BIRMINGHAM’s LONGEST LIVED BUS

Reg No: JOJ 533 - new 1950
Operator: Birmingham City Transport
Chassis: Guy Arab III (modified to operator’s specification)
Engine: Gardner 6LW 8.4 litre 6 cylinder
Gearbox:Pre-selective
Body: Metro-Cammell 54 seats (to operator’s design)
OWNED BY THE ACOCKS GREEN BUS PRESERVATION GROUP

Guy Motors helped Birmingham City Transport to design a new style of bus with radiator concealed to modernise the appearance. It became known as the ‘New Look’, taking the name from the latest ladies fashions from Christian Dior. Sliding vents were also introduced. There were 300 buses built in 1950-1 with this style of body on Crossley, Guy and Daimler chassis. Internally the traditional straight staircase, stainless brightwork, polished wood and, downstairs, moquette were all retained.

Guy had previously only offered ‘crash’ gearboxes but the new option of an easy change preselective gearbox attracted Birmingham City Transport, although the option remained rare outside the West Midlands. 2533 was one of the first, entering service in August 1950 at Quinton garage where it worked routes via Five Ways for many years. It later ran from Cotteridge, Harborne, Hockley, Washwood Heath and Liverpool Street garages. It was absorbed into the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive in 1969, lasting into the 1970s when industrial problems led to a shortage of spares and new buses. 2533 ran on and on, and was the oldest of the surviving traditional buses when they finished in October 1977; their last route being the 11 Outer Circle. By this time 2533 belonged to Acocks Green garage and was purchased by employees for preservation, who have carried out the most thorough restoration.

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