In the late 1960s, 232 Leyland Leopards, bodied by Pressed Metal Corporation entered service. These became known as the Mark I, or 'Green' Leopards. An order for a further 200 followed, again bodied by Pressed Metal, but these differed in having a different design of windscreen, wider doors, and were delivered in the new PTC blue & white livery. These became known as the Mark II, or 'Blue' Leopards.

 

A final order for 312 'Blue' Leopards followed, this time bodied by Smithfield Coach & Body Works. 1765 was the last bus of this order. In total 745 Leyland Leopards were delivered to the DGT / PTC, including the prototype. All were fitted with airbag suspension.

 

1765 was new to Brookvale Depot on March 15th 1976. It was later transferred to Willoughby Depot, and was withdrawn from there in 1989. On October 20th, 1989, a special ceremony was held at The Rocks to mark the withdrawl of the last Leopards, at which the Minister for Transport, Bruce Baird M.L.A. presented 1765 to the Museum for preservation. 

 

The bus is not only the last of 745 Leyland Leopards, it is also the last of a total of 1,741 Leyland buses owned and operated by the Government since it started operating services on 24 December 1932. 

 

1765 is representative of a standard 'Blue' Leopard, and is fully operational.

 

Specifications:
Engine: 11.6 litre six cylinder Leyland 0.680 diesel engine.

 

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

 

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