Objectives
The 388 Group's main and first objective, to locate and purchase one of the remaining Vanhool McArdle bodied Volvo Ailsa's, new to the SYPTE, was achieved in October 1994, when LWB388P was purchcased from Black Prince Coaches of Morley, Leeds.
The Groups second objective is to restore the said vehicle to original condition wherever possible, and thirdly to take the vehicle to rallies and events to maintain and create interest in the type.
Though the vehicle was running, 388 needed a huge amount of attention, initially to the mechanical items, and then to the bodywork. Those of you who are familiar with the type will know how they suffered badly from body corrosion, and on occasions the rearaxles were so noisey that you could hear the vehicle coming long before you actually saw it. The work starts here you could say!
The work involed with these buses is often not for the faint hearted. It has been interesting, entertaining, and sometimes extremely frustrating. We have been all over the country in search of these vehicles and parts for the same, and have met some interesting people along the way!
The most important goal for the Group now is to complete the restoration of LWB388P, which is now over two thirds completed. Read the accompanying pages to see an insight into the ativities of the Group, and how we have come thus far. Go to the 'About Us' page to see a current picture of LWB388P.
If you feel you wish to make a donation to help us complete the restoration, please click on the Donations icon in the top left hand corner of the page.
