Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company

Last updated
Yellow Coach
Manufacturing Company
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Automotive
Founded1923
Founder John D. Hertz
Defunct1943;81 years ago (1943)
Headquarters,
U.S.
Products transit buses, electric-powered trolley buses, parlor coaches.
Parent Yellow Cab Company (1923–25)
General Motors (1925–43)

The Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company (informally Yellow Coach) was an early manufacturer of passenger buses in the United States. Between 1923 and 1943, Yellow Coach built transit buses, electric-powered trolley buses, and parlor coaches.

Contents

Founded in Chicago in 1923 by John D. Hertz as a subsidiary of his Yellow Cab Company, the company was renamed "Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Company" in 1925 when General Motors (GM) purchased a majority stake. After GM completely acquired the company in 1943, it was merged with GM's truck division to form the GM Truck & Coach Division.

The car rental subsidiary (known both as Hertz Drivurself Corp and Yellow Drive-It-Yourself) was purchased back by John Hertz in 1953 through The Omnibus Corporation and floated the following year as The Hertz Corporation.

History

John D. Hertz and associates began acquiring smaller Chicago-area companies involved in bus-building in 1922, [1] and soon assembled a manufacturing site covering four square blocks. [2] Yellow Coach Manufacturing Co was formally established in 1923 as a subsidiary of Hertz's Yellow Cab Company, [3] and sold 207 buses in its first year. [2]

George J. Rackham, whose career had commenced with the London General Omnibus Company after the First World War, spent the years 1922–1926 in the U.S., and recognised the advantage of low swept chassis frame for bus development while employed by Yellow. It is likely that he was recruited by Hertz to help start up the bus building business. In 1926, he returned to England to join Leyland Motors as Chief Engineer and was responsible for the groundbreaking Titan and Tiger models. [4]

General Motors purchased a controlling stake in the company in 1925 and changed the name to the Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing Company, and relocated production to Pontiac West Assembly in Pontiac, Michigan. [5] Within the transit industry, the company continued to be called simply Yellow Coach. [6]

In the 1930s, Yellow Coach produced best-selling models for the rapidly expanding urban transit and intercity bus businesses. (In 1935, national intercity bus ridership climbed 50% to 651,999,000 passengers, surpassing the volume of passengers carried by the Class I railroads for the first time. [7] ) Yellow Coach played a significant role in the transition from electric streetcars (operating on rails, powered by overhead wires) to transit companys' use of gasoline- or diesel-powered buses operating on rubber wheels (changing from solid wheels to pneumatic tires). [6] For Greyhound Lines, the largest operator of intercity bus service, Yellow Coach developed distinctive streamlined models which introduced a high floor, underfloor luggage storage, a flat front, air conditioning, and a diesel engine, supplying more than 1,250 buses during Greyhounds' years of fastest growth. [8]

GM purchased the company outright in 1943, merging it into their GM Truck Division to form GM Truck & Coach Division. [3] Although GM continued with the Yellow Coach T-series and P-series product lines, the Yellow Coach badge gave way to the GM Coach or just GM nameplate in 1944. Widespread production of Yellow Coach designs—including certain ZIS buses produced in the Soviet Union—continued until 1959. Limited production of the two remaining small-capacity "Old Look" models (3101/3102 and 3501/3502) would continue until 1969. [9] GMC badges did not appear until 1968.

Car rental - Hertz Drivurself Corp/Yellow Drive-It-Yourself

The company owned a subsidiary, known as either Hertz 'Drivurself Corp' or 'Yellow Drive-It-Yourself' which was sold with Yellow Coach to General Motors and eventually purchased back by Hertz in 1953 with The Omnibus Corporation [10] which was then renamed The Hertz Corporation the following year. [11]

Models produced

Letter series (1923–1936)

Yellow started its model designation at the end of the alphabet and worked forward. Initially four types were offered:

All were conventional front-engine design vehicles powered by Yellow Knight I4 sleeve-valve gasoline engines, or a General Electric gas-electric hybrid unless noted otherwise. The Knight engine was connected to the rear wheels by a mechanical drive shaft. In gas-electric models, a gasoline engine in front supplied electric power to two large electric motors mounted on the rear axle. [12]

