The famous open-top bus which Muhammad Ali rode in during his memorable visit to South Shields has been saved from the scrapyard and restored in full to its former glory.
A team of public transport enthusiasts saved the vintage bus from a Galway scrapyard in 2016, and have worked tirelessly to restore it to its previous pristine state over the last six-years.
And this morning (22 June), the final product was proudly presented to members of the media, who were all invited down to Sea Road in South Shields to gaze in amazement at the restoration works.
Read more: When Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest', came to Tyneside 40 years ago
Ali graced the North East coast on the 16 & 17 of July 1977 after being invited by Johnny Walker - a painter and decorator from Whitburn in South Tyneside. Walker asked Ali to travel from the United States to South Shields to help raise money for his boxing club.
And in an incredible turn of events, the three-time heavyweight champion of the world agreed.
During his time on Tyneside, Ali visited Newcastle’s Pendower Hall Special School and Grainger Park Boys Club, where he sparred with local boys and ex-professionals. He also played darts at Gypsies Green Stadium in South Shields, beating world darts exhibition champion, Alan Evans in a special variation of the game.
He even tucked into a traditional North East stottie, and attended South Shields Al-Ahzar Mosque with his wife and baby daughter to have his wedding blessed by the imam.
His transportation for his trip was mainly that of a 1960s Leyland Atlantean bus in spectacular silver to mark the Queen's silver jubilee.
Subsequently after, the bus returned to its normal services - running up and down the coast from Sunderland to South Shields before eventually being sold on. And in 2016, a group of public transport enthusiasts from the North East with a keen eye for history and heritage saved the vehicle, which had somehow found its way to a Galway scrapyard.
Although the group known as the North East Bus Preservation Trust (NEBPT) knew the bus had ties to the North East at the time of purchase, they had no idea exactly how iconic it would turn out to be.
Speaking to Chronicle Live today, Steve Griffin of the trust, said: "At the time we wanted an open-top bus and we were offered this one. We had to decide to take it there and then because they wanted rid of it.
"We had two open-toppers at the time and we didn't know which one to do. It was only when we researched this particular vehicle that we realised the historical significance of it.
"Because of that we managed to get a lottery grant to have the majority of the body work done professionally, and it was our Chairman, Peter Elliott's brilliant idea to have it repainted in the 1977 jubilee lineament."
Over the last six years, the North East Bus Preservation Trust have been working tirelessly to restore the bus back to perfect condition - and today, they unveiled their work to members of the public in South Shields.
Now, it will be shown to eager members of the public at their events in the future - giving punters an opportunity to come face to face with a bit of history from their doorstep.
Steve continued: "We organise events in the summer - like shows and what not - and it'll be seen around the North East at various shows. All of the events that we have, it will be shown to the public.
"And it'll be available for people to have free rides on as well at our events. With it being an open-topper it'll be very popular over the summer you know?"
As well as the iconic Leyland Atlantean, the NEBPT have in excess of 20 historic vehicles with ties to North Eastern history including a 1931 Duple Bedford WLB, 1946 AEC Regal, and a 1955 Guy Arab III.
To find out more about the North East Bus Preservation Trust, check out their official website, here.
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