Link between conventional and modern bus design

The first small family of post-war buses did not remain in production for long, however. A total of 649 complete buses left the Sindelfingen plant between the spring of 1948 and the fall of 1950; total production including the chassis versions of the O 4500 and O 5000 came to 770 units. These models may have been a species doomed to extinction with their conventional design and low frame, and they had to leave the field to cab-over-engine vehicles and self-supporting bodywork before long, but they take the credit for symbolizing a new beginning in difficult times and providing mobility - much in demand at the time - in a straightforward and yet elegant way.

Mercedes-Benz O 4500 bus at Stuttgart main station, 1948.

Photos and text:
Daimler AG