A postcard image (c. 1930) of a Yellow Coach Model Z-250 depicted in the livery of Eastern Greyhound Lines (similar photo) Greyhound Bus Station, Eastern Greyhound Lines (NBY 2186).jpg
A postcard image (c. 1930) of a Yellow Coach Model Z-250 depicted in the livery of Eastern Greyhound Lines (similar photo)
Front view of a Yellow Coach Model Z-250 Greyhound bus LCCN2016873732.tif
Front view of a Yellow Coach Model Z-250
A restored Yellow Coach Model Z built for the Fifth Avenue Coach Co. Fifth Avenue Coach Company Yellow Coach Z-BH-602 1263.jpg
A restored Yellow Coach Model Z built for the Fifth Avenue Coach Co.
ModelSeatsEngineTypeNotes
Z-models (1923–1936)
Z-2929transit
Z-63transitopen-top double-decker
Z-66transitsemi-enclosed double-decker
Z-67transitopen-top double-decker (solid wheels)
Z-200/Z-230transitopen-top double-decker (pneumatic tires)
Z-225sightseeing coachsemi-enclosed with canvas weather roof
Z-230-W-833gas-electrictransit
Z-25033parlor coachdeveloped for Greyhound Lines
Z-240transit
Z-25533parlor coach
Z-A-199transit3-axle front-entrance double-decker
Z-AAAM63transitopen-top double-decker
Z-AADgas-electricsuburban
Z-AL-265ASVtransit"All Service Vehicle" (combination bus/trolleybus)
Z-AQ-273
Z-BI-61032parlor coach
Z-BP-62038transit
Z-BR-60262transitdouble-decker
Z-C-20166transitdouble-decker
Z-CT-843
Z-E-203transitopen-top double-decker
ZBQ-62169gas-electrictransitdouble-decker
Y-models (1924–1932)
Y-2929parlor coach
Y-Z-227
Y-Z-229
Y-O-254
Y-U-316
X-models (1924–1928)
X-1717multi-row sedanGM variant
X-2117-21parlor coach
W-models (1928–1935)
W-2118-21transit or parlor coach
V-models (1930–1936)
V-2929parlor coach
V-22529transit or parlor coach1931
V-A-634parlor coach
VR-819parlor coach
U-models (1928–1935)
U-1616transit or parlor coach
U-2929transit or parlor coach
ModelSeatsEngineTypeNotes

700-series (1931–1939)

Model 718 (NYPL Collection)) Model 718 - 41 Passenger - New York City Omnibus Corporation - (3593428904).jpg
Model 718 (NYPL Collection))
700-series Greyhound Super Coach (1938 photo) (side view) Greyhound bus (1930s Supercoach) Front View.jpg
700-series Greyhound Super Coach (1938 photo) (side view)

In 1931, Yellow Coach introduced its 700 series buses, featuring one of the first bus designs to mount the engine in the rear. [1] Mounting the engine in the rear represented a significant innovation, [1] [13] reducing mechanical losses, noise, and weight of a long drive shaft and exhaust running between a front engine and the rear drive and tailpipe. [14] Bus manufacturers in Germany and the United Kingdom would not perfect rear-engine models until the 1950s. [13] [15] Customers did not always prefer rear-engined designs, noting that front engines were easier to access, and placed engine noise and vibration away from passengers and sometimes outside the coach body. [1] Eventually, the 700 series included both front- and rear-engined models.

In 1934, Dwight Austin, patent-holder on an innovative rear-drive system, was hired by Yellow Coach and soon developed new models in the 700-series with transverse engines and a “V” angle drive. The V-drive and other innovations introduced in the 700 series would become long-lasting standards: air conditioning, diesel engines, a flat front, a high passenger floor (with luggage beneath), and unibody construction. The V-drive would be GM's standard configuration until the 1980s. [16]

Best-selling transit buses: Models 718 and 728

Notable 700-series versions include models 718 and 728 which were developed for use as urban transit. Model 718 sold 426 units to large transit operators in New York and Los Angeles, becoming the most popular transit bus of the early 1930s. Later model 728 sold 1,189 units to transit operators across 9 variants produced in the late 1930s. [17] Both were exclusively rear-engined.

