Before the age of Oyster cards and contactless payments, over 250 pirate buses ruled the streets of London, bringing chaos to the roads as each operator tried to sabotage one another.
The 1924 Chocolate Express, now on display at the Museum Depot in Acton represents this epic era in London’s transport story when an explosion of independent pirate operators challenged the monopoly of the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) in the roaring twenties.
With its distinctive livery and old-fashioned adverts the Chocolate Express demonstrates that London buses have not always been red or green. The bus earnt the reputation of running a reliable service and spotless appearance inside and out.
The Chocolate Express Omnibus company was compulsorily purchased with the formation of the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTP), the organisation responsible for public transport in London, England, United Kingdom, and its environs from 1933 to 1948. By 1934 Pirate buses were legislated off the roads of London bringing an end to a colourful era.
In 1984, the Chocolate Express bus was discovered, derelict on a farm near Norwich by the highly regarded Leyland bus restorer Mike Sutcliffe MBE. Mike spent three painstaking years researching and rebuilding the bus to its former glory and went on to win several awards.
The Chocolate Express bus will be the only pirate bus in the London Transport Museum collection to represent this period of time. You can help us safeguard the future of this beautifully restored bus by supporting our campaign. Visit The Leyland buses appeal to find out more.
If you’d like to discover more about the 1924 LB5 Chocolate Express, Mike Sutcliffe MBE will be giving a talk and tour on its intriguing journey from being discovered derelict in 1984 to full restoration. Find out more about the event and book your ticket.