This vehicle is the last of a batch of 98 Volvo B59s that were purchased by the Brisbane City Council between 1976 and 1978. This order was a major milestone for Volvo in Australia at the time as it was the first time they had cracked the government operator market. It is further significant for the evolution of the Brisbane City Council as it marked the end of an era for the British AEC and Leyland vehicles that had dominated the Council fleet for 30 years. This was the first time the Council had purchased a large order of non-British chassis.

The bodying of these vehicles was undertaken by Domino Hedges at Northgate, on the north side of Brisbane. Bus 827 also holds extra significance in being the first bus delivered to the newly opened Toowong Workshops on 12 July 1978. It operated out of the Toowong depot for a number of years before being transferred to Carina – where it served the eastern suburbs until June 2002 when it was retired. It was then graciously donated to the club for preservation by Brisbane City Council in July 2002.

In April 2015, our club received a partial funding grant through the Queensland Government’s Community Benefit Fund for the restoration of this vehicle. The bus underwent refurbishment at Coachworks between September and November 2015 following significant financial and in-kind support from Coachworks, Patico Automotive, QBIC, Alpha Glass and PPG Industries.

Vehicle Specifications

Year	1978
Chassis	Volvo B59-H54
Engine	9.6 litre, 6-cylinder Volvo THD100D turbocharged diesel engine, 240hp at 2200rpm
Transmission	ZF 2 HP-45 two-speed automatic
Brakes	Wabco Westinghouse dual air brakes and spring handbrake
Steering	ZF 8065 power assisted steering
Body	Domino Hedges Pty Ltd, Northgate, Queensland
Construction	Tubular steel frame with exterior aluminium panelling
Colour	Yellowfire orange and ivory white
Seating	78 passengers (39 seated, 39 standing)
In Service	July 1978 to June 2002

ABC_347_Driven_Volvo

Bus 827 was the first bus delivered to the newly opened Toowong Workshops on 12 July 1978. **Photo: Brisbane City Council**

Bus 827 pictured on 18 November 1979 at the Mayne Rail Yards in Brisbane. **Photo: Ian Lynas**

Bus 827 is pictured here at Carina depot during 1998 in its later yellow and white colour scheme. **Photo: Ian Lynas**

Bus 827 at the 2005 HCVAQ Show at Cleveland Showgrounds under QOCS ownership. **Photo: Paul Garred**

Restoration of Bus 827

Between September and November 2015, Bus 827 was restored to original condition by Coachworks, following receipt of a $5,500 Queensland Government Community Benefit Fund grant and private sponsorship from Coachworks, Patico Automotive, QBIC, Alpha Glass and PPG Industries.