1956 Daimler Freeline
#511
As part of our fleet, we have obtained a few early ARA vehicles, which saw service with the ATB before the ARA. Our Daimler Freeline, #511, is one of these vehicles.
511 first saw service with the Auckland Transport Board (ATB), which became the Auckland Regional Authority in 1964. For its entire service life, it was based out of the Onehunga depot.
The Daimler is a British design with bodywork by Saunders-Roe, just about the whole fleet were delivered partly knocked down and assembled by the ATB at its Manukau Road workshops.
Its original colour scheme was Lettuce Green, Deep Cream & Larch Green lining and a silver roof (later a white roof).
Two of our members actually drove 511 in service in the 70s-80s; the late Lyle Drysdale and John Champness, for them, the memories are very real!
Unsurprisingly, Lyle remembered it as if it were only yesterday. 511’s service with the ARA came to an end on March 3rd 1982, where most of its later history becomes a mystery.
Our members, Lyle, David, James and Craig purchased 511 from a member of the public in January 2019.
The last recorded owner, the late Mr. Peter Fairgrave was a friend of a few of our members. It is said that he dreamed of returning 511 to its original form, that we shall do Peter, that we shall do!