AEC Regent V – Kowloon Bus Company buses 1960s

James Chan: The article, The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Ltd – Timeline, got me thinking about KMB buses in the 1960s. I found this:

1954 Model introduced.

The AEC Regent V was a front-engined double-decker bus built by the Associated Equipment Company between 1954 and 1969.

The Regent V had AEC’s own frontal design and concealed radiator as standard, It was fitted with an AEC engine or Gardner 6LW engine, coupled to a synchromesh or AEC Monocontrol semi- or fully-automatic gearbox.

It had been purchased by a number of bus operators in the UK outside London (London Transport bought the Routemaster during that period). The chassis had also been sold to Ireland, Portugal, some African and Arab countries and also Hong Kong.

Kowloon Motor Bus, the sole operator of AEC Regent Vs in Hong Kong, received a total of 210 Regent Vs with extra long wheelbase in 1960s, they had 34-foot-long bodywork (longer than contemporary British standard of 30 feet) supplied by British Aluminium Company or Metal Sections.

All aboard to Choi Hung on the 1A!

In 1968, the British Labour government introduced the Bus Grant which led to the British front-engined double-deckers being phased out.

The last AEC Regent V entered service in 1969.

1981 Production ceased. Around 2,600 were built.

Source: gracesguides – AEC Regent V

This article was first posted on 28th June 2015.

Related Indhhk articles:

1. The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Ltd – Timeline
2. Hong Kong “Lorry” Buses – one sighted 1st April – no joke!
3. Ngan Shing-kwan, co-founder of the China Motor Bus Company
4. Shek O Bus Terminus – cantilevered balcony, art deco lettering from 1955
5. Yau Fung Tours and Transportation Company Ltd aka Hong Kong Bus, ex-Manchester, Perth and London buses
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7. Jidosha Kabushki Kaisha Ltd (Nissan/Toyota?) bus company during WW2
8. Argos Bus Services Company Ltd – initially used secondhand UK double-deckers
9. The Dennis Jubilant bus – specifically designed for Hong Kong, 1977-1981