1938 International D35B (Scarborough Bus Service 15 / SBS15)

This bus once proudly serviced Perth's transport system in and around Scarborough Beach, through the Glendalough area to the City and return. For about 20 years from 1938 to 1958 the bus we call SBS15, was operated by Scarborough Bus Service around Scarborough Beach, Mt Hawthorn, Leederville and Glendalough. It may also be remembered from World War II days when it transported service personnel between Pearce air base and Perth.

When Scarborough Bus Services were taken over by the Metropolitan Transport Trust around the late 1950's the bus was decommissioned and sold. It was lost for a number of years, but from information available, it was used as a mobile workshop on a farm in the Gnowangerup area. In 2003 it was identified, and its provenance established as SBS15. The owner, Mr Pleun Hitzert of Amelup, near Albany, kindly offered the bus to the Bus Preservation Society WA (Inc) as a possible restoration project.

BPSWA accepted the challenge and commenced the restoration work. With the valued efforts of BPSWA members, sponsors and supporters, donations and gifts were gathered into a fund and restoration work proceeded in earnest in 2011.

The bus was stripped down to the bare chassis and the metal work repainted. The engine and transmission were repaired and the timber coachwork rebuilt. The new coachwork was painted and the restored seats, floor and interior panels were fitted. The exterior body work and roof were repaired and painted in original Scarborough Bus Service colours. Sourcing of materials and components and the detailed work required for this painstaking restoration has taken many years of dedicated volunteer service. Wherever possible, original panels and fittings were used throughout the restoration work.

Nearly 80 years have passed since SBS15 first provided service to the people of Perth. The journey back to its former glory was completed in 2017, ready to be enjoyed once again by the people of Perth as an exhibit at Whiteman Park.