Mercedes-Benz O405 6128

In 1925 the Rutty Family commenced operating a bus service between the coal mine village of Mt Kembla and Wollongong using a T-Model Ford bus. Over the years Rutty’s grew to become one of the larger regional bus fleets with almost 60 buses in the fleet at the time of sale.

Rutty’s operated all the bus routes heading South from Wollongong on the Princes Hwy, running as far south as Shellharbour. Services also connected the Western Suburbs of Wollongong with the Steelworks, Warrawong Shopping Centre and Wollongong University. Rutty’s always ran sizeable fleets of ex Sydney and Canberra Government buses, but also purchased new buses from time to time to ensure average fleet age was met.

The purchase of 5 Mercedes Benz O405s with Custom Coaches bodies in 1998 was a majorstep forward, ensuring modern and reliable buses were available for their extensive route service network. Mercedes Benz was a mainstay of the fleet at the time of sale to John King of Premier Motor Service. These were not the only O405s in the fleet, with 4 earlier versions with PMC bodywork also in the fleet.

In 2001 John King purchased both Rutty’s and John J Hill forming new operator Premier Illawarra. Premier has continued to operate these buses until early 2025 which will mark the end of an era with all former Rutty’s and John J Hill buses in their fleet. The bus is display courtesy of John King and Premier Transport Group who restored this bus in 2024.

Specifications:

Engine: Mercedes-Benz OM447hA turbo charged Diesel engine (247hp)

Transmission: ZF 5 speed automatic transmission with hydraulic retarder

Brakes: Dual circuit positive air brakes with a spring applied parking brake.

Body: Custom Coaches, Smithfield NSW, Series 200.

Dimensions: Length 12.5 m, Width 2.5 m, Height 3.0 m.

Capacity: 77 Passengers, 57 Seated, 20 Standing.

Status:

On display at Leichhardt