Vehicle Background:
In the mid 1960's an order was placed with Leyland Motors, UK for 232 PSU3/2R Leyland Leopard chassis. The bodies were built by the Pressed Metal Corporation (P.M.C.) of Revesby, Sydney. The buses were delivered between 1967 and 1969. The next 200 chassis were an updated version designated the PSU3A/2R Mk II type. P.M.C. built the bodies to a modified design with larger front entrances, a changed windscreen arrangement and a revised blue and white livery. These vehicles were soon referred to as "Blue Leopards" and from this time the earlier vehicles became known as the Mk I "Green Leopards". A second order followed for 312 Mk II Leopards and this time Smithfield Coach and Body Works of Smithfield, Sydney were the successful contractors. This Company built almost identical bodies. The "Blue Leopards" were delivered between 1969 and 1976. By the time No 1765 was commissioned, a total of 745 Leyland Leopards had been placed in service. This figure includes prototype 3520 (also an exhibit in the museum). The NSW Government thus had the largest fleet of Leyland Leopards in the world. All buses had air bag suspension and weighed 8 tons, 17 cwt. The "Blue Leopards" had power steering from new, however the "Green Leopards" did not have this driver's aid. Following complaints in the latter part of their service lives, about
80 were equipped.

No.1765 is an example of a standard Mk II Leopard. It was new on 15 March 1976 to Brookvale Depot. The bus was later transferred to Willoughby Depot and was withdrawn from there in 1989. On 20-10-89 a special ceremony was held in The Rocks to mark the withdrawal of the last Leyland Leopards from service and to commission the 1500th Mercedes MK V No 3318. The Minister for Transport, the Hon. Bruce Baird, M.L.A. officiated and presented No 1765 to the Association.

No 1765 is not only the last of 745 Leyland Leopards, it is also the last of a total 1741 Leyland buses owned and operated by the Government since it commenced operating services on 24 December 1932.

SPECIFICATION

ENGINE: Underfloor horizontal 6 cylinder 680 cubic inch diesel.

TRANSMISSION: Air operated four speed pneumocyclic gearbox and a crown wheel and pinion differential.

BRAKES: Dual circuit air foot brake and spring operated park brake.