1949 Oxford Bus returns to Oxford for preservation

8 years ago

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.

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About Oxford Bus Museum

The museum is located at the Rail Station Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire OX29 8LA and contains 35 vintages buses and coaches, the earliest dating from 1913, a collection of Morris cars dating from 1925 to 1977, a horse drawn tram and a collection of 40 mainly nineteenth century bicycles. The museum is open between 10.30am and 4.30pm on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the year, on Saturdays in July & August, most Bank Holidays and New Year's Day but is closed from 19 to 31 December 2019 inclusive. There is a cafe and shop. The museum is run entirely by volunteers. Entrance is only £5 for adults, £3 for children 5-15, under 5s free and family ticket £13