28 April 2026
The Department of Art and Design and the Common Core Curriculum Office at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) have jointly organised “The Rebirth of Victory II – Antique Bus Restoration Practice” exhibition. The showcase features a Leyland Victory Mark II antique double-decker bus that was decommissioned and left idle for over 20 years.
Since last year, faculty and students from the Cultural and Creative Industries programme have been actively involved in the restoration works for the historic bus. After months of dedicated effort, the iconic vehicle is gradually regaining its former glory. This hands-on project integrates heritage conservation, creative design and practical skills, revitalising the bus while demonstrating the importance of cultural preservation to the wider community.
During the exhibition, Mr Swing Lam, Lecturer in the Department of Art and Design and project organiser, together with participating students, will lead guided tours, sharing the challenges faced, valuable discoveries made, and memorable moments encountered throughout the restoration process. Mr Lam remarked: “By restoring this antique bus, students gained not only professional restoration skills but also a deeper appreciation of local history and community memory. We hope this exhibition shows how historical artefacts can be reborn through young people’s creativity and dedication, and inspires the next generation to value cultural preservation and innovatively sustain our urban history.”
The exhibition is entirely planned and executed by students, presenting the complete restoration journey and its outcomes. Exhibits include detailed records of the restoration process, information on classic bus models, precious original parts, as well as related literature and films on the Leyland Victory Mark II. Through these multifaceted displays, visitors are invited to explore Hong Kong’s rich urban memories and cultural heritage embodied by this iconic vehicle. Students involved in the project recalled, “The moment we stepped onto the bus, it felt as though we had entered a ‘derelict temple’: the main structure was largely intact, but sections of the floor and various components were missing; the exterior was riddled with dents and holes; and the interior lay in ruins, shrouded in cobwebs and dust, with mud seeping in after years of abandonment.”
Despite the arduous journey, the students noted that the rare opportunity to engage directly with Hong Kong’s transportation history has been extremely rewarding. From dismantling components and cleaning the bodywork to preparing exhibits, every stage offered valuable learning and discovery. Teachers and students also used advanced 3D printing technology to help replicate some discontinued parts (such as taillights), making the restoration work more perfect. They hope the exhibition will allow the public to share in this unique journey and deepen their appreciation for the importance of cultural preservation.
The bus entered service in 1979 and was retired in the mid-1990s. After retirement, it was purchased by a car repair shop on Sha Tau Kok Road and used as a storeroom and staff rest area. It then sat derelict for many years before being acquired by Mr Sam Lam, who initiated its restoration.
Exhibition details:
28 to 30 April (Tuesday to Thursday): Open to HSUHK staff and students only
1 to 2 May (Friday to Saturday): Open to the public
Time: 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Venue: Outdoor parking area, S H Ho Academic Building, HSUHK, Hang Shin Link, Siu Lek Yuen, Sha Tin
Advanced registration is required due to limited capacity. Registration link: Click here
