This vehicle is one of 166 buses in the Brisbane City Council fleet affectionately known as the “butterboxes” due to their square body style and lack of air conditioning. These iconic vehicles served the people of Brisbane for over two decades from 1987 until 2011. What makes bus 185 significant from all the other butterboxes is that it is one of only two Volvo B10M ‘mk2’ chassis built by Queensland Bus Builders during 1989.
The remaining vehicles bodied by Queensland Bus Builders were on the improved Volvo B10M ‘mk3’ chassis. Queensland Bus Builders was a short-lived enterprise who took over body building production from Commonwealth Engineering (also known as “Comeng”). Comeng bodied the first 95 Volvo B10M butterboxes for Brisbane City Council.
Bus 185 was originally delivered new to Carina depot in May 1989. It spent the majority of its operational life operating in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane. The vehicle was retired from service at 21 years of age in May 2010.
Bus 185 was part of a batch of Council buses destined for service in Papua New Guinea but this never eventuated. Instead, the vehicle was retained by Council at their Larapinta depot until it was graciously donated to QOCS for preservation in February 2012.
Vehicle Specifications
| Year | 1989 |
| Chassis | Volvo B10M mk2 |
| Engine | 9.6 litre, 6-cylinder Volvo THD101GC turbocharged diesel engine, 180kW at 2200rpm |
| Transmission | ZF 4HP500 four-speed automatic with integral retarder |
| Brakes | Wabco Westinghouse air brakes and Knorr NB1143 spring handbrake |
| Steering | ZF 8043 power steering |
| Body | Queensland Bus Builders, Rocklea, Queensland |
| Construction | Aluminium extrusion co-bolt frame with exterior aluminium panelling |
| Colour | Yellow and white |
| Seating | 70 passengers (41 seated, 29 standing) |
| In Service | May 1989 to May 2010 |
