The Museum of Transport Greater Manchester is appealing for donations to help restore a current project, 1952 Bury Corporation AEC Regent III BEN 177. The museum is hoping to complete the restoration in time for the bus to take part in the centenary celebrations for Bury Corporation later this year.
The condition of the seat coverings is a particular concern, says the museum, with the leather fabric and stitching having dried out over the last 70 years, and it is appealing for donations to re-cover seats in new leathercloth material. The total cost per seat is said to be £150 (or £125 with Gift Aid), or £75 (£62.50 with Gift Aid) per base or back. “We have been very fortunate in receiving substantial donations towards the cost of this work already,” the museum says, “however we still need further help to meet the total cost.”
