus Museum.
The 1948 double decker bus restored to immaculate condition by mechanic Brian Mantle was purchased by the Sydney Bus Museum .The bus will be unveiled to the public in July and will be driven by the museum for special occasions.
It was the gap in the Sydney Bus Museum's collection they wanted to fill, and thanks to public fundraising the museum has acquired a historic double decker bus. A 1948 Leyland OPD2 double decker bus, once owned by Dion's Bus Service in Wollongong, drove a popular suburban route as well as transporting workers to the Port Kembla steelworks."We were completely overwhelmed and within 10 days, the appeal was fully funded," Sydney Bus Museum manager Bob Gioia said. "We were amazed at the amount of interest in the old bus from people far and wide, people we'd never heard of, or people who had no association with the bus but thought it was a worthwhile project and something that had to be saved and put in a museum.The museum raised $50,000 to help purchase the bus and while it is roadworthy, Bob Gioia said it was "too precious" to drive from Wauchope to Sydney.The process happened much quicker than expected."I got a call from a truck company quoting on moving the bus and they said they had a truck heading up to Ballina to pick up a trailer and they could do us a good price if we wanted it picked up the following day," Mr Gioia said. "As quickly as that, I had to ring Brian and ask if we could have it on their truck tomorrow morning.The Sydney Bus Museum operates some of its vintage buses for special occasions, and this Leyland OPD2 is likely to do the same now it has joined the collection in Leichardt."It was like waking up from a fantastic dream, you opened your eyes and there it was," he said. "It's a dream come true for us and we're very appreciative of everyone who's contributed and helped to make this happen.Get our local newsletter, delivered free each ThursdayBrian spent 40 years restoring this rare double-decker passenger bus. Now a museum wants to buy itWollongongIn a year where every month was off the charts, one country saw 180 days of extreme heat. Usually it’s 10How PNG's landslide obliterated a town: First there was a crack, then 'the stones came like a tsunami'P&O Cruises Australia to shut its doors after 90 years, leaving Pacific Explorer to be retired'I had to make a tough decision': Djokovic pulls out of French Open with knee injuryGloves come off in blame game over Melbourne Airport's rail fail Spare us the talk about a wages explosion. There's nothing wrong with lifting Australia's lowest wages in line with inflation In a year where every month was off the charts, one country saw 180 days of extreme heat. Usually it’s 10'I'm shooketh': Tourism Australia calls in corruption watchdog over expenses scandal In a year where every month was off the charts, one country saw 180 days of extreme heat. Usually it’s 10How PNG's landslide obliterated a town: First there was a crack, then 'the stones came like a tsunami' Rio Tinto says a new way of processing iron ore in steelmaking could change the world. Do their claims stack up?
Bob Gioia Bus Leyland Double Decker Sydney Bus Museum Fundraising 1948 Leyland OPD2 Public Transport Fundraiser
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sydney Bus Museum raising money to buy rare double decker Dion's bus restored to immaculate conditionA double decker bus operated by one of the most significant transport families in Australia has been immaculately restored over 40 years and could be bound for the Sydney Bus Museum.
Read more »
Golden Dragon Museum, Great Stupa's historical artefacts damaged as 'mindless' vandals strike in BendigoPolice release images of two suspects after 'deliberate' damage to historical and culturally significant artefacts at the Golden Dragon Museum and the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo earlier this month.
Read more »
Revealed: The Sydney bus routes that will be axed and cut short when Metro opensWhile there is bad news for some commuters, long-suffering Victoria Road bus passengers have had a win.
Read more »
'Extremely serious': Vandals target temple and museum in VictoriaInvestigators believe the duo "used liquid" to cause damage to multiple statues and paintings, worth around $100,000.
Read more »
A smoother bus ride is on the way to one of Sydney’s busiest CBDsConstruction on a new hub for 165 electric buses in Sydney’s north is due to start early next year.
Read more »
Sydney house prices: Sydney’s home values to hit new highs within weeksThe city has fully recovered from the recent downturn, while Brisbane overtook Canberra as the second most expensive capital city.
Read more »