Greyhound (intercity) buses: Models 719 and 743

For Greyhound Lines, an operator of intercity bus service, Yellow Coach developed model 719 in 1936 which introduced the high floor, underfloor luggage storage, a flat front and streamlined styling. In 1937, model 719 was revised to become model 743 and introduced air conditioning and a diesel engine. Models 719 and 743 were both branded as the Super Coach by Greyhound, and sales were effectively limited to Greyhound and its affiliates. Greyhound Lines purchased all 1,256 units of model 743 produced between 1937 and 1939. [17] [16]

700 Series production details

All models are 96-inch (2.4 m) wide single-deck buses, except as noted. [18]

ModelBuiltQtySeatsWheelbaseEngineMountedTypeNotes
7001932540213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitbuilt for Houston Electric Company
70119311244213 in (5.4 m)600 VDCreartrolley coachbuilt for Wisconsin Gas & Electric Co. (Kenosha, WI) (photo)
7021931040213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitexperimental specifications; replaced by model 705
7031931144213 in (5.4 m)600 VDCreartransittrolley coach demonstrator
70419321940213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitPeople's Motor Bus Co. (photo)
70519322440213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitreplaced by model 708
7061933172212 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransit"Queen Mary" double-deck prototype; built for Chicago Motor Coach Company; replaced by model 720
7071931–1934GM series 707 6 cyl. gas poppet valve engine; no other details
7081933–19342740213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitreplaced by model 718
7091933–19346318146+12 in (3.72 m)GM series 257 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body; replaced by model 714
7101934122180 in (4.6 m)GM series 331 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body demonstrator; rebuilt into a model 713
7111933–193413130178+58 in (4.54 m)GM series 400 6 cyl. gasreartransit104-inch (2.6 m) wide version also built; [19] replaced by model 717
7121933–193418521165 in (4.2 m)GM series 257 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body model; replaced by model 715
7131934224175 in (4.4 m)GM series 331 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body demonstrators; replaced by model 716
71419342518160 in (4.1 m)GM series 257 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body; revised model 711 with streamlining; replaced by model 733
715193440021160 in (4.1 m)GM series 257 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body (photo) (interior photo); revised model 712 with streamlining; replaced by model 733
7161934–193718323179 in (4.5 m)GM series 331 6 cyl. gasforwardtransit84 in (2.1 m) narrow body; revised model 713 with streamlining; replaced by model 739
7171934–193612230178+58 in (4.54 m)GM series 400 6 cyl. gastransitrevised model 711 with streamlining; 104-inch (2.6 m) wide version offered but not built; [19] replaced by model 728
718
Series 1
1934–193512540213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitreplaced model 708 [20]
718
Series 2
19355040213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitbuilt for New York City Omnibus Corporation (photo)
718
Series 3
1935–193622140213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitrevised rear end and other general improvements; built for New York City Omnibus Corp.
718
Series 4
none built0no details
718
Series 5
1936–19372240213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitleft side emergency door; built for Pacific Electric Railway Co.
718
Series 6
1936640213 in (5.4 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransit44 in (110 cm) wide entrance, no center exit, left side emergency door; built for Pacific Electric Railway Co. and Los Angeles Railway Corp.; replaced by model 740
719
Ser. "EXP"
1934337243 in (6.2 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasrearinterurbanstreamlined prototypes; built for Greyhound Lines
7191935–193632936245 in (6.2 m)GM series 707 6 cyl. gasrearinterurbanstreamlined; built for Greyhound; replaced by model 743
720
Series 1
1934172217 in (5.5 m)GM series 707 6 cyl. gasreartransit12 ft 10+12 in (3.9 m) low height double-decker; prototype; built for Chicago Motor Coach Company
720
Series 2
193610072217 in (5.5 m)GM series 707 6 cyl. gasreartransitbuilt for Chicago Motor Coach Co.
720
Series 3
19362572217 in (5.5 m)GM series 707 6 cyl. gasreartransitbuilt for Fifth Avenue Coach Co. New York)
720
Series 4
193840217 in (5.5 m)GM series 707 6 cyl. gasreartransitnew fuel tank and battery location to eliminate fire hazards; built for Chicago Motor Coach Co.
720
Series 5
19383572217 in (5.5 m)GM series 707 6 cyl. gasreartransitnew fuel tank and battery location to eliminate fire hazards; built for Fifth Avenue Coach Co. New York
7211934430178+58 in (4.54 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransit104 in (2.6 m) wide body; replaced model 711; built for The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company; replaced by model 1208
