Following the Second World War, a total of 845 double decker bus chassis were ordered by the Department of Road Transport and Tramways (DRTT) from the firms AEC, Albion and Leyland in the UK. AEC supplied 359 Regent III chassis, including the prototype (792). All were fitted with the then-revolutionary Wilson Pre-Selector semi-automatic gearbox. 

 

2643 is one of 50 examples bodied by Clyde Engineering of Granville. It entered service on March 27, 1953. Unlike earlier deliveries which were fitted with hand-operated canvas doors, 2643 is fitted with an air door, allowing quicker loading and unloading of downstairs passengers in a safer manner.

 

Initially allocated to Kingsgrove Depot, 2643 was there very briefly before being sent to the Eastern Suburbs, being based at Waverley, Randwick and Pagewood Depots for various periods. 

 

In 1973, whilst based at Pagewood Depot, the bus received an overhaul at the Chullora Bus Workshops, and was repainted into the Public Transport Commission (PTC) livery of blue and white. This was the livery in which the then-new Leyland Atlanteans were being delivered in. 2643 was one of only four 'old style' double deckers painted in this livery. 

 

2643 was finally withdrawn from Pagewood Depot in April, 1976 and was sold to Simes Bus Service of Lismore on NSW's North Coast. Registered MO 7962, the back platform was enclosed with a door to enable driver only operation. 

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A Museum member purchased the bus in 1984, and restored the exhibit back to PTC condition, including rebuilding the back platform. In the mid-2000s, 2643 underwent another overhaul where framework and body panels were replaced. Early 2014 saw the bus undergo an engine change.

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2643 is now fully operational and makes appearances on occasion throughout the year. 

 

Specifications:

Engine: 9.6 litre OHV AEC diesel engine, bore 4.72", stroke 5.59" developing 125 B.H.P. at 1800 R.P.M.

 

Transmission: Four speed 'Wilson' pre-selector gearbox to a worm drive differential.

 

Brakes: Air operated footbrake and a mechanical park brake.