Sydney, ex Hong Kong MCW Metrobus ML1

Sydney Bus Museum - Deckers of the Night Tour
10th and 11th June 2023
In 1981 China Motor Bus took delivery of an experimental 3-axle 12m long double deck bus, built by Metropolitan Cammell Weymann. It was fully assembled in England then transported to Hong Kong.
This prototype was given China Motor Bus fleet number ML 1 - Metrobus Long. A second prototype, ML2, was delivered at the same time. A further 82 production buses were introduced between 1983 and 1988.
ML 1 operated for CMB on cross-harbour tunnel routes between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. When CMB's franchise expired in 1988 ML 1 was transferred to New World First Bus.
Withdrawn in 1998 and sold to the Australian City Sightseeing operation.
It operated in Adelaide as 107 and then in Queensland, and was stored when Adelaide Tour and Brisbane Tour operation closed down.
ML 1 was purchased by an enthusiast in 2006 then preserved and fully restored to CMB livery by the Bus and Coach Preservation Society of NSW. Ownership transferred to the Sydney Bus Museum in March 2018.
Specifications
ENGINE: Gardner 6LXCT, turbocharged 6-cylinder engine developing 230 horsepower.
TRANSMISSION: Voith D851 3-speed automatic transmission with hydraulic retarder
BRAKES: Dual circuit positive air brakes with a spring applied parking brake.
BODY: MCW Metrobus DR 115 integral chassis / body.