1949 Oxford Bus returns to Oxford for preservation
After an overland and sea journey of 4,750 miles , OFC 395 finally arrived at the Oxford Bus Museum in Long Hanborough from Mayville, New York State USA . It has been 31 years since this ex-City of Oxford Motor Services 1949 AEC Regent III was last in Oxfordshire. As the picture show, there’s going to be a considerable amount of work required to get the bus restored to our usual high standard of presentation. However there was relief when it was driven off the low loader under its own power. We then discovered that the brakes need attention!
The first step in its restoration is to find out what is missing and investigate the state of the chassis. It is hoped to source some of the missing parts, such as the roof top vents, light fittings, electrical control box and roller blind destination gear, from a sister bus which is currently being used as a café in La Motte du Caire near Lyons in France. This is likely to prove a long term project.
The bus can been seen whenever the museum is open but for Health and Safety reasons the public cannot board it as part of the back platform is missing.