In the mid-1960s, following trials of the two prototype 'Whippy buses (Leyland Leopard 3520 & AEC Reliance 3521), the Department of Government Transport placed an order with Leyland Motors Ltd for 232 Leopard chassis.

 

Pressed Metal Corporation of Revesby won the contract to manufacture the body for these buses, which were numbered 3522 to 3753. These buses enabled the withdrawal of the last  'crash' box buses in Government service - 90 Leyland OPD1 and 143 SPCX19W Albions double deck buses still in service.

 

These new Leopards were fitted with air bag suspension, fresh air ventilation, and changes to the location of the doors. The basic bus design of the Leopards was carried through until the last PMC-bodied Mercedes-Benz buses in 1990. The 'Mark I' Leopards were delivered in DGT green & cream livery, and were known as 'Green Leopards' as distinct from the Mark II or 'Blue Leopards'.

 

All Leopards were delivered with safety features like dual circuit air brakes, and the last 50 Mark Is (3704 - 3753) were delivered with centre door safety edges and rear door interlocks.

 

Around half the Green Leopard fleet were allocated to Newcastle at one time or another.

 

3752 entered service on January 2nd 1970, and was the last of the type to enter service. It was allocated to Enfield depot (now closed) for all of its service career, running services to Cabarita, Mortlake, Burwood, Ashfield and to the City along Parramatta Road. It was withdrawn on 31 December 1985 after nearly 16 years in service.

 

Apon application by the Museum, the Urban Transit Authority agreed to place 3752 on permanent loan. The State Transit Authority has since handed the vehicle over to the Museum.

 

In 1988 the vehicle was repainted into as delivered green & cream. 3752 is currently stored off site awaiting some mechanical attention.

 

Specifications:

Engine: Six-cylinder Leyland 0.680 CID diesel engine, horizontally underfloor mounted, developing 150 B.H.P. at 2,000 R.P.M.

 

Transmission: Four speed air operated pneumocyclic gearbox to a crown wheel and pinion differential.

 

Brakes: Dual circuit air brakes and a mechanical hand brake to the rear wheels.