MA7 City Imp

Fleet number: MA7
Registration: 93-D-8007
Year: 1993
Make: Mercedes-Benz 709D
Chassis: MB
Body: Alexander
Engine: MB OM364
Gearbox: Allison AT545 (AT)
W/d: 2002/5
Status: Restored

MA7 was one of 20 delivered new to Dublin Bus in 1993. It operated from Phibsboro garage mainly on the 120 Route. During it’s life it also wore a ’Chartbusters’ All Over Advertisement. It was withdrawn from regular service in 2002.

Most were sold to a number of private operators after Withdrawal. MA7 was kept in storage until Dublin Bus found a use for it. The seats were removed with the idea of a mobile workshop or breakdown unit in mind. It was used in Broadstone and Phibsboro Garages as a 'run about' for maintenance crew.

It was bought for preservation in July 2006. It was the first and still the only Ex-Dublin Bus mini bus in preservation. It still wore the 'City Imp' livery but required a re-spray. Genuine seat cushions and seats frames were sourced and fitted. The Bus underwent an extensive mechanical overhaul. Because its a vehicle type still regular use, parts and fittings were easily sourced.

It attended the ITT Cultra Rally in April 2007.

1. MA7 in Phibsboro Garage when in regular service (Mid 1990s). (C) Patrick Losty	2. MA7 on Route 250 when in 'Chartbusters' AOA (C) Patrick Losty	3. MA7 in Phibsboro after modification to ‘Maintenance bus’ (C) Patrick Losty
4. MA7 interior facing front. Note the lack of seats and internal partitions (C) Patrick Losty	5. MA7 interior facing rear. Only the rear seat bench remained. (C) Patrick Losty	6. MA7 on the day of acquisition. The bus needed substantial work inside and out. It was mechanically overhauled and re-sprayed. (C) Des Willis
7. MA7 freshly re-sprayed. Note new black bumpers	8. MA7 freshly re-sprayed. Note new black bumpers and new scrolls.	9. MA7 receiving some finishing touches. Brand new headlight surrounds were some of the external parts fitted.
10. MA7 receiving some finishing touches. Brand new headlight surrounds were some of the external parts fitted.	11. Side lettering being applied.	12. MA7’s cab area. Missing switches and clocks were sourced and fitted.
13. MA7’s interior after seat re-fit. Only genuine mini bus seats could be fitted because of the reduced width of the bus. They are complete with original Imp cushions. MAs originally had capacity of 23 seats	14. MA7’s interior after seat re-fit. Only genuine mini bus seats could be fitted because of the reduced width of the bus. They are complete with original Imp cushions. MAs originally had capacity of 23 seats, There was a small door fitted to the right the drivers partition. This was to allow easy access to the buses Safe. How times have changed!	15. MA7 finished, complete with Plastic wheel trims. This photograph was taken shortly before Cultra 2007.
P. Ex-Dublin Bus MAs scrapped after use with a Private Operator. Fleet numbers unknown. A number of components from these buses were used in the Restoration of MA7. Photo (C) Des Willis 2006.