Restorations

We are unique in that not only do we operate a varied vintage fleet but we are also proud to carry out our own restorations to restore to concourse condition many of the buses we own, in most cases having saved them from complete oblivion.  In recent years we have repatriated a number of buses from all over the world including Australia, Canada and the USA and are always seeking out rarities, wherever and whatever the condition.​
Below we are showcasing some of our buses that we have restored over the years. To see ongoing restoration projects, please scroll down or visit out blog which is regularly updated to keep track on progress of the ongoing restoration projects.

1937 - Tiger TS7 - DUF179  Restoration period: December 2011 - December 2013

BEFORE
As acquired in December 2011
DURING
Re-framing largely complete in May 2012
AFTER
First trip back in service, December 2013

1938 - AEC 10T10 T499  Restoration Period: October 2010- December 2013

BEFORE
At Purfleet having just arrived back from Australia in December 2004
DURING
A year into restoration with new framework largely in place
AFTER
Picture

It's debut on running day December 7, 2013 in its temporary ARC livery and now in its current Green livery

1940 - AEC RT8  Restoration period: August 2006 - July 2010

BEFORE
Having been recovered from the USA in March 2006, it was in August 2006 it moved into the workshop
DURING
May 2008 the majority of the reframing is complete
AFTER
At Willesden Bus Garage open day

1935 Leyland Cub C4 Restoration Period: September 2008 - December 2012

BEFORE
Being readied for its move to restoration facility in October 2008
DURING
The low tide point with strip down complete, December 2008
AFTER
As is August 2013

1951 - AEC RLH61 Restoration period: June 2004 - July 2005

BEFORE
In Canada in May 2004 prior to departure
for the UK
DURING
During restoration in July 2004
AFTER
Running on the Excel Park and Ride service June 2011

1950 - Leyland RTW335   restoration period: November 2009 - December 2013

BEFORE
This picture shows it as it was returned from France at the start of its restoration in December 2009
DURING
The strip down taking place in winter 2009/2010
AFTER
At Upminster Station following its maiden run
December 7, 2013

1965 - RCL2226  restoration period: 2008 - 2014

One of London's famous Routemasters that was built to a higher specification as Green Line coach for the popular commuter services, RCL2226 was converted to a film industry catering vehicle from 1985. Recovered by Ensignbus in 2006 it is now fully restored and part of our Vintage Hire fleet.
BEFORE
1980's
DURING
March 2014
AFTER
June 2014

1976 - Scania Metropolitan MD60  Restoration period: November 2008- 2014

London Transport’s need for a new double deck led them to look overseas and eventually teamed up with Scania in Sweden and the result was the Metropolitan. Initial mechanical problems were largely overcome, but corrosion became an issue that was less easy to solve. A short eight year London life meant few survived into preservation and MD60 will be one of the only left of this short chapter of London’s Transport history.
BEFORE
As acquired in December 2011
DURING
Much of the framework had to be replaced due to the notorious corrosion these suffered.
AFTER
All finished and she went on to win
Shillibeer Best in Show at Showbus 2014

1944 - GLX913 D27 (263)  Restoration period: May 2014 - December 2015

London like the rest of the country was forced to take very basic, very standard ‘Utility’ buses in the war years. One such class was the D Class, of which this vehicle was D27. The poor construction of the body meant that their lives were reduced, so a number of them still having good chassis were rebodied. Acquired in 2011, it is has now been restored to concourse condition and available for hire.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER

Awaiting restoration - Start dates still to be confirmed

1932 - Leyland Titan TD2- J6332  Restoration period: Started December 2015 [Available from summer 2017]

New in 1932 to Jersey Motor Transport, the vehicle worked on the Channel Islands including surviving the occupation until it was withdrawn in 1961. It was sold to well known collector Michael Banfield who fully restored it in 1962/63. It was sold at auction in 2014 to Ensignbus who became only the vehicles third owner.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER

1984 - Metroliner A667XDA  Restoration period: tbc

One of the impressive Metroliner coaches built for motorway express work, it was new to Midland Red Express in 1984, it passed through Shamrock & Rambler and Ambassador Travel before passing to London Pride, which was part of Ensignbus and convertyed it to open for London sightseeing work. It returned to Ensign from Arriva to be preserved as an example of these impressive open tops.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER

1988 - Metrobus MK2 192 [F292NHJ] now fully restored

New to us here at Ensignbus in 1988, the vehicle has been with us pretty much ever since. A survivor of the very early days of privatisation in the London market it reprsents our aim to preserve vehicles both old and new that tell the story of Londons buses. Now fully restored and available for hire. More details will be available shortly>>

1931 - Leyland Tiger TS2  Restoration period: tbc

New in 1931 to Maidstone and District as a coach, the vehicle was rebodied in 1943 with a utility body made by Burlingham. Acquired by Ensign in 2006 it has had much work done to the chassis, but still remains a major project and requires an extensive restoration program to put it back on the road.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER

1933 - AGX517  739J  Restoration period: tbc

New to General in 1933 as a double deck STL type, it was converted to a breakdown tender in 1950, where it served South London. Eventually withdrawn in 1975 it went through a number of owners before eventually being exported to the USA in 1994. Acquired by Ensign in a poor condition in 2011, it is hoped to have it returned to the UK in late 2011 or early 2012.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER