We’re thrilled to welcome Sunderland Corporation Leyland Lion bus No. 2 to the Beamish Transport fleet! No. 2 dates back to 1929 and served routes around the Sunderland area, it was part of a first batch of buses purchased by Sunderland Corporation.
The Leyland Lion design first appeared in 1925 and marked a significant step-change in bus design – moving from what were essentially adapted goods vehicle chassis, to a design that was tailored to carry passengers.
Following use by Sunderland Corporation, No. 2 was sold to a Hull dealer who exported it to Jersey in the 1930s where it finished its working life. In 1959 it was preserved by a private individual who restored it back to Sunderland specification.
Latterly, based at Amberley Museum, in the ownership of the Southdown Omnibus Trust, it has now been transferred to Beamish and forms part of our current transport strategy to focus on increasing the use and display of regionally appropriate vehicles wherever possible.
No. 2 requires mechanical, electrical and body repairs before entering service at the museum but it will be on display in the bus depot for visitors to view in the meantime!
To find out more, please visit our Beamish Transport blog here.
