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Buses have evolved significantly over the years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are more captivating today. In fact, one could argue that they have become less interesting since their prime, when diesel engines thundered stylishly through the countryside, competing with modern aircraft. While they may not fly as high or as fast as planes, the early double-decker buses commanded a similar level of admiration, as exemplified by this 1955 Greyhound Scenicruiser featured by Barn Finds.
Listed for $50,000, this unique double-decker Greyhound is up for sale on Craigslist, as a project that requires extensive restoration to restore its former magnificence. If you’re not quite sure about your diesel restoration abilities, you’ll be happy to hear that the current owner has shared several maintenance and repair videos on YouTube. Watching these videos can provide insight into this classic American diesel powerplant. Even if you have no intention of purchasing, it’s enjoyable to see someone express their passion while working on this iconic vehicle.
We often take such vehicles for granted today, but the Scenicruiser was a revolutionary machine when it was introduced in 1954, as the seller points out. The bus actually has ties to the designs of the famed French artist Raymond Loewy, responsible for a variety of iconic creations ranging from locomotives to Air Force One’s livery. The elegant lines and character of Loewy’s designs are evident in the Scenicruiser, which was a collaborative effort between Greyhound and the General Motors Truck and Coach Division.
Initially, the Scenicruiser was equipped with dual 4.7-liter inline-four GM diesel engines, later upgraded to a 9.3-liter V8 from Detroit Diesel; the 1955 model currently on sale features the latter. Most of the bus’s seating was arranged on the upper deck, allowing passengers to enjoy picturesque views as they traveled above the sights along the road. Shortly after its release, the image of a double-decker Greyhound crossing the nation became emblematic of the American spirit.
Despite its charm, the collaboration between GM and Greyhound resulted in only 1,001 Scenicruisers being produced during a brief production span from 1954 to 1956. The bus’s architectural design wasn’t without flaws, as Barn Finds notes that it caused strains in relationships between Greyhound and its drivers, mechanics, and suppliers. The bus faced numerous mechanical failures and structural issues stemming from its distinctive design, which ultimately detracted from its appeal. Although Greyhound and GM addressed these problems, it took considerable time. The overall decline in bus travel finally led to the demise of the double-decker, though its image remains etched in the national memory.
Now, for a mere $50,000, you can step into the nostalgic landscape of America, though the seller hopes to find a buyer who will provide the Greyhound with the care and attention it deserves, along with a fitting (and spacious) home. According to Barn Finds, this bus could be one of the last operating models that can still be driven on the road. That fact alone may justify the investment, whether for the purchase itself or for building a garage to house this classic Greyhound.
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