7221934–193712321179 in (4.5 m)GM series 400 6 cyl. gasfrontparlor84 in (2.1 m) narrow streamlined body; replaced by model 738
72319341421179 in (4.5 m)GM series 331 6 cyl. gasforwardparlor84 in (2.1 m) narrow streamlined body; similar to model 722 except for drive train; replaced by model 738
7241934428178+58 in (4.54 m)GM series 400 6 cyl. gasrearparlorstreamlined; replaced model 717; replaced by model PG-29
7251934432184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitstreamlined; Banker automatic transmission; total includes one experimental unit; replaced by model 728
726none041232+12 in (5.91 m)GM series 616 6 cyl. gasreartransitstreamlined; replaced model 718 incorporating model 725 type body construction
72719341036214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitstreamlined; replaced model 725; total includes one experimental unit; replaced by model 721
728
Series 1
193510032184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitreplaced model 717; [19] 24 built with straight frame, 76 built with bottle-neck frame
728
Series 2
193516532184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitbottle-neck frame
728
Series 3
1935–193617732184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitfour different clutch and shift (air or manual) versions offered
728
Series 4
193615032184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransit18 built with flat floor, 132 built with floor ramped to rear
728
Series 5
19365032184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitstrengthened frame; all with ramped floor
728
Series 6
1936–193839232184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitmodified rear end for easier engine access; one rebuilt to series 6A prototype
728
Series 6A
1937–19389232184 in (4.7 m)GM series 479 6 cyl. gasreartransitsame as series 6 except for engine
728
Series 6B
none032184 in (4.7 m)GM series 479 6 cyl. gasreartransitsame as series 6A but with improved interior lighting
728
Series 7
1938–19393132184 in (4.7 m)GM series 479 6 cyl. gasreartransitrear end modified to accept either 479 or 529 engine; improved interior lighting; replaced by model TG-3201
729
Series 1
19356136213+78 in (5.43 m)GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electricreartransit"All Service Vehicle" or "All Purpose Coach" (photo); built for Public Service Coordinated Transport (Newark, NJ)
729
Series 2
19362536213+78 in (5.43 m)GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electricreartransitimproved front and rear ends; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport
729
Series 3
19367436213+78 in (5.43 m)GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electricreartransitrelocated electrical controller; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport
729
Series 4
1936136213+78 in (5.43 m)Hercules 474 c.i.d. 4 cyl. oil-electricreartransitsimilar to series 3 but with diesel-electric propulsion; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport
729
Series 5
193719536213+78 in (5.43 m)GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electricreartransitsimilar to series 3 but with improved chassis and drop-sash windows; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport
729
Series 6
1938136213+78 in (5.43 m)GM series 529 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electricreartransitsimplified version of series 5; built for Baltimore Transit Company
730none032184 in (4.7 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitstreamlined; intended to replace model 728; replaced by model 728 series 2
731
Series 1
19351036214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitbuilt for St. Louis Public Service Company
731
Series 2
19352336214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitinterchangeable frame for air or manual shift; 5 built with flat floor, 18 built with floor ramped to rear
731
Series 3
19365036214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitstrengthened frame; all with ramped floor
731
Series 4
193610036214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitmodified rear axle
732
Series 5
1936–193816136214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 450 6 cyl. gasreartransitmodified rear end for easier drive-train access
732
Series 5A
1937–19394236214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 529 6 cyl. gasreartransitsame as series 5 except for engine
732
Series 6
1937–193915836214+58 in (5.45 m)GM series 529 6 cyl. gasreartransitstreamlined; improved interior lighting; replaced by model TG-3601
733fronttransit(schematic drawing)
734rearsuburban
735reartransitdouble-decker
736dieselrear
738rearsmall parlor
739rearsmall transit
740reartransit
741gas-electricreartransit"All Service Vehicle"
7421937–193917237rearsuburbanreplaced by model 1210 [21]
7431937–19391,25637dieselrearparlor"Super Coach" built exclusively for Greyhound Lines and affiliates [22]
74436reartransit
745rearsleeper coach
746 diesel-electric reartransit"All Service Vehicle"
ModelBuiltQtySeatsWheelbaseEngineMountedTypeNotes

