The collaboration highlights the importance of specialist coating technologies and accurate colour reproduction in heritage vehicle restoration, where preserving historical authenticity must be balanced with long-term surface protection.
HMG Paints, a leading British paints and coatings manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the UK’s transport heritage by supplying specialist coatings to the Town & District Transport Trust, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to restoring and maintaining historic vehicles. The donation of Acrythane XSC98 acrylic coating will support the restoration of a 1973 Leyland Atlantean double-decker bus, helping return the iconic vehicle to its original appearance.
Among the vehicles on display was a restored 1973 Leyland Atlantean double-decker bus, refurbished with HMG Paints’ Acrythane XSC98, a two-component acrylic coating formulated to provide a durable, high-gloss finish. The project forms part of a longstanding collaboration between HMG Paints and the Town & District Transport Trust, spanning approximately ten years.
To reproduce the vehicle’s original livery, HMG supplied the coating in RAL 9003 and Ribble Grey. The latter shade was sourced from the manufacturer’s extensive colour archive, which contains historical colour references dating back to 1930. The combination of accurate colour matching and protective coating technology helped restore the bus’s historic appearance while providing a durable finish.
“We have received excellent service and support from the HMG team over the last 10 years, particularly with obtaining and matching colour codes to accurately replicate authentic liveries. We look forward to continuing to use HMG products across our future restoration projects,” has stated Ian Amarnani of the Town & District Transport Trust.
Previous projects supported by HMG Paints include the restoration of two Leyland Olympian buses, one featuring a special Platinum Jubilee livery and another commemorating the Coronation of King Charles III. The manufacturer also contributed to the restoration of a Halifax Joint Committee MCW Metrobus MkI, reproducing its distinctive green livery. The colour was subsequently incorporated into HMG’s ColourBase library under the name ‘Halifax 10 Green’. Further restoration work is already underway, including a former Ribble Motor Services Leyland Olympian.
“Working with Ian and the team over the years has been a pleasure, and we’re proud to play a part in preserving these historic vehicles. We look forward to continuing our relationship and supporting many more restoration projects in the future,” has added Martyn Binnington, General Sales Manager of Commercial Transport & Distribution at HMG Paints.