Bus [Leyland Royal Tiger No.464]
Maker and role
British Leyland Motor Corporation, Manufacturer
Saunders Roe Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1953
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
F1141.2003
Production period
Description
Leyland "Royal Tiger" bus.
Auckland Transport Board Fleet no. 464.
Colour: light green, dark green and cream trim, silver roof.
Engine: Leyland 0.600 Diesel - 9.6 litre, horizontal type. 120 HP.
Chassis: Leyland 'Royal Tiger' OPSU1/1
Bodywork: Saunders Roe (Wales) "Rivaloy" PKD (Partly knocked down), assembled from kit set by Auckland Transport Board. 44 seats.
Transmission: Type of gearbox: Wilson, pre-select, fluid flywheel clutch, air brakes.
Gearbox: AEC Pre Selector.
In service between 1953-1983. Of 50 built for the fleet, this is the only survivor. Third type of diesel bus ordered in 1950s as the trams were phased out. Operators: Auckland Transport Board 1953-1963, Auckland Regional Authority 1963-1983.
Auckland Transport Board Fleet no. 464.
Colour: light green, dark green and cream trim, silver roof.
Engine: Leyland 0.600 Diesel - 9.6 litre, horizontal type. 120 HP.
Chassis: Leyland 'Royal Tiger' OPSU1/1
Bodywork: Saunders Roe (Wales) "Rivaloy" PKD (Partly knocked down), assembled from kit set by Auckland Transport Board. 44 seats.
Transmission: Type of gearbox: Wilson, pre-select, fluid flywheel clutch, air brakes.
Gearbox: AEC Pre Selector.
In service between 1953-1983. Of 50 built for the fleet, this is the only survivor. Third type of diesel bus ordered in 1950s as the trams were phased out. Operators: Auckland Transport Board 1953-1963, Auckland Regional Authority 1963-1983.
Brief History
Bus No. 464 was built in 1953. It was assembled by the Auckland Transport Authority from a Partly Knocked Down (PKD) kit set imported from England. It was one of a fleet of 50 Leyland Royal Tiger diesel buses that were acquired to replace the Auckland trams which were being phased out of use. Initially operated by the Auckland Transport Board (between 1953-1963), and then by the Auckland Regional Authority until its retirement in 1983, when it was donated to MOTAT.
No. 464 remains the only surviving vehicle from the fleet of 50 imported.
No. 464 remains the only surviving vehicle from the fleet of 50 imported.
Marks
LEYLAND / ROYAL TIGER Maker's Mark
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT BOARD Label
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT BOARD Label
Media/Materials
Credit Line
British Leyland Motor Corporation et al. 1953. Bus [Leyland Royal Tiger No.464], F1141.2003. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Kia ora William, Thanks for your comment. The position of the tiger emblem on MOTAT's Royal Tiger bus reflects when these emblems were moved to the right (driver's side) of the bus in 1973 when school bus signs were changed. When on the left (passenger side), the school bus sign would cover this emblem. When these buses were first introduced to Auckland's fleet, the emblem was actually in the middle of the bus.
- MOTAT Curatorial Research posted 2 years ago.
I distinctly remember getting on the number 22 route that went via Orakei to Mission Bay & the Leyland Royal Tiger buses had their Tiger Emblem on the front LEFT hand side next to where the passengers got on the bus not on the right hand side. Recently came across old black and white photo of bus 465 in service and the Tiger emblem is indeed on the left side of bus close to the front door
- William Fairs posted 2 years ago.