1200-series (1938–1940)

The Model 1200 series was launched in 1938 with the re-designation of Model 739 as Model 1203 for Public Service Corporation. The 6-model series name ended when three were given new P-series names, and another was given a T-series name. [23]

ModelSeatsTypeEngineNotes
1203transitRedesignated Model 139; Built for Public Service Corp. of New Jersey. [24]
120424transitrearproduced 1938–1940; replaced by model TG-2401 [25]
120841transittrolleybus40 units built in 1938 for The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company; last YC trolleybuses [26]
120925parlorrear"Cruiserette"; replaced by model PG-2501 [27]
121037parlorrear46 units produced in 1939; replaced by models PG-3701 and PD-3701 [28]
121329parlorrearreplaced model 724; replaced by model PG-2901 without change

By 1940, Model 1200 series designs were renamed into either the T- or P-series. The new model designations indicated type, fuel, propulsion (for transit) or customer (for parlor), seating capacity, and version number. (The first was -01, the second, -02, and so on.) [23]

T-series (1940–1942)

All "T"-series models were urban transit buses. The model designation consisted of two or three letters followed by four numbers. These gave a basic description of the type of bus:

TypeFuelTransmissionNominal seating capacitySeries
T = transit busD = diesel
G = gasoline
= mechanical

E = electric propulsion

-

21 =
24 = 23 feet 6 inches (7.16 m)
25 =
27 = 25 feet (7.62 m)
32 = 28 feet (8.53 m)
36 = 30 feet 6 inches (9.30 m)
40 = 33 feet (10.1 m)
45 = 35 feet (10.7 m)
54 = 41 feet 6 inches (12.6 m)

two digits

All models were rear-engined except the 21xx and 24xx series.

P-series (1939–1944)

The "P" indicated that, as parlor coaches , the P-series was primarily designed for the seated comfort of intercity bus passengers. [23] All models are 96-inch (2.4 m) wide rear-engine parlor coaches. [29] [30] [31]

TypeFuelAdditionalNominal seating capacitySeries
P = parlor coachD = diesel
G = gasoline
A = air conditioned
G = Greyhound-only model
-

25 = 30 ft (9.1 m)
29 & 33 = 33 ft (10.1 m)
37 & 41 = 35 ft (10.7 m)

two digits
ModelBuiltQuantityEngineNotes
PG-25011939–19408GMC 248 6 cyl. gasReplaced model 1209 (1st series) without change.
PG-25021939–194066GMC 308 6 cyl. gasRaised rear end with different fan, radiator arrangement and transmission than PG-2501.
PG-250319414GMC 248 6 cyl. gasSame as PG-2501 with-two rod transmission shift, improved frame, improved engine mounts, conventional clutch pedal and sealed beam headlights; also includes appearance changes as listed under PG-2505.
PG-25041940–194170GMC 308 6 cyl. gasSame as PG-2502 with two-rod transmission shift, improved frame, improved engine mounts, conventional clutch pedal and sealed beam headlights.
PG-25051941–1942118GMC 308 6 cyl. gasSame as PG-2504 with improved interior appearance and numerous special items now incorporated as standard.
PG-29011939–194050GMC 426 6 cyl. gas"Cruiserette"; [27] replaced model 1213 without change.
PD-29011939–194016GMC 4-71 4 cyl. diesel"Cruiserette"
PG-29021940–194156GMC 426 6 cyl. gas"Cruiserette"; same as PG-2901 with two-rod transmission shift, and sealed beam headlights, double-wrapped spring eyes and improved double-drag steering link.
PD-29021941–1942249GMC 4-71 4 cyl. diesel"Cruiserette"; same as PD-2901 with improved interior appearance and numerous special items now incorporated as standard.
PG-29031941–1942304GMC 426 6 cyl. gas"Cruiserette"; same as PG-2902 with improved interior appearance and numerous special items now incorporated as standard.
PD-33011942115GMC 4-71 4 cyl. dieselConstruction and appearance similar to PG-2900s.
PG-33011942–194349GMC 477 6 cyl. gas
PD-37011940–194159GMC 6-71 6 cyl. diesel"Silversides" [28]
PDG-37011940–1941240GMC 6-71 6 cyl. dieselGreyhound version of the PD-3701.
PG-37011940–194170GMC 707 6 cyl. gas
PGG-37011940–194191GMC 707 6 cyl. gasGreyhound version of the PG-3701.
PDA-37011942–1943185GMC 4-71 4 cyl. dieselConstruction and appearance similar to PG-2900s.
PGA-37011942–194351GMC 477 6 cyl. gas
PDG-41011940–1941224GMC 6-71 6 cyl. diesel1940 Greyhound specifications.
PGG-41011940–194135GMC 707 6 cyl. gas1940 Greyhound specifications.

