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AECs Scene in Malta

As is widely known, Malta's old and varied bus fleet is to be swept away by new Arriva liveried vehicles from 3rd July 2011. These included a fascinating collection of secondhand, rebodied and locally built AEC Buses - although some had been so heavily rebuilt very little AEC componentry actually remained. The vehicles used, along with photos of most, have been recorded on the AECs in Malta page since 2009.

The purpose of this page is to showcase a number of photos of the AEC buses taken in scenic and other locations around the island, through the lens of AECBus (and his junior companion) during two trips in February and June 2011. I promise you - there is not a single photo on this page taken in Valletta bus station!

EBY603, a 1951 AEC Matador truck fitted with 1969 Gauci built bodywork, unloads tourists heading for the Marsaxlokk Sunday market
One time London AEC Swift SMS268, extensively rebuilt while on Malta, laods passengers on the waterfront at Msida
DBY346 is an AEC Regal III which was locally rebodied by Zammit. It is seen traversing Bugibba seafront.
Former LT Swift SMS329, another with the high-floor rebuild, passes near the village of Bidnija
Seen later the same day, DBY389 (ex SMS329) powers its way up the hill into Rabat
This AEC Reliance has been reboided but was still sounding great with its AV410 engine in place. It was seen departing the Mater Dei hospital terminus
Blue-topped AEC Swift FBY665 stands at Zejtun, awaiting passengers transferring from a bus from Marsaxlokk before commencing its run into Valetta. Despite some side and frontal embellishments it still has its engine at the back and is largely unaltered from its days as LT SMS810
DBY381 was built in 1967 on imported AEC Mercury running units by Brincat down in the Malta Docks works. It was seen at dusk awaiting passengers from the Gozo ferry.
With Mellieha Bay and the island of Comino visible in the background, AEC Mercury DBY308 chugs its way up the hill into Mellieha town.
Willowbrook bodied AEC Reliance DBY300 heads down the hill towards Mellieha Bay
Locally built 1969 vintage AEC Mercury FBY730 heads away from the photographer's camera through Mosta town.
Brincat bodied AEC Mercury EBY555, but with a badge indicating the presence of a Leyland 400 series engine, down the scenic end of St Pauls Bay
Former LT Marshall bodied Swift SM15, almost unaltered apart from an engine change, stands at Rabat terminus in characteristic bright sunshine
Another of those ubiquitous AEC Mercurys, this time with Farrugia body, streams out though Floriana in the evening sun
New with a Duple coach body, this 1962 AEC Reliance now has a 1989 Brincat body. It was seen turning from Bugibba seafront towards the bus station on a bright but cold and windy February day.
Ex London Swift SMS292 heads ouit of town past Marsa stadium.
EBY484, an AEC Regal III new in 1948 as GNY 764, passes through Floriana.
DBY374, another of those AEC Mercury trucks rebuilt as a bus at the Malta Docks, is seen in Marsascala bay
AEC Reliance FBY674 enters the tourist resort of St Julians along the coast road from Sliema
AEC Mercury DBY435 arrives at Zurrieq on an afternoon peak working from Valletta
FBY726, a 1954 AEC Reliance rebodied by Aquilina, heads out of town through Floriana

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