Transport Museum Wythall is seeking donations to help it to deliver a comprehensive restoration of what is thought to be a unique surviving Guy Arab double-decker that retains a Meadows 6DC engine as built.
The bus was one of 12 purchased by Wolverhampton Corporation in 1957. They had the compact yet 10.35-litre Meadows unit in a bid “to provide more oomph,” the museum says. Such an installation gives a unique sound, it continues.
Arab chassis were built in Fallings Park in Wolverhampton and both the Meadows factory and a Wolverhampton Corporation depot were nearby, hence the decision to take the units in place of the conventional and much smaller Gardner 5LW or 6LW models. The 6DC is derated to 112bhp and it is coupled to a four-speed preselect gearbox.
The bus in question carries MCW Orion bodywork and was cosmetically restored some time ago. It was withdrawn from passenger service in 1972 but survived as a playbus.
The Arab moved to Wythall in 1981, but it was stored outside for many years before being brought inside during 2002 for preparation as a static exhibit.
Wythall now wishes to carry out a large-scale restoration and it is asking for donations towards that task.
Much structural work is required, which has already begun under contract. While the bus runs, mechanical work including a heavy overhaul of the engine is also needed. That will be carried out at the museum.
A significant donation has been made by Wythall member and former trustee and transport author Malcolm Keeley, but it is not sufficient to cover the required work in its entirety. With further support it is hoped that the restoration can be completed “within a reasonable period.”
Donate to the fundraising appeal here.
