The last surviving 1951 Crossley single-decker bus has been brought back to life after a school in Liverpool completed its 10-year restoration.
The dilapidated half-cab was discovered rotting in a field by St Margarets’ deputy head teacher, and vintage bus enthusiast, John Wilkinson.
With help from his pupils, Wilkinson began its restoration in 2002, calling on support from Manchester’s Museum of Transport.
Having stripped the find back to its frame, the school children produced new aluminium body panels and sourced a replacement engine cover.
The final touch was the fabulously glossy Southport Corporation livery, courtesy of HMG paints, which took nine months to apply.
Wilkinson, who is a licensed bus driver, has already taken his pride and joy on short trips, but also plans to attend rallies and shows.