GM and GMC

In 1944, General Motors completed its acquisition and merger of Yellow Coach. The T-Series and P-Series production and series numbering continued under the GM and GMC bus brands, along with other variants such as B-Series school buses and S-Series suburban buses. Yellow Coach designs would continue to be widely produced until 1959, when GM introduced its New Look models. The last Yellow Coach design ceased production in 1969. [9]

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">PD-4501 Scenicruiser</span> Motor vehicle

The GMC PD-4501 Scenicruiser, manufactured by General Motors (GM) for Greyhound Lines, Inc., was a three-axle monocoque two-level coach that Greyhound used from July 1954 into the mid-1970s. 1001 were made between 1954 and 1956.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM "old-look" transit bus</span> GM bus manufactured from 1940 to 1969

The GM "old-look" transit bus was a transit bus that was introduced in 1940 by Yellow Coach beginning with the production of the model TG-3201 bus. Yellow Coach was an early bus builder that was partially owned by General Motors (GM) before being purchased outright in 1943 and folded into the GM Truck Division to form the GM Truck & Coach Division. The Yellow Coach badge gave way to the GM nameplate in 1944. Production of most "old-look" models was stopped upon the release of the GM New-Look bus in 1959, however some smaller "old-look" models continued to be built until 1969. Approximately 38,000 "old-look" buses were built during the 29-year production run. The "old-look" name is an unofficial retronym applied to this series of GM buses after the release of the GM New-Look series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM TDH-4801 & TDM-4801</span> Motor vehicle

The GM TDH-4801 and TDM-4801 were a special series of GM "old-look" transit buses that were produced between 1953 and 1958 and which were designed to maintain a maximum rear axle weight load of no more than 16,500 pounds (7.5 t). The reason for this was due to a requirement in California at the time that buses more than 35 feet (11 m) in length or 96 inches (2.4 m) in width could only be operated under special authorization from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the CPUC had denied authorization for the TDH-5105 partially due to its weight. Both the TDH-4801 and TDM-4801 have an unusual vehicle length of 37 feet 9 inches (11.5 m) and a seating capacity of only 48. Both models are 102 inches wide. The TDH-4801 was equipped with an automatic transmission and 547 were built between 1953 and 1958. The TDM-4801 was equipped with a manual transmission and 75 were built in 1954.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM Buffalo bus</span> Motor vehicle

The GM "Buffalo" bus is a colloquial term referring to several models of intercity motorcoaches built by the GM Truck and Coach Division at Pontiac, Michigan, between 1966 and 1980. "Buffalo" coaches have a stepped roof in front, and the first three rows of seats are at different levels, mounted on stepped floors resembling some types of theater seating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flxible New Look bus</span> American passenger transit bus

The Flxible New Look bus is a transit bus introduced in 1959 by the Flxible Company, and produced from 1960 until 1978, when the New Look was replaced by the "870" Advanced Design Bus. Over its 17-year production run 13,121 Flxible New Look buses were manufactured.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMC CCKW 2½-ton 6×6 truck</span> US WWII "deuce and a half" cargo truck

The GMC CCKW, also known as "Jimmy", or the G-508 by its Ordnance Supply Catalog number, was a highly successful series of off-road capable, 212-ton, 6×6 trucks, built in large numbers to a standardized design for the U.S. Army, that saw heavy service, predominantly as cargo trucks, in both World War II and the Korean War. The original "Deuce and a Half", it formed the backbone of the famed Red Ball Express that kept Allied armies supplied as they pushed eastward after the Normandy invasion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Hur trailer</span> U.S. Army cargo trailer

Ben Hur trailer was the nickname of the World War II U.S. Army Trailer, 1-ton payload, 2-wheel, cargo, and the Trailer, 1-ton payload, 2-wheel, water tank, 250 gallon. Specialized variants were also manufactured.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Motor Coach Company</span>

The Chicago Motor Coach Company was founded in 1917 by John D. Hertz to provide Chicago's first bus transportation services, primarily in places where streetcars were not able to travel. The company grew rapidly and was purchased by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in 1952. It operated only motor coaches, whereas the larger Chicago Surface Lines and successor CTA also operated trolley coaches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM PD-4103</span> Motor vehicle

The GM PD-4103 was a single-decker coach built by GMC, in the United States, in 1951 and 1952. It was a 37- or 41-passenger Parlor-series highway coach and was an improved version of the earlier PD-4102 "transition" model. A total of 1501 were built, 900 in 1951 and 600 in 1952, plus one that was converted by GMC from a PD-4102. In early 1953, this model was replaced by the groundbreaking PD-4104 "Highway Traveler". The PD-4103 competed directly with, and surpassed in sales, a similar model from ACF-Brill Corporation, the IC41.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earl A. Thompson</span> American engineer and inventor (1891–1967)

Earl Avery Thompson was an American engineer and inventor who had a goal to make driving the automobile safer by reducing the effort required to shift the manual transmission of the day. Thompson even wanted to automate the process of shifting the transmission. Two of his most notable achievements towards that goal are listed on this page:

References

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Bibliography